Livestock

All Livestock Content

a room is pictured from above with round tables covered in blue and yellow tablecloths. a large picture of the SDSU jackrabbit logo is on the far wall

SDSU Extension invites public to attend 2023 SDSU Swine Day

October 06, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension invites swine producers and allied industry members to attend the 2023 SDSU Swine Day on Nov. 7 in Brookings.

FDA-approved sharps disposal containers.

Where Do the Sharps Go?

Sharps used in livestock husbandry practices are considered medical or infectious waste. Regardless of why an animal received a shot, it is important to dispose of the needle in a safe way.

Blank angus cattle at a concrete feed bunk.

Preconditioning Calves: Is it the right choice?

Preconditioning involves weaning calves at least 45 days in preparation to enter the stocker phase or directly into the feedlot. Learn some important tips to help determine if it's the right choice for your operation.

Professional portrait of Jimmy Doyle

SDSU Extension welcomes new Diversified Ag Field Specialist to Winner office

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Jimmy Doyle as a new Diversified Agriculture Field Specialist.

Mixed calves at an in-field bunk feeder.

Backgrounding at Different Rates of Gain

The purpose of backgrounding is to increase calf body weight after weaning and before finishing. A recent study investigated the effects of different backgrounding systems on growing calf performance.

Several cows and cow-calf pairs at pasture.

Equation of Reproductive Efficiency

The key factors to reproductive success in beef cattle are proper management, nutrition, health, and selection, while reproductive technologies can enhance management if the previous factors are in sync.

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Dangers and Safety Precautions With Liquid Nitrogen

If you artificially inseminate, you have been exposed to liquid nitrogen. Even though it is commonly used in livestock production, it is critical to follow safety procedures, because it is very dangerous.

Two producers observing an in-field cattle watering unit.

Water Monitoring Systems for Livestock

Depending on animal locations, checking water tanks can require hours of labor and significant fuel costs for remote pastures. Water monitoring systems offer producers a convenient way to check the status of the water sources remotely.

A group of weaned calves

SDSU Extension Calf Value Discovery program registration open

September 21, 2023

Cow/calf producers can gain valuable information to improve their operations by participating in the South Dakota State University Extension’s Calf Value Discovery program, which is now accepting entries for 2023-2024.

A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new beef nutrition specialist to Sioux Falls office

September 19, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Madison Kovarna as a new Beef Nutrition Field Specialist.