Cattle Chat: Knowing when to retreat an illness

Providing comfort care and understanding when to intervene are keys to wellness MANHATTAN, Kan. — Strep throat, and ear and sinus infections are just a few bacterial illnesses that might lead a physician to prescribe an antibiotic. Oftentimes relief soon follows. But when the sickness lingers, sometimes it is necessary to retreat the infection. This can be true in cattle as well. Treatment intervals and comfort care were two topics of discussion on…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Knowing when to retreat an illness

Cattle Chat: Caring for growing bulls

K-State experts offer tips on meeting the nutritional needs of young bulls to aid in fertility MANHATTAN, Kan. — Anyone who has raised a teenage boy knows that meeting his nutritional needs can be challenging because of the rapid growth his body is experiencing. Just like teenage boys, young bulls also have special nutritional needs to optimize their growth and development, said the experts with the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Caring for growing bulls

K-State vet shares tips for handling vaccinations, maintaining effectiveness

Vaccines are less effective if not kept within accepted temperature range By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news writer MANHATTAN, Kan. – A Kansas State University veterinarian is reminding producers that properly handling bottles containing livestock vaccinations is crucial so that it remains effective for the animal. Gregg Hanzlicek, director of the Production Animal Field Investigations at K-State, said that keeping the vaccination bottles between 35-45 degrees Fahrenheit and out of UV…

Continue ReadingK-State vet shares tips for handling vaccinations, maintaining effectiveness

Cattle Chat: Factors influencing cow supplementation pre- and post-weaning

Cow body condition important in planning the herd's post-weaning management MANHATTAN, Kan. — A well-balanced diet is important in human’s overall health plan. Similarly, just as our caloric needs adjust throughout the life cycle, nutritional fluctuations happen in the beef cow, said the experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute on a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Right after weaning, the beef cow’s energy requirements are low,” said veterinarian and BCI director Brad White. Fellow…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Factors influencing cow supplementation pre- and post-weaning

Consider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland

Consider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland Research supports value of prescribed fire outside of traditional time frames. by Cassie Wandersee, Kansas Forest Service While most prescribed fires in the Plains are conducted during the dormant season — typically March through April — researchers and fire managers suggest growing-season burns done between July and September can provide benefits for land managers and public safety. Dennis Carlson, an assistant state fire management officer with the…

Continue ReadingConsider Growing-season Burns to Manage Rangeland

Cattle Chat: Preventing injury with good flooring

Well-designed cattle handling facilities take into account the terrain the cattle will be walking on MANHATTAN, Kan. — When walking across a wet or icy sidewalk, people sometimes can take a tumble. Just like humans, without solid ground to walk on, cattle can also get injured. To keep that from happening, the experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute offered some advice during a recent Cattle Chat podcast. “Without the right type of…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Preventing injury with good flooring

K-State: Risk associated with leasing land

By Shelby Varner, K-State Research and Extension news writer MANHATTAN, Kan.-- Leasing land is important for landlords and tenants, but there are risks when it comes to leasing, said a Kansas State University graduate student who is conducting research on the topic. Agricultural economics student Chelsea Arnold said 3,600 Kansas landowners recently completed a survey to gauge what their leases look like, risk preferences and attitudes towards young producers. The average Kansas landowner…

Continue ReadingK-State: Risk associated with leasing land

Fall Forestry Field Day showcases working forestry management

Oct. 13 event highlights forestry management, best practices  ERIE, Kan. – Participants can share collective experiences and learn the latest research for the holistic management of Kansas woodlands and related natural resources at the 26th annual Fall Forestry Field Day on Oct. 13 near Erie, Kansas.  The event, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., will be held at River Farms, which is owned by Ted Cambren and family. River Farms showcases examples of…

Continue ReadingFall Forestry Field Day showcases working forestry management

Cattle Chat: Anthrax impacts on the herd

Beef cattle veterinarians discuss signs of this disease and how to manage it   MANHATTAN, Kan. — For many hearing the term anthrax immediately brings to mind stories of people being poisoned via biological warfare. However, this disease occurs naturally and may impact the beef herd when the soil is disrupted say the veterinary experts at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute.   “Anthrax is bacteria that lives in the soil and…

Continue ReadingCattle Chat: Anthrax impacts on the herd