Bovine Science with BCI: Recent Episodes
BCI Cattle Chat
Listen to veterinary professionals from the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University talk about a variety of topics within cattle health, nutrition, reproduction, and science. New episodes of Bovine Science with BCI are posted each Monday.
This case study examines a tragic incident in which 14 open heifers died within hours of being separated from a larger group following pregnancy testing. The heifers had been placed in a familiar holding pasture with a functioning water source and secure fencing, leading managers to initially believe the environment was safe. When all 14 animals were found dead later that day, investigators quickly ruled out infectious disease and focused on acute toxic causes due to the rapid onset and 100% mortality rate.
Potential causes considered included nitrate toxicity, cyanide poisoning, urea exposure, toxic plants, and other fast-acting toxins. Necropsies revealed few significant lesions, a common finding in animals that die rapidly from certain toxic exposures. Diagnostic testing of ocular fluid showed highly elevated nitrate levels, providing strong evidence of nitrate poisoning.
Further investigation of the holding area uncovered several nitrate-accumulating plants, including pigweed, kochia, and sorghum-type grasses, all containing nitrate concentrations high enough to cause acute death. Environmental conditions and plant stress likely contributed to dangerous nitrate accumulation, while the hungry heifers rapidly consumed the available vegetation after being placed in the pen.
The discussion highlights that facilities used safely for years can become hazardous when weather patterns, forage conditions, or management circumstances change. A key takeaway is to carefully evaluate holding pens for potentially toxic weeds, especially during late summer, and avoid turning hungry cattle into unfamiliar areas with questionable forage. Providing supplemental hay before and during confinement may be one of the simplest and most effective strategies for preventing similar losses.
This case study follows the investigation of a puzzling eye disease outbreak affecting approximately 10% of a group of 1,200 stocker cattle shortly after processing and placement on pasture. The affected animals developed severe eye lesions, including corneal cloudiness, swollen eyelids, redness, and inflammation, but lacked many of the classic ulcers typically associated with pinkeye. Because cases appeared almost simultaneously across numerous pastures separated by up to 90 miles, investigators quickly determined the outbreak did not fit the pattern of a contagious, spreading disease.
Instead, the timing and distribution suggested a point-source event linked to something the cattle experienced while gathered together during processing. Common causes such as pinkeye, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), and mycoplasma infections were initially considered, but diagnostic testing failed to identify a clear infectious agent. Necropsies, histopathology, and laboratory testing revealed unusual eye lesions but provided no definitive diagnosis.
The investigation expanded to include less common possibilities such as malignant catarrhal fever and even immune-mediated eye disease, although evidence remained inconclusive. Interestingly, the outbreak peaked about two weeks after processing and then rapidly subsided without continuing spread, further supporting the point-source theory. The discussion highlights the importance of using epidemiology, history, and case patterns to guide investigations when laboratory answers are unavailable. Ultimately, while the exact cause remained unknown, the case demonstrates how understanding disease patterns can help narrow possibilities and inform future management decisions.
This episode examines a study evaluating different nutritional strategies for developing replacement heifers and their impact on puberty attainment. Researchers compared traditional low-gain and high-gain feeding programs with two “stair-step” nutritional approaches that alternated periods of higher and lower energy intake. The goal was to determine whether strategic feeding could achieve the same reproductive outcomes as intensive feeding while using fewer resources.
Results showed that the first stair-step program, which provided a higher plane of nutrition immediately after weaning followed by alternating periods of lower and higher gain, achieved puberty rates nearly identical to the continuously high-fed control group. In fact, 100% of the heifers in both groups reached puberty by approximately 13 months of age, while less than half of the low-control heifers achieved puberty during the study period. The stair-step strategy accomplished this while utilizing less feed and producing lower body condition scores than the continuously high-fed heifers.
The findings suggest that the period immediately after weaning may be especially important for influencing reproductive development. Researchers also observed unique responses in leptin levels, indicating that strategic nutritional changes may affect hormonal pathways involved in puberty onset. While the results are promising, the discussion notes that implementing a stair-step program requires careful management and dietary transitions to achieve the desired outcomes. Overall, the study highlights how targeted nutrition can potentially improve heifer development efficiency while maintaining strong reproductive performance.
This episode examines a study investigating whether the physical size of dry lot pens affects the development of replacement heifers, even when animal density remains the same. Researchers compared heifers housed in a standard-sized dry lot, a larger dry lot with the same space per animal, and a pasture-based control group. While growth performance and weight gain were similar across treatments, important differences emerged in behavior, stress indicators, and reproductive development.
Heifers housed in the smaller dry lot reached puberty approximately 20–30 days later than those in the larger pen or pasture groups. The larger dry lot group, despite having the same stocking density, performed similarly to the pasture group in many reproductive measures. Researchers also observed higher cortisol levels and increased expression of stress-related heat shock proteins in the heifers housed in the smaller pen, suggesting greater physiological stress.
The findings indicate that total pen area—not just square footage per animal—may influence social interactions, stress levels, and the timing of puberty. The authors speculate that larger pens may allow animals more opportunity to avoid dominant pen mates and reduce social stress. Overall, the study suggests that facility design can have meaningful effects on replacement heifer development and that evaluating pen size may be just as important as considering stocking density alone.
This case study examines a sudden and devastating loss in which five cows and two calves died shortly after being moved to a dry lot following the calving season. The affected group consisted of only six cow-calf pairs that had been separated because they were open or had calved late, making the rapid mortality highly suspicious for a toxic exposure rather than an infectious disease. Necropsies revealed few significant findings, while the only surviving cow showed severe neurological signs, including tremors, vocalization, and an inability to stand.
Investigators focused on feed and water as the most likely sources of exposure and collected samples from the animals, feed, and environment for evaluation. During the investigation, foreign granules were discovered in the feed bunk and were ultimately traced back to agricultural pesticide residue left inside a skid steer bucket. The bucket had previously been used to handle granular pesticide from corn planting operations and was later used to deliver feed without being adequately cleaned.
The pesticide contamination explained the rapid onset of deaths and neurological symptoms observed in the remaining cow. The discussion highlights how potent agricultural chemicals can become deadly when accidentally introduced into livestock feed, even in relatively small amounts. A key takeaway is the importance of maintaining dedicated equipment for feed handling whenever possible or thoroughly cleaning equipment used for agricultural chemicals before reusing it. The case also demonstrates the value of careful history-taking and field investigation, which often provide the answers before laboratory testing is even completed.
This episode examines research exploring why some cow-calf producers adopt written grazing management plans while others do not. The study was motivated in part by sustainability goals aimed at improving grazing land management, soil health, water infiltration, and drought resilience through more structured planning. Researchers analyzed survey data from producers across the United States to identify factors associated with both written grazing plans and intensive grazing practices.
Results showed that larger land holdings were associated with a greater likelihood of having a grazing management plan, while larger herd sizes were somewhat less likely to adopt one. Producers using rotational or management-intensive grazing systems were also more likely to have written plans, suggesting that planning and intensive grazing management often go hand in hand. The study found relatively few strong demographic influences, indicating that adoption is driven more by management style and operational goals than by age or experience alone.
One of the most important findings was that producers with either a mental or written grazing plan were more likely to achieve positive returns over off-farm feed costs than those with no grazing plan at all. Operations that regularly evaluated and updated their plans also showed stronger economic performance. The discussion emphasizes that written grazing plans do not need to be rigid prescriptions, but rather flexible tools that help producers track forage resources, adjust management over time, and make more informed decisions. Overall, the research suggests that thoughtful grazing planning can benefit both ranch profitability and long-term resource stewardship.
