Animal Health

Bunch the Cow Herd

Reproduction is one of the biggest drivers of economic success. Cows stressed by cold, wind, snow, and mud will put energy resources into body condition maintenance and lactation prior to recycling.

Nursery Pig Performance Impacted by Total Dissolved Solids in Water

Because water quality can vary considerably between production sites, it is important to identify the qualities of water that impact the growth performance of nursery pigs.

Winter Lice Control

Seeing cattle rubbing hair off due to lice infestations can be extremely frustrating. Not only are the cattle damaging fences and equipment, there also can be performance losses and health issues not to mention that the cattle are simply not as visibly appealing, which can be very important for seedstock producers or feeders selling backgrounded feeders.

Nutritional Needs Prior to Calving

Nutrition during late gestation plays a large role on the future calf as well as the dam. It is during the last 60-90 days of gestation, or the pre-calving period, that impacts the calf’s survivability, long-term health and overall production.

Managing Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

Rain, snow and warming temperatures are making their way again this winter as future forecasts indicate another wet spring. However, with last year’s flooding we’re a little wiser on how to tackle the predicted flooding.

Spring Flooding: Preserving Your Ability to Care for Your Animals

When winter snowfall begins to melt, severe spring flooding can be a real possibility. Of the people witnessing the rising water, livestock producers and other animal caretakers have perhaps the most daunting task.

SDSU Extension and South Dakota Mesonet team up to release the Livestock Stress Tool

February 07, 2020

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present many challenges for livestock producers. Farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risk of losses.

Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Animal Health, Blizzard & Extreme Cold

Alternative Calving Workshops to be Held in February throughout South Dakota

January 29, 2020

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, in partnership with SDSU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will host a series of workshops focused on alternative calving methods in February.

Animal Health, Beef Cattle

Novel Coronavirus and Livestock: Is there a connection?

When reports of the novel coronavirus epidemic in China first hit the U.S., very few people had likely heard of coronaviruses, with some notable exceptions: cattle producers and their veterinarians.