Cattle Chat: How does BVD impact the herd?

Kansas State beef cattle veterinarians explain Bovine Viral Diarrhea MANHATTAN, Kan. — Calves with respiratory problems, cows that naturally abort their calves, deformed calves and scours in the herd are just a few of the signs that a cow-calf producer may have Bovine Viral Diarrhea circulating among the cattle, according to Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Bob Larson and Brad White. Talking on a recent BCI Cattle Chat podcast, Larson said though diarrhea…

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Fike Awarded 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award

Dr. Karol Fike, Kansas State University teaching associate professor, has been awarded the prestigious 2021 Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award.  Fike completed her bachelor’s degree in animal sciences at Iowa State University in 1991. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning her master’s and doctorate, studying reproductive physiology in beef cattle.  With a passion for teaching and working with students, Fike first taught courses in Anatomy…

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K-State’s Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition

K-State's Lollato gives update on Kansas wheat condition K-State Research and Extension wheat specialist Romulo Lollato talks about the condition of the 2021 Kansas wheat crop. Lollato says that spring moisture has made the prospects of a good wheat crop very promising, in part due to approximately 4-6 inches of precipitation received across Kansas since March 12. "From now until heading is when the crop needs the largest amount of water," said Lollato…

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Cattle Chat: Experts discuss strategies for springtime weed pasture management

Kansas State weed scientist suggests steps to keep weeds from cropping up MANHATTAN, Kan. — The sights and sounds signs of spring are all around — warm temperatures, chirping birds, blooming tulips, sprigs of green grass popping up and, for some, the unwelcome view of weeds. Weed management strategies for cattle grazing pastures was a recent topic on the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute Cattle Chat podcast. Joining the team of beef experts…

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Kansas State beef cattle experts offer considerations for using AI in the herd

Good body condition and calving early in the season are keys to success with an AI synchronization protocol for cows. | Download this photo. Cattle Chat: Breeding cows with artificial insemination Kansas State beef cattle experts offer considerations for using AI in the herd MANHATTAN, Kan. — Many beef producers ascribe to the belief that the main job of a cow on the ranch is to annually raise a healthy calf. To do that she…

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Cattle Chat: Managing to prevent grass tetany in cattle

Spring calving cows grazing on cool season grasses are prone to this disease if not nutritionally managed MANHATTAN, Kan. — Spring-calving cow-calf pairs grazing on green pastures is often a sign that spring has arrived. However, it is also a time that cattle producers need to be watchful for cows experiencing grass tetany, according to Kansas State University beef cattle experts. On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, Beef Cattle Institute veterinarians Brad White and…

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Cattle Chat: Evaluating bulls for breeding soundness

Veterinarians routinely perform breeding soundness exams to assure bulls are ready for the season ahead MANHATTAN, Kan. — In high level sports, coaches not only train their athletes to perform on the field, they also make sure players are in top condition by offering them strength training and managing their diet to make sure they are ready for peak performance at the time of the competition. In much the same way, veterinarians and…

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Ag Economist discusses pandemic changes to beef cattle industry

Purdue’s Lusk was a featured speaker during K-State Cattlemen’s Day MANHATTAN, Kan. – A top analyst said recently that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused several changes in the beef industry, many of which could be here to stay. Jayson Lusk, Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University, was a featured speaker during the 108th annual K-State Cattlemen’s Day. His talk focused on the impacts of the pandemic…

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Studies indicate patch burning of tallgrass prairie is a valuable option

Practice provides a method to offset carbon emissions from a cow-calf operation MANHATTAN, Kan. – To the uninitiated, it’s an awesome and sometimes scary sight, coming over a hill to encounter a burning prairie as far as the eye can see. But planned burning – also called prescribed burning – of the tallgrass prairie is a proven effective and widely used way to control invasive plant species. The practice also improves forage quality…

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Cattle Chat: Managing mud

K-State beef cattle experts offer advice for reducing the impact of mud on cattle performance MANHATTAN, Kan. — Snow thawing and warm days may lift the spirits of many, but for cattle producers it often leads to extra work managing around mud.  Not only is mud an inconvenience, but the veterinarians at the Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute said if not managed properly, it can negatively impact cattle performance.   Addressing this topic…

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