Cattle Chat: Knowing when to feed hay

K-State beef cattle experts discuss ways to best meet the winter nutritional needs of the herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — When training for a sports competition, athletes often match their dietary requirements to the training regimen. In a similar way, a pregnant beef cow’s nutritional demands increase as she gets closer to the birth event, said the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “As the cows move…

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Preparation is key to successful calving season

K-State veterinarian reviews steps for cattle producers before and after calving By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University veterinarian Gregg Hanzlicek said being prepared ahead of calving season is the best way for producers to assure they will bring home the newborn calves successfully. “We're approaching the end of the second trimester and moving into the third trimester which means the metabolic demands of that cow…

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Don’t Let “Feed Price Sticker Shock” Paralyze your Management

Kevin Laurent – Extension Specialist, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of KY With current feed prices, if there was ever a time to test your hay it is this year! The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant in life is change” and boy have things been changing lately. Given all the negativity that seems to catch the headlines, there has been some positive changes in the cattle markets.…

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K-State expert says cattle producers can save money with alternative sources of phosphorus

As prices rise, some alternatives may be better options for feeding cattle By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University beef systems specialist said cattle producers may have a few options available to them to offset the rising costs of adding phosphorus to their herd’s diet. Phosphorus is a common deficiency for cattle around the world, but the price of supplemental phosphorus mineral is increasing,…

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Cattle Chat: Planning for upcoming pregnancies

Caring for cows well in mid-pregnancy influences future breeding success Kansas State beef cattle experts share fall cow management tips for spring calvers MANHATTAN, Kan. — Most would agree that planning ahead is one of the best ways to meet a goal and that is true of the cow herd as well, say the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute. Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White shared…

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Cattle Chat: Maintaining cow efficiency

Many factors influence the efficiency of the cow herd. Beef cattle experts share the factors that influence the well-being of the cow herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Efficiency is something many strive for, whether it is spending money wisely or making the most of the time dedicated to a project. And for the beef producer, developing an efficient cow herd has financial implications, according to beef cattle experts who recently spoke on a Kansas…

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