Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance

All Beef Herd Health and Quality Assurance Content

Black angus cow drinking from a waterer.

Weather and Water Intake in Beef Cattle

Water is a vital nutrient for beef cattle health and performance, and it is important to understand how weather can influence water intake during periods of warmer and cooler weather.

Group of mixed cattle cooling off in a stock pond.

Indicators of Heat Stress

All cattle experience heat stress, whether they are in the feedlot or out on pasture. Learn some key indicators to watch for when herds are faced with extreme heat events.

Rancher cleaning a cow's hear before applying an implant.

Getting Implant Application Correct

How would you like to make a few thousand dollars per hour? When cattle backgrounders and feeders use growth promoting implants correctly, those returns are not a pipe dream. The key is administering the implant correctly.

A large, yellow automatic cattle waterer installed in a feedlot.

Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient

Water intake is strongly linked to feed intake, so any factors that cause cattle to drink less will lead to reduced feed intake and consequently reduced performance.

Two black angus cattle exhibiting heat stress symptoms.

Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle

High temperatures, humidity and low air movement create the perfect storm for heat stress in feedlots. Learn some expert tips for maintaining performance and reducing losses as we approach the hottest months of the year.

Black angus cow with pinkeye and flies throughout its body.

What Does Pinkeye Cost?

A common disease during fly season, pinkeye in cattle can have a measurable impact on profits. A recent research project investigated the impact of eye issues on sale barn prices to find out just how much.

Three mixed replacement heifers standing in a pasture.

SDSU Extension to Host Beef Quality Assurance Certification Course Dec. 28

May 04, 2023

SDSU Extension is offering two Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification trainings on Dec. 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. CST at the SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center located at 1910 West Kemp Ave. in Watertown, South Dakota.

Heavy-duty cooler with color-coded slots for vaccines and a compartment for syringe and supplies.

Management Tips for Vaccines and Injectables

A good herd health plan involves both a vaccination program and treatment plan developed with your veterinarian. The ultimate success of a vaccination program depends on how we handle and administer vaccines to our animals.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production

This comprehensive book provides producers with insight and education into the latest beef management, handling practices and technology.

Cow with an injured foot walking along side calf.

The Many Shades of Cattle Lameness

Lameness in cattle is a commonly encountered condition stemming from pain in one or more limbs, impacting how an animal moves. Learn some of the obvious and subtle symptoms to check for when lameness is suspected in your animal.