Content by Russ Daly

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

Trichomoniasis: A Tricky Cause of Reproductive Failure in Beef Cattle

Trichomoniasis in cattle is caused by a protozoal organism that lives indefinitely in the sheath of infected bulls. Once transmitted to a cow or heifer, it causes an inflammation in the female reproductive tract that results in the eventual loss of the pregnancy.

Facility inspector inspecting animals at a large dairy farm.

Avian Influenza Viruses in Dairy Cows: What is the role of biosecurity?

The recent finding of an avian influenza virus in dairy cows suffering from a previously unknown disease syndrome has brought attention to disease control and detection methods on dairy operations.

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.

Photo montage of person mowing grass with a push mower, a horse fly, a rabbit, and a tick.

Tularemia in Animals in South Dakota

Tularemia is a relatively rare, but serious, disease that has potential to cause disease in people through their contact with infected animals or insect vectors. Learn how it's transmitted, diagnosed and treated.

An ear of corn in a field with visible white mold on the tip of the ear.

Can Livestock Utilize Moldy Grain?

While livestock producers know that moldy grain and forage are not ideal feedstuffs, they also know that stored feed occasionally contains a small amount of visible mold, and that their animals consume it with no obvious adverse effects. The question arises, how much mold is too much for a feed to be unsuitable for animals?

A close shot of a cow's eye. The cow seems to be in pain.

Veterinarians Remind South Dakota Cattle Producers To Include Anthrax Vaccination This Spring

May 23, 2022

SDSU Extension and South Dakota Animal Industry Board veterinarians are encouraging South Dakota cattle producers to include the anthrax vaccine in their vaccination program when they turn out cattle to summer pastures this spring.

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.

Closeup of a male bison's face, centered on its eye.

USDA FSA: Bison herds affected with Mycoplasma bovis now eligible for livestock assistance programs, carcass disposal assistance also available

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has announced that bison death losses resulting from Mycoplasma bovis are now eligible for the livestock indemnity program, retroactive for 2021.

Brown and white cow grazing on standing cornstalks

Considerations for Grazing Standing Corn

Grazing standing corn is a viable option to supply nutrients to livestock. However, mitigating risk is critical to ensure healthy animals and optimize crops.