There is a little bit of irony when we say “spring” calving is around the corner. However, regardless of when calves will hit the ground, you want to make sure you and your cows are prepared. Calf prices are certainly not what they were last year, but at this point, every live calf means dollars […]
Category: VitaFerm News
Understanding the Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship
Article courtesy of Russ Daly, DVM, DACVPM, igrow.org By now, livestock producers are becoming aware of soon-to-be-implemented changes in how feed grade antibiotics are used, in the form of expanded use of the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD). Producers using feed grade medications such as chlortetracycline and tylosin will need to obtain a prescription-like VFD form from a veterinarian before they’re […]
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 […]
Rations Tip for Starting Early Weaned Calves
By Julie Walker, Associate Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist Dry conditions have encouraged some producers to wean earlier than normal (6 to 7 months). Research has shown that these calves can perform as well or better than calves still nursing. Pasture quality has a key influence on performance of nursing calves. However, under “normal” […]
VFD: What you need to know from a veterinarians perspective
by Dr. Donald Sunday, DMV One of the most important pieces of legislation that will affect cattle producers, veterinarians, and the animal health industry is set to go into effect January 1, 2017. GFI 213 places the use of medically important antibiotics in feed or water under the supervision of licensed veterinarians. The Veterinary Feed […]
Beef Cattle Institute launches pregnancy analytics mobile app
MANHATTAN — The Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University is making it easier for producers and veterinarians to manage pregnancy diagnosis information with a new mobile app called Pregnancy Analytics. Designed to serve as an instant data collection and analysis tool, the app will facilitate the transformation of data into actionable information for individual herds. Not […]
Collect Hay Samples in 6 Easy Steps
It is important to take samples of your hay to ensure you know its true nutrient value. It is extremely difficult to know the quality of your hay by just looking at it. By having your hay analyzed you will have a better understanding of its quality, and this will allow you to work with […]
Rusche Hired as South Dakota Area Sales Manager
We are excited to announce the hire of Guy Rusche of Garretson, SD as a BioZyme Area Sales Manager. In this position, Rusche is responsible for promoting sales of BioZyme products and supporting BioZyme’s dealer network in South Dakota. BioZyme’s supplement brands include VitaFerm®, Sure Champ®, Gain Smart™, VitaCharge® and Vitalize®. Prior to BioZyme, Rusche worked […]
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 […]
