Animal Health

All Animal Health Content

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Two producers moving cattle out of a shelter.

Biosecurity for Beef Cow-Calf Operations: Managing the Entry of New Animals

Infectious disease can impact cow-calf operations in dramatic ways. These steps should be considered the minimum standards for introducing new animals into cow-calf operations to avoid the spread of infectious disease.

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

Animal Science Research and Extension Report

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.

group of young piglets

The Healthy Swine Herd Series

Series of publications to keep your swine herd healthy

Dried corn growing in a field with visible damage and molding.

Mycotoxins: Should you be concerned?

Environmental stress caused by the weather or damaged crops increases the potential for mold and mycotoxin development. Learn some answers to common questions about mycotoxins and how to manage them.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

4-H youth washing a black beef cow in preparation for a fair.

Fair Season Biosecurity

Fairs are a big part of youth livestock programs, but they come with a responsibility to care for animals the right way. With a few extra steps, you’ll be doing your part to keep your animals, your barn, and your community healthy, now and for the seasons to come.

Barn and farmyard with severe structural damage from a windstorm.

Tetanus: A Storm Aftermath Problem for Animals

Of all the challenges faced by animal caretakers in the wake of damaging storms, Tetanus is a potentially serious disease that might not appear for days or weeks later. Learn some expert tips for recognizing, treating and preventing it.

Four common South Dakota ticks: American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, blacklegged and Lonestar.

Spring is here, and so are the ticks!

As spring continues to bloom, more arthropods will begin to emerge from winter dormancy. Ticks are among the first to appear, and statewide reports have already been flowing in.