Animal Health

All Animal Health Content
People eat ice cream under a large tent
Aug 18

Dakotafest

Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2026 Dakotafest

July 22, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2026 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Stable fly, face fly, and horn fly.

Fly Management for Cattle

There are several species of flies that can reduce the production value of livestock, particularly during hot, dry weather. To manage these pests, it’s important to be able to accurately identify them and understand their life cycles.

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.