This discussion examines a research study focused on improving long-term profitability in cow-calf operations through better heifer selection. The study used economic modeling and field data to evaluate three key factors: feed efficiency, longevity, and heterosis (hybrid vigor). Results showed that cows with greater genetic diversity consistently generated higher returns, largely due to improved reproductive performance and overall herd productivity.
Longevity also played a critical role, as cows that remained productive in the herd longer were able to spread their development costs over more calves. However, the study revealed that heterosis had a larger impact on profitability than longevity alone when multiple factors were considered together. Feed efficiency, measured as the ability to maintain condition on less forage, also contributed positively to economic outcomes, particularly during winter feeding periods.
An important takeaway is that assumptions from feedlot cattle efficiency do not always translate directly to grazing cows due to differences in diet and digestion. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of crossbreeding strategies, warning that repeatedly using similar genetics can reduce hybrid vigor over time. Overall, the episode highlights that strategic heifer selection—focused on genetic diversity, reproductive success, and efficiency—can significantly improve herd profitability over the long term.
This episode explores a research study evaluating whether sterile saline can effectively replace phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for collecting samples used in Tritrichomonas PCR testing. The discussion highlights a non-inferiority trial design, which differs from traditional statistical approaches by testing whether one method is not meaningfully worse than another. Researchers created controlled samples with varying concentrations of organisms and compared detection results using both saline and PBS.
Results showed no significant difference in detection performance between the two media, and saline met the criteria for being “not inferior” to PBS. This finding is important because saline is more readily available and easier to use in field conditions for veterinarians.
The discussion also explains how PCR cycle threshold values work and why small differences can matter depending on diagnostic cutoffs. However, the applicability of these findings depends on the specific testing method, as saline may not perform as well in DNA-based PCR due to potential degradation. Overall, the study provides practical insight into improving diagnostic efficiency while emphasizing the importance of understanding both statistical methods and biological relevance in veterinary research.
This discussion explores the concept of systems thinking in beef cattle production and how it expands beyond traditional population medicine approaches. Systems thinking focuses on understanding how multiple interconnected factors—such as nutrition, environment, disease exposure, and management practices—interact over time to influence herd health and productivity. Many cattle health and performance issues develop gradually, often involving delayed cause-and-effect relationships that can span months or even generations. The approach also recognizes that cattle may pass through multiple owners or environments, meaning problems observed in one setting may have originated earlier in the system. Rather than targeting a single cause, systems thinking addresses multifactorial “syndromes” where several influences combine to create outcomes like disease or poor reproduction.
Key elements include ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining good environmental conditions, and aligning management decisions—such as breeding timing—with forage availability. The concept emphasizes that yearly outcomes are interconnected, with current management decisions affecting future herd performance. In stocker operations, additional complexity arises from combining cattle from different sources and managing land across multiple production cycles. Practically, systems thinking encourages producers to identify “pinch points” such as water access, cattle arrival stress, and housing conditions. Ultimately, it provides a framework for long-term problem solving, focusing on improving the entire production system rather than reacting only to visible health events.
This case study from a bovine science discussion examines a sudden and alarming incident in which 12 cows and 2 calves died within 12 hours of routine pre-weaning processing. Initially, the deaths raised concerns about vaccine reactions, toxic exposure, or handling stress, but the pattern of mortality did not align with typical causes. Adult cows, which only received topical parasite treatment, were more affected than calves that received vaccines, further complicating the diagnosis. A necropsy revealed elevated sodium levels in brain tissue, pointing to water deprivation as the underlying issue. Investigation of the environment uncovered that while a water source existed, access had been unintentionally blocked when a gate was left closed during processing. High temperatures and a dry pond exacerbated the situation, leading to rapid dehydration and neurological symptoms in the cattle. Surviving animals displayed abnormal behavior such as aggression, crowding in shade, and signs of severe dehydration. Recovery efforts required carefully controlled rehydration to prevent additional complications like cerebral edema. The case emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring continuous water access, especially when altering animal environments during handling.
In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, the hosts explore what the future may hold for the beef industry, discussing trends in cattle size, production inputs, and market prices. They examine the realities of cow-herd expansion and consider how policy decisions could influence cattle production in the years ahead. The conversation also highlights recent research on liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, including how factors such as diet composition, grain processing methods, and days on feed may affect their prevalence and economic impact. Finally, the beef cattle experts weigh the concept of more dual-purpose operations, discussing the balance between beef and milk demand.
4:45 Calculating efficiencies
15:37 Calving cows in confinement
18:50 Beef on dairy and maximizing efficiency
For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news
This episode of After the Abstract on Bovine Science with BCI reviews a 2026 study examining bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in cow-calf herds and its potential effects on reproduction, culling risk, and calf weaning weights. The hosts discuss findings showing that although BLV prevalence was very high in the studied herds, standard ELISA-positive status was not significantly associated with poorer pregnancy rates, increased culling, or lower weaning weights. They also explore proviral load measurements, noting that cows with the highest viral loads had slightly lower pregnancy rates, though the practical impact appeared small. Overall, the discussion emphasizes that BLV testing in otherwise healthy beef herds may have limited value for predicting production outcomes or guiding management decisions.
Read Article Here
In this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster discuss a 2026 study examining whether lower-protein finishing diets can improve performance in long-fed feedlot steers. The researchers compared industry-standard 13.5% crude protein diets to reduced 11.5% crude protein diets over roughly 206 days on feed and found that cattle on the lower-protein diet achieved slightly heavier carcass weights and improved dressing percentages without sacrificing overall growth. The conversation explores how excess dietary protein may increase the animal’s energy costs for nitrogen excretion, potentially reducing efficiency. They also discuss implications for feed costs, nitrogen emissions, and modern feeding strategies that rely heavily on corn byproducts.
Read Article Here
In this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where a group of cow-calf pairs was turned out onto pasture, and several adult cows died suddenly while calves remained unaffected, pointing away from infectious disease. With no lesions found on necropsy, the veterinarians focused on toxic causes, especially those affecting cardiac function, oxygen delivery, or neurotransmitters. Clues from rumen contents and a pasture walk led to the discovery of Japanese yew trimmings in a dump pile, a highly toxic plant that causes rapid cardiac death. The case highlights the importance of environmental investigation and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.
In this episode of Tox Talk with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through a challenging case where 75 cows were turned into a new pasture and left unchecked for two weeks, resulting in 22 deaths. The surviving cattle showed jaundice and severe skin damage linked to secondary photosensitization from liver injury. Through diagnostics and pasture investigation, the cause was identified as Lantana camara toxicity, leading to cholestasis and liver failure. The discussion highlights the importance of pasture evaluation, monitoring, and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.
On this episode of After the Abstract on Bovine Science with BCI reviews a recent study on pregnancy loss in crossbred beef cows, focusing on factors that influence whether pregnancies are maintained after conception. The vets highlight that estrus expression at the time of artificial insemination, cow body weight, and season all play significant roles, with lighter cows, those not showing estrus, and those bred in the dry season experiencing higher loss rates. They also emphasize that changes in body condition after breeding, especially losing condition, are strongly associated with increased pregnancy loss. Overall, the discussion suggests that nutrition and reproductive physiology are key drivers of pregnancy retention, even more than factors present at the time of breeding.
Read Article Here
In this episode of Diving into Diets on Bovine Science, Dr.Brad White and Dr. Phillip Lancaster discuss a 17-year study comparing fertilizing pasture versus supplementing cattle on smooth bromegrass and found that supplementation led to higher daily gains and greater gain per acre than either fertilized or unfertilized systems. Fertilization increased carrying capacity but did not improve individual animal performance compared to the control. Importantly, supplementing cattle maintained soil nitrogen levels similar to those in fertilized pastures, likely due to manure recycling, with no long-term effects on forage stands. Overall, the results suggest producers can flexibly choose between fertilization and supplementation based on economics, with supplementation also reducing year-to-year variability in performance.
