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Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.

Receiving Management Matters

There are multiple factors that influence cattle help during transportation and receiving. Proper management during these events can avoid negative implications to health and performance.

A small herd of cattle gathered around a pond on an open range.

Livestock Water Testing

SDSU Extension offers on-site livestock water testing services at 33 locations across the state. 

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.

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.

Ranchers meeting with USDA agents in a farmyard.

A Disaster-Ready Strategy for Cattle Operations

Cattle producers can minimize risk and maximize resilience. Having a written emergency action plan and routine exercise of the plan helps ensure animal welfare and business continuity.

Mixed beef cattle in a holding pen.

SDSU Extension Beef Team Members Receive Training for the Secure Beef Supply Plan

The Secure Beef Supply Plan provides cattle producers and industry partners with the resources needed for business continuity in case foot and mouth disease infects the United States livestock industry.

cows and calves separated by a fence

Low-Stress Weaning

Low-stress weaning methods, such as fenceline weaning and two-step weaning, can reduce calf stress and potentially improve health and performance.

A cattle trailer.

Livestock Emergency Response Planning (LERP)

The scene of an accident is not the place to build your team!

Left: Small group of cattle in a bud box pen. Right: Cattle gathered in a round tub structure.

Bud Box vs. Round Tub Systems

Cattle working systems have evolved, giving producers more options than ever before. Two of the most popular designs today are the bud box and the round tub.

Producers working cattle in a holding pen.

What Cattle Working Facilities Are the Best?

Research is continually being conducted to better understand cattle behaviors and develop working facilities that work with them. Learn some basic aspects of working facilities so you can design a system that best fits your operation.