Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

Anaplasmosis: Is it a problem in the Northern Plains?

Cattle producers have been hearing more and more about a disease called anaplasmosis. This disease recently appears to have become more common in areas not previously affected. The disease is typically associated with cattle herds in warmer areas of the country, but is it ever a problem up here on the Northern Plains?

Can You “Make” a Cow Deliver Better Colostrum?

Cattle producers and veterinarians are aware of the large body of evidence clearly pointing to the benefits of colostrum for baby calves. As such, much attention has been given to the “intake side” of the equation (the calf’s side): how to ensure a calf consumes an adequate amount of high-quality colostrum.

Liver Abscesses: The Unseen Profit Thief

Liver abscesses are a great example of an important value robber in feedlot cattle that’s not immediately apparent.

Spring Storm Fronts Impact Calving Patterns

While the changes in calving patterns in association with weather fronts is nothing new to producers, it is beneficial to keep this in mind as calving season shifts into high gear. Cold fronts are the type of weather systems that will create the pressure and temperature changes associated with increased birth rates.

Managing Stress to Reduce Early Embryonic Loss in Beef Cattle

With the majority of pregnancy losses occurring in the embryonic period, it is critical to mitigate losses in livestock by managing stress and avoiding transportation when the embryo is most susceptible to mortality.

Ergot in Western Wheatgrass and the Potential Effects for Winter Grazing

2019 has been a year fraught with challenges for ranchers across South Dakota. Abundant precipitation is usually a blessing, however, wet conditions coupled with a cool spring followed by warmer temperatures has caused another problem across the rangelands of South Dakota: ergot poisoning.

Foot Problems in the Feedlot

While we usually think of foot problems in feedlot calves occurring in conjunction with warm, muddy conditions, wintertime also brings a certain set of conditions that can create lameness in these animals.