Read Article Here
In this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where multiple two-month-old calves in a dry lot died with minimal clinical signs. Initial differentials included infectious disease, nutritional issues, and ryegrass staggers, but necropsy and testing were largely unrewarding. Ultimately, elevated tissue lead levels confirmed lead poisoning, even though no clear source was identified. The case highlights the importance of considering lead toxicity in young calves with neurologic signs, especially when they have access to areas outside their normal environment.
In this episode of Herd Health on Bovine Science, the experts discuss a recent study on factors associated with bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) failure. The veterinarians explain that both intrinsic factors, such as age and prior failure, and extrinsic factors, such as season and environmental conditions, influence whether a bull passes or fails. They highlight that sperm morphology is one of the most important indicators of fertility, often more predictive than other measures. Overall, the episode emphasizes interpreting BSE results in context to make better management and culling decisions.
Article Discussed
In this episode of BCI After the Abstract, the veterinarians explore a pharmacokinetic study on the use of methylene blue in cattle to determine safe withdrawal periods after treatment. The experts walk through how researchers tracked drug levels in blood, milk, and tissues to estimate when residues fall below safe thresholds. They emphasize that previous guidance lacked data, forcing veterinarians to rely on highly conservative withdrawal times. With this new evidence, practitioners can better balance effective treatment of nitrate toxicity with responsible residue avoidance in food animals.
Article Discussed
In this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, the experts discuss a 2025 meta-analysis comparing organic and inorganic trace mineral supplementation in beef cattle during preconditioning and feedlot receiving. They explain the biological differences between mineral sources and review results from about 20 studies included in the analysis. Overall, organic minerals showed a small improvement in average daily gain, but no effect on cattle morbidity. The discussion highlights that while organic minerals may provide slight performance benefits in certain situations, the overall effects are relatively small and context-dependent.
Article Discussed: HERE
This episode of After the Abstract reviews a 2025 study on managing Johne’s disease in beef cattle using different testing and culling strategies in a modeled 300-cow herd. The results showed that testing cows every six months reduced disease prevalence the most, but was the least profitable strategy, even compared with doing nothing. Testing every 24 months provided the best economic balance, lowering prevalence moderately while maintaining the highest net return. The discussion also emphasizes that the prevalence of Johne’s disease in purchased replacement cattle and strong biosecurity practices may influence herd outcomes more than frequent testing.
Article Discused: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41472190/
In this episode of Herd Health, the experts review a 2025 study evaluating whether modified live virus (MLV) vaccines can be given at the time of CIDR placement for timed AI in beef cows. In previously vaccinated, multiparous cows about 80 days postpartum, administering an MLV vaccine at synchronization did not negatively affect estrus response, AI pregnancy rates, overall pregnancy rates, pregnancy loss, calving timing, or calf weaning weights. Total pregnancy rates were around 95%, with no significant differences between vaccinated and control groups. The findings suggest that giving an MLV vaccine at synchronization is safe in well-vaccinated adult cows, though results may not apply to naïve heifers.
Article Discussed
On this episode of Tox Talk, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where eight bred cows were moved into a barn ahead of a winter storm and were found dead the next morning. While initial concerns focused on the barn environment, testing revealed the cause was acute nitrate poisoning from newly introduced millet hay containing high nitrate levels. Nitrate toxicity can cause rapid death, often within hours, and may leave few obvious signs. This case is a reminder to consider what has changed when sudden losses occur, especially feed sources. Certain forages, including millet and other stress-grown crops, can accumulate nitrates, and toxicity persists after baling. Testing unfamiliar or newly purchased hay can help prevent devastating losses.
In this episode of Diving into Diets, the discussion examines how different phosphorus and calcium diets affect phosphorus retention, milk composition, calf growth, and bone status in beef cattle. While cows on lower-phosphorus diets maintained milk production and calf growth in the short term, they mobilized phosphorus from bone, unlike cows on high-phosphorus, high-calcium diets. The takeaway is that cows are resilient and can tolerate short-term deficiencies, but inadequate long-term mineral intake may eventually impair performance, underscoring the need for appropriate supplementation.
Article Discussed: https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/14721/1/AN24216.pdf
This episode of Herd Health explores how cattle producers and veterinarians can choose the most effective estrus synchronization and fixed-time AI protocols for heifers and cows. Dr. Bob Larson explains that there is no single “best” protocol. Instead, the right choice depends on factors such as whether you are dealing with heifers or cows, time available, group size, handling logistics, and cost. The discussion highlights the roles of progesterone, GnRH, and prostaglandin, compares common protocols, and emphasizes using trusted resources such as the Beef Reproduction Task Force and working closely with veterinarians to ensure proper execution and consistent results.
Beef Reproduction Task Force
In this episode of About the Abstract, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discussed a study that tested whether water intake can predict bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The study’s main finding was that water intake decreased 1–2 days before BRD treatment or diagnosis. The study also found that the amount of water consumed mattered more than the number of visits or the time spent at the waterer. The cattle treated multiple times for BRD consistently drank less water than healthy cattle. The main takeaway from the study was that monitoring water intake per visit to the waterer is more important than monitoring cattle behavior.
Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-veterinary-medicine
On Dividing into Diets, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster explore how a ruminant’s diet influences the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, created through the fermentation of carbohydrates and proteins in the rumen. They explain that different types of feed support different bacterial populations, shifting the balance of VFAs. For example, grain-heavy diets boost propionate levels, while high-forage diets favor acetate. Despite these shifts, overall animal efficiency depends more on the total amount of volatile fatty acids produced than on the specific proportions. The experts note that attempts to manipulate VFA ratios can be expensive and often yield only minor improvements in productivity.
On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss how to choose the best synchronization protocol for artificial insemination in cattle. They explain the differences between protocols for heifers and cows, including timing, hormone use, and management considerations. The discussion highlights the importance of resources like the Beef Reproduction Task Force website and factors such as chute time, cost, and herd size.
Episode Resource: https://beefrepro.org/
On Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a 2025 study in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science on factors influencing heifer replacement and cow-calf profitability. The study focused on cow feed efficiency, longevity, heterosis, and lifetime productivity. Key findings include the importance of longevity, with heifers staying longer in the herd being more profitable. Crossbreeding, particularly those with more heterosis, reduced costs. Residual feed intake (RFI) was crucial, with lower RFI cows being more efficient and cost-effective. The study used data from 2011 to 2018, accounting for economic fluctuations, and found no significant differences between breeds.
Article Discussed: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385812533_Effects_of_cow_feed_efficiency_longevity_heterosis_and_lifetime_productivity_on_profitability_of_heifer_selection_and_cow-calf_operations
Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discuss a study on bovine coronavirus and its role in respiratory disease in cattle. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, used a challenge model with 15 challenge calves and six control calves. Results showed higher viral shedding in challenge calves. PCR detected bovine coronavirus in multiple tissues but not in the lungs or tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Histopathology scores indicated more pathology in challenge calves, but clinical signs were mild. The study suggests bovine coronavirus may play a role in mild respiratory disease but not in severe pneumonia, possibly acting as a co-factor for secondary infections.
Article Discussed: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.878240/full
On this week’s episode of Diving into Diets Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster discuss a 2025 study on grazing behavior in cattle, focusing on factors like age, size, hide color, and forage quality. The study tracked 40 cows using GPS collars over three years, finding that older cows traveled further distances, possibly due to learning topography. Red cows traveled more in cold temperatures due to better heat retention from black hides. The study also noted that cows traveled further to high-quality forage areas, as measured by NDVI and IRG, and up slopes and to water sources. The study’s individual hypothesis testing approach limited the interpretation of confounding variables like production stage and weather.
Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871141325001258?via%3Dihub
Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss the failure of passive transfer in beef herds, highlighting differences from dairy cattle. Risk factors included calves born to heifers, twins, and assisted births. Higher body condition scores in cows also correlated with lower IgG levels. The study emphasized the importance of colostrum intake, especially in high-risk situations. The discussion emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies in beef cattle.
Article Discussed: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2643452/
In About the Abstract, the experts discuss a study by Cordial and Carrie (2024) in the Journal of Animal Science, which compared the impact of metaphylaxis with Tulathromycin versus saline on high-risk beef stocker calves over 42 days. The study found that calves treated with Tulathromycin had higher average daily gain, especially in the first 14 days, and fewer treatments for respiratory disease. Culture results showed more bacteria in saline-treated calves at follow-up. Antimicrobial use was higher in the Tulathromycin group, but the number of regimens was similar. The study suggests that metaphylaxis may improve health and performance while managing antimicrobial resistance.
Featured Article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38126883
In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, guest Dr. Cassandra Olds continues the discussion of Theileria, a tick- and fly-borne parasite affecting U.S. cattle herds. The team explains how it spreads from the East Coast westward, causes anemia-like symptoms, and persists for life in infected animals. They stress prevention through stress reduction, parasite control, and good nutrition, noting that no approved treatment exists. The conversation shifts to preparing heifers for breeding season, emphasizing pre-breeding exams, tracking weight and reproductive readiness, and managing nutrition to ensure early conception and lifelong productivity.
Dr Cassandra Olds Contact Information:
34A Waters Hall
Manhattan KS 66506
Phone: (785) 706-8599
Fax: (785) 532-6232
colds@ksu.edu
In this Tox Talk episode, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz review a case involving six dead calves out of 38 fall-calving cow–calf pairs on pasture. The producer had not been checking the herd frequently, making the exact timeline of deaths unclear. With at least one calf estimated to have been dead for 4–5 days. They emphasize how decomposition, weather, and time since death affect necropsy value. Initial differential diagnoses focus on infectious causes and potential toxicities, given that only calves were affected.
Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a case where a client found an aborted fetus in their herd. Dr. Larson suggests identifying the aborting animal, collecting samples from the fetus, including the placenta, lung, liver, and brain, and holding them for further analysis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the herd’s history, including the age and origin of the cows, and potential causes like Neospora, IVR, BVD, and feed contamination.
On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White talk about a ranch that reported weaned calves with bloody diarrhea after being mixed from four pastures. Coccidiosis was at the top of the list for possible issues, with other potential causes to look at. They discuss potential cases of bloody diarrhea and the ways to treat and prevent the issues.
In this episode of Diving into Diets, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Phillip Lancaster finish up the essential oils in feed rations series with another article. The experts discuss how essential oils compare to commonly used feed additives like Monensin.
Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S109002332100054X
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Phillip Lancaster continues the series with an article that looks into the use of essential oils in feed rations. In part two of the Essential Oils in Rations series, they talk about the different benefits and effects of adding the oils to your feed.
Article Discussed: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/8/6/254
A 2,000 cow dairy is seeing high culling rates due to lameness but not the typical lameness they are used to. What is wrong? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will discuss.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley, and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producers in the field.
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings an article that looked into the use of essential oils in feed rations. The experts go over this paper and the styles of research groups used for the experiment.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840124000841
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss nutritional plans for your cow herd through the winter. They go through the cost difference between high-quality hay and low-quality hay with supplements. They also discuss how to avoid having your cows calve at a lighter weight.
On this episode of After the Abstract, Dr. Todd Gunderson brings a research article which looks at the effects of backfat thickness on results of a breeding soundness exam. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Gunderson go through the article and discuss the issues this study addressed as well as the potential affects of this research.
Article discussed: Relationship between phenotypic subcutaneous backfat thickness and spermiogram outcomes in young beef bulls
For this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings an article which looks at feeding live yeast. This episode is based on a listener question, if you have a listener question email in to bci@ksu.edu.
For this edition Dr. Brad White is joined by Dr. Matt Miesner to discuss lame calves. When a calf gets stepped on, kicked or ran over it can be a costly loss for producers. They go over the different options producers have when a calf breaks its front or back leg. Thanks for listening.
When a large dairy operation finds seven young calves dead, they seek help from the toxicologists. What happened and how can they prevent it from happening in the future? Brad White and Scott Fritz go over this case and answer those questions. Thanks for listening!
KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
This week on After the Abstract Todd Gunderson brings an article which analyzes the different methods for tritrichomonas testing in bulls. They break down the research and look at the findings as well as implications this could have on the beef industry.
Article Discussed: Differences in pain and trauma caused by common sampling devices used in the United States for Tritrichomonas foetus testing in bulls
On this episode of Bovine Science Phillip Lancaster and Brad White discuss a recent research paper from UC Davis which looks at a bromoform based feed additive. They discuss the paper’s findings as well as it’s possible implications.
Article Discussed: The effect of Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product—a bromoform based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions, animal production parameters, and the rumen environment in feedlot cattle
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss keeping records. They go through surveys which analyzed which records are more important to producers. They also discuss tips on finding the right record system for you.
Articles Discussed:
- Information management in beef cow-calf operations: Data priorities, recording, and sharing
- Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer methods and opinions of cattle health and production record-keeping
- Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer access to and use of technology for cattle health and production record-keeping purposes
For this unique episode of Tox Talk Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through how to collect samples to send into toxicology. They will discuss the important samples to collect depending on the situation.
Toxicology Sample Collection Guide
KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
On this episode of After the Abstract, Dr. Todd Gunderson brings a research article which looks at income and job satisfaction among bovine practitioners. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Gunderson go through the article and discuss the issues this study addressed as well as the potential affects of this research.
Article discussed: Incomes and satisfaction among bovine focused veterinary practitioners in the United States and Canada
Over a couple of weeks 8 cows die in a 200 cow herd. The only clue is a nodule on the liver. What cause the death? Dr. Scott Fritz explains on this episode of Bovine Science.
KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
After a big thunderstorm some calves are found dead and some found sick. What caused it and why were the cows not affected? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will find out in this episode of Bovine Science.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss the risk factors associated with BRD in preweaned calves. They discuss past research over the subject and options to mitigate the risk.
Articles Discussed:
BRD in preweaned calves: What’s new in risk factors?
Strategies for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Overview
On this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings an article which looked into backgrounding steers in the Nebraska sand hills. The experts go over this paper and discuss what implications this research could have for the future.
Article Discussed: Comparison of alternative backgrounding and feedlot system strategies on performance of May-born, Red Angus cross yearling steers in the Nebraska Sandhills
After a large snow storm 34 cows have aborted their calves. What caused this and how can it be prevented in the future? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
Ponderosa Pine: https://www.ars.usda.gov/pacific-west-area/logan-ut/poisonous-plant-research/docs/ponderosa-pine-pinus-ponderosa/
KSVDL Toxicology: https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson are back to discuss a case where a producer had 20% of heifers open. They explore potential causes behind this reproductive issue, from bull problems to nutritional and health-related factors. They also share practical strategies and management tips producers can implement to improve reproductive success and set the herd up for a better breeding season.
In this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Matt Miesner is back to discuss calf scours. Dr Miesner brings some tips on rehydrating calves, the options available, and how long you should give the calf electrolytes. They also discuss resources that are available to assist in making decisions.
