Unl Beefwatch

Dr. Karol Fike, discusses results of a Kansas State University research study looking at the impacts of the use of sex selected semen in a commercial cow herd.

Colorado State University recently released a report showing cow-calf performance measures from 30 ranches. Beef Specialist Ryan Rhoades discusses the process for collecting the information themes from the project.

Tick activity is not something producers expect to see in northern climates in the winter, but one species can impact horses and cattle.

Limit feeding corn to cows prior to and after calving as an option to stretch hay supplies is discussed.

Management strategies to monitor and treat the calf experiencing hypothermia are discussed.

Oats, triticale, barley and forage peas planted in late March and April can provide forage for grazing, hay and silage in late May and June.

Ranch ownership goals, available resoures, quality of life along with long term sustainability and profit are all pieces of the framework that should be considered when developing production systems.

Understanding how and why hardware disease occurs can be helpful in both recognizing and preventing it.

Benefits of windbreaks as well as ideas for design and application are discussed.

Several years of research at Kansas State has shown the advantages of limit fed, energy dense diets for growing cattle.

Cold, windy and wet conditions increase the energy that cattle need to maintain their body temperature. Management strategies to mitigate the impacts of cold stress are discussed.

Looking at the relationship between value of gain and cost of gain can provide valuable insights on opportunities and risk management for those growing cattle through the winter.

Knowing the quality of the hay as well as potential problems that could come in with hay is important. Key things to pay attention to are discussed.

Silage harvested to wet is at greater risk for clostridial fermentation that significantly reduces quality. Silage harvested to dry is at greater risk for mold and yeast growth which can produce toxins that can impact cattle health. Test at risk silages to identify potential problems and determine management options.

Lice can impact cattle health and performance. Practices to evaluate when and how treatment should occur are discussed.

The ability to know what is happening with livestock water remotely provides numerous advantages for this rancher.

Understanding the differences between these selection tools and the appropriate application of their use is discussed.

Research shows that cows will need to be supplemented with additional energy and protien to meet nutrition needs in mid to late gestation when being fed corn residue in a round bale feeder.

The feed value of soybean residue is much lower than other crop residues such as corn, sorghum, or wheat.

Knowing the type and source of protein, as well as the class of cattle that will be fed, are important factors to consider when selecting a supplement.