by Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate, courtesy of iGrow.org “To bed or not to bed?” With apologies to William Shakespeare, that is the question on many feedlot managers’ minds as we head into the winter months. Will providing bedding result in enough extra performance to outweigh the additional expenses in both material […]
Category: Management Practices
Health programs are vital to a profitable herd
by Twig Marston, Technical Sales Field Manager Health programs are vital to a profitable herd. It seems simple, but really it is one of the more complex management decisions producers need to implement. Nonetheless, producers need to build herd health protocols that prevent disease, treat illnesses and injuries, as well as promote animal well-being. There are […]
Determine Whether the Herd Bull Stays or Goes
By Patrick Wall, ISU Extension and Outreach beef program specialist This article may seem several months early for many cattle producers in the Upper Midwest; the combine and grain dryer demand a lot more attention than the cow herd this time of year. However, early fall is actually the most opportune time to evaluate bull power, […]
Manage the Cattle for the Markets
In today’s market, cattle producers need to take advantage of every opportunity to increase the value and profit of their calves. Universities and cattle services have been reporting the economic effects of good and bad management practices for decades. One early report is a 1986 extension publication highlighting a sale barn survey that focused on […]
When Times Get Tough…Don’t Stop!
Supplementation programs will always be important building blocks for cow herd nutrition programs. During “belt tightening” times, getting the most bang for your buck becomes even more critical when selecting which, how much and what supplements to feed. It has been repeatedly proven that proper mineral, feed additive and protein supplementation will economically increase beef […]
Factors That Affect Free Choice Mineral Consumption
By Twig Marston, Technical Sales Field Manager When providing a free-choice mineral it is important to be conscience of the factors that will affect intake. Our expectations are always that all animals will consume the desired amount on a daily or a regular basis. However, age of animal, herd dynamics, feeder placement, forage availability, forage quality […]
Keep an eye out for Anaplasmosis in cattle herds
Article courtesy of Donald Stotts, Oklahoma State University, donald.stotts@okstate.edu ENID, Okla. – The occurrence of anaplasmosis has been shown to be more widespread in the United States than once thought, underscoring the need for cattle producers to be aware of causes for and clinical signs of the disease. “This past year, confirmed cases of bovine anaplasmosis in […]
The Importance of Mineral Supplementation
The major nutrient requirements for livestock are: water, energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. In many cases, producers do a good job of providing enough water and adequate energy and protein sources. However, many producers fall short in providing the best nutritional program possible by purchasing “cheap” vitamin and mineral source or failing to provide a […]