Resources discussed:
Hartnack, A. K., Niehaus, A. J., Rousseau, M., Pentecost, R. L., Miesner, M. D., & Anderson, D. E. (2015). Indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle: 95 cases (1999–2011). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 247(6), 659-664. Retrieved Jun 9, 2025, from https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.247.6.659
Braun U. Ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract in cattle. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2009 Nov;25(3):567-90, https://doi.org/10.5167/uzh-26375
Cockwill, K. R., McAllister, T. A., & Olson, M. E. (2005). Comparison of four rumenotomy techniques in cattle. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 46(12), 1111–1115. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1687032/
This week on After the Abstract, Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White break down a cutting-edge study that explores how technology can help detect bovine respiratory disease (BRD) earlier in pre-weaned dairy calves. The study tested automated monitoring systems that track calves’ feeding patterns, movement, and social interactions. The goal? To see if behavioral changes could serve as early warning signs for BRD—before clinical signs appear.
Article discussed: Early detection of bovine respiratory disease in pre-weaned dairy calves using sensor-based feeding, movement, and social behaviour
In this episode of Bovine Science, we delve into the intricacies of sorghum silage processing and its impact on beef heifer nutrition. Our discussion centers around the recent study published in the Journal of Animal Science titled “Evaluation of kernel processing and processor type in whole-plant sorghum silage: effects on nutrient digestibility and animal performance in backgrounding beef heifers” (https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae369).
Introducing the newest edition of Bovine Science, Pasture Pulse. For this edition Dr. Brad White is joined by Dr. Matt Miesner to discuss cattle health cases. On this episode a cow appears sick shortly after having the calf, but the cause is not easy to identify. Thanks for listening.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hardware Disease
Indications for and factors relating to outcome after rumenotomy or rumenostomy in cattle: 95 cases (1999–2011)
When this producer goes to move his heifers he finds one dead and others ill. With no obvious clues, what caused the heifer to die and could this happen to the others? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
On this episode of After the Abstract Dr. Brian Lubbers brings in a hefty research paper which aims to compare nasal microbiome community diversity and composition. Drs. Lubbers and White discuss the implications of these findings, considering how nasal microbiome profiling could enhance BRD diagnostics and inform targeted interventions. Thanks for listening!
Article Discussed: Nasal pathobiont abundance is a moderate feedlot-dependent indicator of bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle
In this episode our hosts discuss the affects of pregnancy on digestion in beef cattle. They look at passage rate and extent of digestibility. Dr. Lancaster brings and article out of Brazil that studies these aspects.
Article discussed: Pregnancy affects maternal performance, feed intake, and digestion kinetics parameters in beef heifers
On this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Bob Larson brings a case study where a producer had only their purebred cattle open and not crossbred. Dr. Larson and Dr. Brad White will go through how they got to the bottom of this case. They will also look at what the producer can do to keep from having this problem again.
Four dead calves found in a pasture after being turned out for the spring. What caused it, and why were no cows affected? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
On this unique episode of Bovine Science Dr. Brian Lubbers brings a research paper studying mastitis in dairy goats. Listen as Dr. Lubbers and Dr. Brad White dissect this paper and reflect on the findings.
Article Discussed: Efficacy of two long-acting intramammary antimicrobials for curing subclinical mastitis due to non-aureus staphylococci in dairy goats
On this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings a research article studying the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on digestibility. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Lancaster will discuss the results of this research as well as how it could help cows on forage.
Article Discussed: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skaf093
What causes 30-40% of pregnancies to not have a live calf? Dr. Bob Larson brings a research report article which summarizes a lot of information on pregnancy in beef cattle. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Larson will discuss new information that could be applicable when dealing with pregnancy loss in a herd.
Link to Article: Highlighting factors contributing to pregnancy loss in beef cattle
After moving 700 pound stocker cattle to crop residue the producer found eight of them dead. What caused it, and can they put animals out there again? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
This producer moves his cows out to cornstalks and the next day gets a big snow. When he goes to check on them the next day there are 14 dead. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom of the case in this episode. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings us an article out of China that looks at what effects diet has on calves rumination and overall health. The study looks at calves with and without forage inclusion. They discuss the research procedure and how the results could apply to beef calves in the U.S.
Article Discussed: How neonatal diet affects the long-term development of rumination behavior, rumen fermentation and feed digestion in dairy calves fed a high milk level?
In this episode of Herd Health a Bovine Science podcast Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White breakdown open cows. They talk about how to figure out what causes a cow to not be pregnant. They also discuss what to do once you find the problem.
In this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Brian Lubbers brings a research paper requested by a listener. This paper published in the Journal of Animal Science is titled, “Administering the maternal bovine appeasing substance improves overall productivity and health in high-risk cattle during a 60-d feedlot receiving period.” Thanks for listening!
Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae221
As this producer gets ready for the snow they discover that 11 of their cows are lame. What caused it, and how can they keep the other 30 cows from going lame? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk a Bovine Science Podcast with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz? Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Dr. Bob Larson brings us another mysterious episode of Herd Health a Bovine Science podcast. In this episode we have 20% of a herd come up open. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Larson discuss how this happened and what you can do to prevent this occurring in your own herd. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
This episode of Diving into Diets Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings a research paper which studies patch burning. They discuss how patch burning affects the nutrition value added for cattle. They also discuss what this would mean for the future of grazing cattle.
Article Discussed: Improving forage nutritive value and livestock performance with spatially-patchy prescribed fire in grazed rangeland
Dr. Brian Lubbers brings a great new research paper titled “Use of a novel direct-fed microbial as an alternative for tylosin phosphate to control liver abscesses and decrease antimicrobial use in finishing beef steers”. In this episode Dr. Lubbers and Dr. Brad White dissect this paper and evaluate it’s implications. Thanks for listening!
Link to paper: https://doi.org/10.15232/aas.2023-02483
In this mysterious episode of Herd Health Dr. Bob Larson brings in a case study with replacement heifers coming up 65% open. Find out how they got to the bottom of this case as well as what you may do if you find yourself in a similar situation. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode!
Dr. Brian Lubbers is back with another research article from the Journal of Dairy Science. This research looks at prevalence of hemotropic mycoplasma in heifers on Michigan farms. Dr. Lubbers and Dr. White break down this paper and discuss how it may be applied to beef cattle in Kansas.
Article Discussed: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(24)00504-6/fulltext
In this episode of Herd Health Dr. Bob Larson brings an article studying Doppler ultrasounds on cattle. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Larson discuss what this technology could mean for the future of analyzing cows. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the episode!
Article Discussed: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/animalscience/articles/10.3389/fanim.2022.912854/full
In this episode Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White are talking about methane emissions. Dr. Lancaster also brings an article out of Australia which looks at adjusting grazing systems to reduce the methane in the cow-calf sector. Thank you for listening and enjoy the show!
In order to gain some weight 16 cows are put in a dry lot on feed, one morning the producer sees they haven’t eaten and the next morning 8 of them are dead. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom of this case in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
This episode of Herd Health a Bovine Science podcast with BCI our hosts discuss research on bull fertility. Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White dive into a paper from Assumpção and Hamilton. This research evaluates bull sperm to analyze what amount of bulls pass the BSE but end up being infertile.
Article Discused: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107656
In this episode of After the Abstract Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White go over a case report to see how practitioners are diagnosing neurologic disease. The experts will examine the article to see what they found and what this could mean for bovine practitioners. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode!
Link to Article: https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol57no1p1-9
In this episode of Diving into Diets a Bovine Science Podcast Dr. White and Dr. Lancaster look at a research paper about the guidelines for supplementing vitamin A. This research answers some questions about vitamin A in cattle but also raises some new ones for our hosts. Thanks for listening!
Link to Article: https://www.appliedanimalscience.org/article/S2590-2865(24)00094-6/fulltext
In the initial call Dr. Scott Fritz receives a box of cattle to determine what caused 30% death loss after heifers were put out on grass. Find out how they got to the bottom of this case on this episode of Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In this episode of After the Abstract Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White look at a research paper from the Journal of Dairy Science. This research uses machine learning models to identify intramammary infections, and compares it to a rule based algorithm. The experts discuss how this could be used for the beef industry and what it could mean for the future of technology in cattle. Thanks for listening!
