Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

Black bull in a pen.

Bought the Bull. Now What?

It is always best to be prepared rather than playing catch up in cattle production, and the addition of a new herd bull is no exception. Learn some expert tips to get new herd bulls off to a great start.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

Two ranchers participating in beef quality assurance training at a cattle facility.
Apr 29

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Eagle Butte

SDSU Extension will host a beef quality assurance (BQA) training on April 29 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in Eagle Butte at Landmark Hall (321 Main St, Eagle Butte, SD 57625).

Young, black angus cattle eating feed in a feedlot.

Healthy Guts Make Healthy Cattle

Feed additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, can be incorporated in beef cattle diets to help improve animal health, increase performance, and reduce antibiotic use.

two men viewing a laptop on the hood of a white pickup

Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

Two ranchers participating in beef quality assurance training at a cattle facility.

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers

Certified South Dakota BQA Trainers may assist producers with completing voluntary on-farm assessments. View a list of certified trainers throughout the state to get started today!

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Calf Health Following Calving

Considering calf health following calving is a number one priority for calving season and to better prepare the calf for the rest of its life.

Blank angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Clean Calving Environment: Pasture and Barn

Setting newborn calves up for success starts with a clean calving environment whether that be a clean pasture or fresh bedding in the barn. A clean environment prevents illness in newborn calves.

Blank angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Are Ionophores the Key for Managing Coccidiosis in Calves?

Ionophores are feed additives commonly used in cattle diets to increase feed efficiency and growth.