Livestock

Managing estrus synchronization is a key element to herd management. Extension Cow/Calf Specialist Kacie McCarthy talks about some tools available to producers that will help them get through pregnancies later in the season. 

Nebraska Extension Specialist Becky Funk discussed declining colostrum immunity and pasture quality as contributing factors that could lead to summer pneumonia in calves. For today’s program, she focuses on some of the symptoms of pneumonia and when producers should bring that problem to the attention of their veterinarian. 

As colostrum immunity in calves begins to decline this summer, there is a possibility for health problems. Extension Specialist Becky Funk talks about some of the issues that can contribute to summer pneumonia in calves. 

Lameness is one of the most commonly observed health problems in cattle. Nebraska Extension Veterinarian Lindsay Waecher-Mead says lameness typically occurs when an animal has leg or foot pain but says there are other causes that producers need to be aware of.

Corn silage can be a high-quality feed for cattle if chopped, packed and stored correctly. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson says there are important things to remember when processing and storing your silage. 

There are several factors to consider when evaluating whether to harvest corn for grain or for silage. Nebraska Extension Beef Feedlot Specialist Galen Erickson talks about the value of your corn as silage in different aspects of production. 

For part two of our focus on virtual fencing for cattle operations, Extension Specialist Mary Drewnoski says there are plenty of data collection features that can give ranchers solid and immediate information for the behaviors of their cattle. She says the additional data features that come with virtual fencing help make critical decisions almost immediately. 

Virtual fencing for feedlots and cattle operations can be a great technology to use on your ranch. It can be a flexible and cost effective tool for ranchers according to Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski. 

Producers looking for fall and winter grazing options have some quickly approaching planting deadlines. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski talks about species selection and some key management considerations for fall forages.

Water quantity and quality is critical to cattle health and performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Educator Troy Walz talks about water needs for cattle during the heat of the summer. 

A new study shows that feed quality, and access to shade can play a big role in cattle performance during the summer. AJ Tarpoff, Kansas State Extension Beef Veterinarian says limit feeding a high-energy ration in combination with shade can improve animal efficiency, reduce water consumption, and improve animal comfort during periods of heat stress.

Drought conditions are challenging producers to be creative as they think about options for maintaining the cowherd through the summer with limited pasture available. Nebraska Extension Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management Specialist Karla Wilke says with some creativity and planning, producers can often use existing equipment and resources in a way to limit feed and meet cow nutrition needs without the use of a feed truck or wagon.

Some producers think of compensatory gain as “free gain,” but some producers need to reconsider that during the summer months. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers need to consider bought calves vs. raised calves in their calculations.

Having adequate grazing options during the summer heat is critical to cattle performance. Nebraska Extension Beef Systems Specialist Mary Drewnoski says producers needing reliable, drought resistant warm-season grazing, might need to take a second look at sudangrass.

Drought conditions are a normal part of the weather cycle, but cattle producers face serious challenges when regular feed supplies run low. Nebraska Extension Livestock Systems Educator Josie Crouch says being prepared no matter the conditions is key to keeping your cattle fed properly during shortages.