Link to paper: https://www.journalofdairyscience.org/article/S0022-0302(24)01180-9/fulltext
In this episode of Diving into Diets a Bovine Science Podcast Dr. White and Dr. Lancaster look at a research paper about the effects of poor nutrition on late gestation cows. They will dive into what this means for future research as well as their key takeaways.
Article Discussed: Colby A Redifer, Lindsey G Wichman, Shelby L Davies-Jenkins, Abigail R Rathert-Williams, Harvey C Freetly, Allison M Meyer, Late gestational nutrient restriction in primiparous beef females: Performance and metabolic status of lactating dams and pre-weaning calves, Journal of Animal Science, Volume 102, 2024, skae015, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae015
Yearling heifers are found walking odd after being moved to a grass pasture. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom of this case in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In this episode of Herd Health a Bovine Science Podcast our hosts discuss keeping records. They discuss how much data you may want to share and collect. Dr. Larson talks about a recent research project he conducted to determine how cow-calf producers store and utilize their data. They also give tips on storing data digitally.
The article mentioned in the episode: Information management in beef cow-calf operations: Data priorities, recording, and sharing
Link to CalfDex website: https://calfdexapi.azurewebsites.net/
How do we determine the amount of pain in cattle? Today’s episode of After the Abstract a Bovine Science podcast looks at a research paper that answers that question. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Brian Lubbers review the paper titled, “Ranking bovine pain-related behaviors using a logistic regression algorithm” (Trindade et. al.). Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode!
Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2024.106163
Can we use rye grain to finish cattle? In this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Lancaster and Dr. White look into a research paper covering this topic. With this research paper titled, “Production and use of dry-rolled hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on growth performance and carcass quality of feedlot steers ” (Zhang et al.) they discuss the possibility of feeding rye versus feeding barley and it’s effects on the cattle. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
Link to Article: Fuquan Zhang, Rachel E Carey, Rebecca S Brattain, Herman Wehrle, Gregory B Penner, Production and use of dry-rolled hybrid rye grain as a replacement for barley grain on growth performance and carcass quality of feedlot steers, Translational Animal Science, Volume 8, 2024, txae059, https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae059
With new genomic technology being used for Holstein cattle in the dairy industry, will this technology assist with fertility in the beef cattle industry? Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss this topic along with a review paper that looks at using these technologies on beef cattle. They also discuss how to use omics to help select cattle and improve herd fertility.
Article Discussed: N.C. Kertz, P. Banerjee, P.W. Dyce, W.J.S. Diniz. Harnessing genomics and transcriptomics approaches to improve female fertility in beef cattle – A review. Animals 13:3284, 2023 https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/20/3284
After a normal pasture rotation the next morning most of the herd is found dead. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White analyze this abnormal case and discuss the necropsy process leading to diagnosis in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White deep dive into a recently published paper titled: Case-control study to identify management practices associated with morbidity or mortality due to bovine anaplasmosis in Mississippi cow-calf herds
Case-control study to identify management practices associated with morbidity or mortality due to bovine anaplasmosis in Mississippi cow-calf herds
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White sit down and discuss feed intake in weaned calves and ways that producers can affect the intake. Tune in to this episode of Bovine Science with BCI to learn more.
40 cows were put out on corn stalks and the next morning 8 are dead. What caused their death and how could it have been prevented? Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom of this case in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In this episode of Bovine Science by BCI Dr. Brad White and Dr. Brian Lubbers discuss a recent research paper regarding risk of treatment of bovine respiratory disease on feedlot cattle at arrival and corresponding likelihood of antimicrobial susceptibility.
Link to the article discussed: Association between respiratory disease pathogens in calves near feedlot arrival with treatment for bovine respiratory disease and subsequent antimicrobial resistance status
In this edition of Herd Health: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss the importance of trace minerals and being able to calculate them. The experts dive into a paper about the role of trace minerals in spermatogenesis and later they go over Dr. Larson’s spreadsheet that helps calculate the amount of trace minerals your animals are receiving. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
Trace Mineral Supplements Spreadsheet
A big conversation topic today is methane emissions. How does the beef industry affect greenhouse gas emissions and what are we doing to help. Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White explain all things methane during this episode of Diving into Diets: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast.
Have you ever wondered if simultaneously giving two modified live vaccines will affect their respective efficacies? In this After the Abstract: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast episode, Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White examine a study that asked the same question and yielded intriguing results.
The article mentioned in the episode: No vaccine interference between bovine coronavirus and bovine herpesvirus-1 in a randomized trial when coadministrating two intranasal modified-live viral vaccines to neonatal calves
Two 10-year-old cull cows were placed into a small pasture to put some weight on before going to town. Two weeks later, they are both dead with no clinical signs of disease. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom of this case in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In the last edition of Herd Health: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discussed AI (artificial intelligence). During this episode, the experts talk about a different kind of technology with the same abbreviation: artificial insemination. Tune in to learn more about a paper regarding different protocols and what to do after a mistake during the synchronization process. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
The article mentioned in the episode: When the plan goes awry: how to negotiate estrus synchronization errors in beef cattle
Additional synchronization resources: Beef Cow Protocols | Beef Heifer Protocols
What do all classes of cattle have in common? One answer is that they all share the need for the right amount of carbohydrates/energy in their diets to maintain proper health and nutrition. Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White explain all things energy during this episode of Diving into Diets: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. The experts talk about topics like energy’s role within a ration and how to calculate net energy. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
40% death loss occurs in only the young calves belonging to first-calf heifers within a large herd. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White analyze this abnormal case and discuss the necropsy process leading to diagnosis in this edition of Tox Talk: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Every cattle producer deals with down cows at some point in their career. The fate of the animal – in most cases – is grim. This episode of After the Abstract: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast features Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White evaluating a research article that explores how to increase the probability that a down beef cow gets back up. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy the show!
The article mentioned in the episode: Prognostic indicators of outcome in nonambulatory beef cattle presented to 2 referral hospitals: A retrospective study of 63 cases
Over the last couple of years, artificial intelligence and machine learning have become a part of daily life for most people. From self-driving cars to chatbots, they can be seen all around society – even in veterinary medicine. In this edition of Herd Health: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss AI’s role in diagnosing diseases now and in the future. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
The article mentioned in the episode: Image Classification and Automated Machine Learning to Classify Lung Pathologies in Deceased Feedlot Cattle.
With most cows out on grass, now is the perfect time for producers to start thinking ahead and formulating rations for later in the year. A major component of those rations is protein. Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White explain all things protein – including microbial protein synthesis and how nutritionists calculate the available nitrogen within a diet – during this episode of Diving into Diets: a Bovine Science with BCI podcast. Thanks for listening and enjoy the show!
A producer brings a depressed calf and its dam to Dr. Matt Miesner from a herd with a history of scours. Initially, he thought it was a cut-and-dry case. After more investigation, the opposite started to become true. Dr. Brad White discusses this tricky situation with Dr. Miesner on this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Two months into the calving season, multiple calves within a 40 head herd randomly die with no clinical signs. Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White get to the bottom this mystery on this week’s edition of Bovine Science’s Tox Talk.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White deep dive into a recently published paper titled: Comparison between a complete preconditioning programme and conventional conduct on behaviour, health and performance of young bulls from small cow-calf herds.
Comparison between a complete preconditioning programme and conventional conduct on behaviour, health and performance of young bulls from small cow-calf herds
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Breeding season has begun for some and is just around the corner for others. Learn more about how stress affects fertility and the success of an artificial insemination or embryo transfer project in this edition of Herd Health. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss the causes of stress, management techniques that will help mitigate it and solutions that should lower a herd’s stress level.
Effect of stress on reproduction, Fernandez-Novo, et al, 2020 Animals doi:10.3390/ani10112096
Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White sit down and discuss how to manage the nutrition of mature bulls to keep them healthy during the offseason and working hard after turnout time. Tune in to this episode of Bovine Science with BCI to learn more.
Multisire pastures and how do we manage them throughout the breeding season. Find out on this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to learn more.
Multiple bulls are in a dry lot pen in the off season. One bull starts to act depressed and maybe bloated. Listen to Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White discuss this case and how to deal with this issue on this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at Effect of a dairy farmworker stewardship training program on antimicrobial drug usage in dairy cows.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss how to get more grazing days and how to be more efficient with the forage you have available. Tune in to this episode of Bovine Science with BCI to learn more.
It’s spring! For a spring calving herd its full optimism. New calves on the ground getting ready to start growing and thriving; until pre-weaning disease hits. Find out on this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to learn more.
To read more:
Improving Beef Calf Health
Biosecurity Practices in Western Canadian Cow-Calf Herds and their Association with Animal Health
50 first-calf heifers out grazing in early spring still being fed hay every other day. All the heifers looked normal but the next day 4 heifers were dead. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at Economic Impacts of Lameness in Feedlot Cattle.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
17 cow-calf pairs are in a dry lot. When all of a sudden the calves start developing neurologic signs and begin to die. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at Does swab type matter? Comparing methods for Mannheim hemolytic recovery and upper respiratory microbiome characterization in feedlot cattle.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
What’s the impact of vaccinating beef and dairy cattle for bacterial pathogens? Find out on this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to hear what they have to say about vaccinating.
To read more:
Systematic review of vaccine efficacy
Evidence-Based effectiveness of vaccination
Systematic review and network meta-analysis of bacterial and viral vaccines
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of commercially available vaccines
A very valuable first calf heifer who had her calf earlier this spring was out with the bulls. Last week she seemed to be doing fine and was with the rest of the heifers. The next day she was found dead. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White to learn more about managing bull nutrition throughout their lifetime on this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at Short Communication: Circadian variations and day-to-day variability of clinical signs used for the early diagnosis of pneumonia within and between calves.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Pregnancy rates and calving season timing are really important factors for success in beef cow-calf herds. To learn more about pregnancy rates and calving season timing tune in to this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to hear what they have to say about Bob’s favorite topic reproduction.
To read more:
Herd Level Factors Associated with Pregnancy Success and Distribution in Beef Cow-Calf Herds
No Evidence for a Negative Association Between Bovine Leukemia Virus Status and Fertility in Kansas Beef Herds: a Cross-Sectional Study
A frequently asked question is-are cattle seasonally breeders why or why not? Tune in to this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to hear what they have to say.
A frequently asked question is what do we do with those bulls that were previously good and mature. Then when it’s time to test them for their Bull Soundness Exam they have gone bad. Tune in to this episode of Herd Health with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to learn more.
Winter is often meeting season and at meetings there are opportunities to hear some of the latest findings and research. Join Dr. Brad White, Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Bob Larson to learn what interesting abstracts they have heard.
Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss thin cows in this episode of Bovine Science with BCI. Learn more about thin cows, when you see they are thin, how to get them to gain weight and how to get the cows back to where they need to be with tools and techniques.
It’s late summer and it’s time to get the bulls ready for the fall breeding season. There were 25 breeding bulls housed together in a pasture since they had been working in the spring. It is time for their routine breeding soundness exam prior to placement with the fall herd. Only half of them passed the breeding soundness exam and many of them had poor semen quality. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
It’s late February, a cow-calf client who finished calving, about a week ago, was riding through the pasture and found a comatose unresponsive calf. After a quick call about this two week old heifer the producer decides to bring her into the clinic. Listen to Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White discuss this case and how it was handled.
It’s early November, the cows have just come off grass and turned onto cornstalks. The weather is cool and the cows were grazing well until the next day. Four cows were found dead by the producer. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
In this episode of Herd Health Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss calf scours – one of the most frustrating syndromes producers face. Dealing with a herd that has had a lot of issues last year resulting in sick calves and some that succumb to scours. Changing the environment and the producer comes in to make some changes this year.
50 cows were grazing on cornstalks with a creek and woods running through it. On Sunday afternoon 9 younger cows were found dead by the producer with no previous clinical signs. By Monday when the veterinary arrives they find 6 more cows dead, 3 animals that were actively aborting and one with neurologic signs. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out what happened.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
When raising replacement heifers what kind of rate of gain should a producer look for, what are their options for raising those heifers and what does the research tell us about how those decisions will impact not only the herds pregnancy rate but the bottom line. Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss replacement heifer development in this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
It’s late January the wind is blowing and it’s cold. There is a 6 year old purebred Simmental cow that calved about 3 months ago. The owners have been watching her for a few days because she is on and off feed and jumpy. They are debating whether or not to take her in to the veterinarian. They decide to bring her in. Listen to Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White discuss this case and how it was handled.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at lower respiratory tract microbiome and resistive of Bovine Respiratory Disease mortalities.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
Processing went well. Right after weaning 35 calves were processed with no problems and completed in record time. The next morning 4 were dead. What happened? Tune into Tox Talk with Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out what happened.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Hay prices are up and in some parts of the country hay is in short supply; which leads to the question how can I extend the grazing season? Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss the grazing season in this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
In this episode of Herd Health Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss heifer raising gone wrong with keeping replacement heifers in the herd and what producers can do to manage their herds.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at factors associated with bovine respiratory disease case fatality in feedlot cattle.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
To learn more about using spreadsheets in everyday life listen in with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to learn more.
Today is October 9 a prefect day for fall grazing, 75 cows are turned into a new pasture. The next morning 58 are dead. What happened? Tune into Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out what happened.
The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology information and examples for people to understand what to submit and how to submit. Another part of that grant has been working with people and producer in the field.
Calves are balling in the pen, they have been weaned. One accomplishment checked off, but now it’s time to figure out their nutrition requirements in the early stages of weaning. Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss managing weaned calves nutrition in this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
To hear more about adding value to pregnancy testing listen in with Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White to learn more.
View the discussed links visit here:
Evaluating Information Obtained from Diagnosis of Pregnancy Status of Beef Herds
Pregnancy Analytics App
Spreadsheet
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at a randomized clinical trial evaluating a farm-of-origin autogenous Moraxella bovis vaccine to control infectious pinkeye in beef cattle.
View the full paper here
After the Abstract is recorded with the goal of assisting veterinarians in the interpretation of scientific literature. This podcast is not an endorsement of specific practices and medical decisions should only be made in consultation with your veterinarian.
50 cow/calf pairs were turned into a new pasture midway through the summer. The next day every cow looked gaunt and one was dead. What happened? Tune into Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz to find out what happened.
In this episode of Bovine Science with BCI, we are talking about replacement heifer development. Join Dr. Philip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss nutrition and what their targets are for replacement heifers.
An older cow. A diagnosis of leukosis. A conformation of bovine leukosis virus. What’s next? What does that mean for this herd? Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White dive into the case to figure out what happened.
View the discussed links visit here:
Cross-sectional study
No evidence for a negative association
A three year old Angus bull is turned out into the breeding pasture in May. During a weekly check the client notes a bull is away from the cows. With a closer examination some of the cows were in heat. Why would the bull be off by himself? He gets him up and sees a… Continue reading Bull Breeding Injuries
In January you moved 300 head of cow calf pairs to a new field. Before you know it, two are dead and two more are head pressing. What could be causing this? How would you react? Listen to this episode of Tox Talk with Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White as they break down… Continue reading Tox Talk: Head Pressing and 2 Dead
In this episode of Bovine Science with BCI, we are talking about methane. Join Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss statistics, recent research, and the role the beef industry plays in the methane cycle.
Spring is in the air, feedlot calves are gaining steady, and everything seems perfect, until 3 head are found dead. Could this have been avoided? Find out on this episode of Tox Talk.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper looking at the longitudinal effects of enrofloxacin or tulathromycin use in preweaned calves at high risk of BRD. View the full paper here: Longitudinal effects of enrofloxacin or tulathromycin use in preweaned calves at high risk of bovine respiratory disease on the… Continue reading After the Abstract: Longitudinal effects in calves at high risk for BRD
A producer has an Angus heifer who has always been a little over-conditioned. After having her second calf, she has been quickly losing condition. The producer has tried everything to stop her from losing weight and needs your help. What do you do? Listen to Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White discuss this case… Continue reading Losing Condition
What would take a pregnancy rate from 92% all the way down to 60%? Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White dive into the case to figure out what happened. View the discussed link visit here.
On this episode of Diving into Diets, Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White break down vitamins A, D, and E in the diet. How much of a Vitamin A is needed? How is Vitamin D supplied? Can cattle consume too much of Vitamin E? These questions, and more, are answered today!
A mix of calves from a variety of pens and pastures all began to display neurologic signs, but why? That is the question Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White try to solve on this case.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they look at a paper comparing sampling techniques for identifying bacterial pathogens in dairy calves with BRD. View the full paper here: Agreement Among 4 Sampling Methods to Identify Respiratory Pathogens in Dairy Calves with Acute Bovine Respiratory Disease.
Foot injuries are not uncommon and can be difficult to assess. Join Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a bull with a claw injury and the available treatment options.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) can be hard to navigate. On this episode of Bovine Science with BCI, the team discussed what practices you can recommend if you encounter a case of BVD.
To view the BVD Consult visit: https://ksubci.org/bvdbovine-viral-diarrhea-control-consult
Grass tetany is caused by low levels of magnesium in the blood and normally strikes in late spring during peak lactation. Join Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss multiple ways to combat grass tetany in cattle herds.
We’ve all had cows get out, but it’s especially frustrating when they get into things they aren’t supposed to. Check out what happened in this case when a girl’s night out took a turn for the worst…
When treating cattle for bovine respiratory disease, it is difficult to know whether or not the treatment will be successful. Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White as they discuss a paper focused on lung lesions and the affect they have on relapse rate and growth performance.
View the discussed paper here: Association of lung lesions measured by thoracic ultrasonography at first diagnosis of bronchopneumonia with relapse rate and growth performance in feedlot cattle
When you find a down cow, it can be easy to assume she is sick, but what if she isn’t showing any sickness signs? She’s bright, alert, and responsive, but the problem is that she can’t stand. Dr. Matt Mesiner and Dr. Brad White talk through this case on Bovine Science with BCI.
Cross-sectional study to describe bovine leukemia virus herd and within-herd ELISA prevalence and bovine leukemia virus proviral load of convenience-sampled Kansas beef cow-calf herds
No evidence for a negative association between bovine leukemia virus status and fertility in Kansas beef herds: a cross-sectional study
A common question we get asked is what to do about open two year olds. Should a producer keep or cull them? Dr. Bob Larson answers questions about cost breakdowns and more on this episode of Herd Health.
To see the spread sheet referenced in the episode, visit our Calculators page.
What type of mineral should you be using on your cows? Does the time of year have an impact on mineral requirement? What economical factors effect mineral choice? These questions and more are answered by Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White on this episode of Diving into Diets.
What would cause only 30 out of 50 head to make it through the night after they were put in the barn, shielded from the winter storm? This case had everyone scratching their heads trying to figure out what had happened. Listen to this episode to hear toxicologist Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White work through this bizarre case.
Join Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White on this episode of After the Abstract where they discuss the paper titled: Clinical effectiveness of enrofloxacin 100 mg/mL injectable solution for the treatment of acute anaplasmosis in cattle caused by Anaplasma marginale.
Clinical effectiveness of enrofloxacin 100 mg/mL injectable solution for the treatment of acute anaplasmosis in cattle caused by Anaplasma marginale
When discussing bloat in cattle, there are many types, each requiring different treatment options. Hear from Dr. Matt Miesner and Dr. Brad White as they discuss an odd case of bloat on this week’s episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Join Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White as they discuss what front end loading is, why it’s important, and how you can us this knowledge to help your producers.
Find links to discussed tables and calculators here: https://ksubci.org/tools/calculators/
How can understanding the nutritional quality of the forages being fed better help you serve your producers? Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White answer this question, and more, on today’s episode of Diving into Diets.
Supporting Materials:
University of Arkansas PDF
AgriFood Lab in Canada PDF
What would cause 15 head of freshly weaned calves to spontaneously die 36 hours after processing? Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White work through this case of Tox Talk to find the answer.
Join Dr. Brain Lubbers and Dr. Brad White for this week’s episode of Bovine Science with BCI, as they walk through the paper titled: Impact of the veterinary feed directive on Ohio cattle operations.
If you have a paper you would like to hear discussed send the BCI team an email at bci@ksu.edu.
Prebreeding exams on heifers. Are they important and what should you look for? Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss all of this and more on this episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Determining potential pregnancy status differences based on a new method of yearling heifer prebreeding examination
A deterministic, dynamic systems model of cow–calf production: The effects of breeding replacement heifers before mature cows over a 10-year horizon
Beef Heifer Development
Heifer Development: Reproduction and Nutrition
Heifer calving date positively influences calf weaning weights through six parturitions
Today on Bovine Science with BCI we’re talking about Supplementation Plans. Join Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White on this episode of Diving into Diets!
What would cause three down cows and nine vaginal and rectal prolapses? Dr. Scott Fritz and Dr. Brad White work through this case today on Bovine Science with BCI.
Dr. Brian Lubber and Dr. Brad White discuss the paper titled: Comparison of two distinct arrival and treatment programs for bovine respiratory disease in high-risk feeder cattle entering a feedlot.
Listen to this week’s episode of Herd Health to hear Dr. Robert Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss the differences in dominance and libido when it comes to bull breeding.
Discussed Papers:
Calving distributions of individual bulls in multiple-sire pastures
Predicting bull behavior events in a multiple-sire pasture with video analysis, accelerometers, and classification algorithms
Value of improving pregnancy distribution
Listen to this week’s case of Tox Talk to discover what went wrong when 200 head of bred cows were turned out on corn stalks in late fall.
We’ve discussed cool season grasses and grazing. Now listen to Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White discuss warm season grasses and grazing on the second episode of Diving into Diets!
Can you solve this case? Join Dr. Scott Fritz, a board certified toxicologist, and Dr. Brad White as they walk through a toxicology case on this week’s episode of Tox Talk!
Join Dr. Brain Lubbers and Dr. Brad Larson as they discuss the paper titled: A mixed treatment comparison meta-analysis of metaphylaxis treatments for bovine respiratory disease in beef cattle.
Find the discussed paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28380607/
Hear from Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White as they walk through bull selection and preparation research on this week’s episode of Bovine Science with BCI.
Join Dr. Phillip Lancaster and Dr. Brad White as they discuss cool season grasses and grazing on the first episode of Diving into Diets.
Hear from Dr. Scott Fritz, a board certified toxicologist, and Dr. Brad White as they work through a toxicology case.
Listen to the first episode of After the Abstract, with Dr. Brian Lubbers and Dr. Brad White, as they discuss the paper titled: Systematic evaluation of scientific research for clinical relevance and control of bias to improve clinical decision-making.
Find the discussed paper here:
https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/247/5/javma.247.5.496.xml
Welcome to Bovine Science with BCI! We are excited to have you listening and look forward to the release of our first episode on December 5, 2022.