BeefWatch Archive

Beefwatch Archive

To read articles prior to September 2017, please visit the article archive on UNL Announce.
Monday, April 8, 2024

Heifer Harmony: Optimal Management for Heifers in the Feedlot

Heifers that are not retained as replacement females for breeding often find their home in the feedlot, with heifers comprising approximately 37% of total cattle on feed in the US during a normal cattle cycle. The US is currently experiencing a tightening beef cow herd due to the ongoing drought conditions experienced by many of the cow/calf producing states. Not only has the US culled nearly 10% of the cow herd since 2020, but replacement heifer retention is low, with an elevated number of heifers making their way into the feedlot, representing nearly 40% of cattle on feed (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service). With greater heifer placement in the feedlot, managing feedlot heifers to ensure their health, well-being, and optimal growth is key for feedlot sector profitability.
syringes in a syringe cooler
Friday, April 5, 2024

Best practices for needle selection, use and care in cattle health

Disposable hypodermic needles are a necessary tool in maintaining cattle health. They provide a convenient and economical route to deliver products to animals in a safe and effective manner. Understanding when and how to use them are key components in a herd health protocol.
Thursday, April 4, 2024

UNL contributes to the identification of new genetic defects in cattle

University of Nebraska — Lincoln researchers have recently identified two new genetic mutations, delayed blindness in Herefords, and bovine familial convulsions and ataxia (BFCA) in Angus cattle.

Understanding and identifying genetic mutations allows beef producers to make breeding decisions that avoid producing cattle affected by those mutations. Working toward that goal, UNL researchers have spent years studying genomics, identifying mutations and developing tests to help producers make those decisions.

Anna Kobza
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Kobza finds own path in industry, now recognized as Trailblazer by NCBA

Lincoln, Neb. —It was the kindness of a family friend that helped Anna Kobza find her way into the agriculture industry by loaning two heifers for a 4-H project one summer. Ever since, Kobza has paved her own way in the industry to learn everything she could about beef production. Today, Kobza is pursuing an animal science doctoral degree while advocating for the beef industry via Instagram, where she has more than 90,000 followers.

Dr Rick Funston with cattle
Monday, April 1, 2024

Western Livestock Journal: The Viewpoint with Rick Funston

Dr. Rick Funston has been an integral figure over the years in the study and advancement of cattle reproductive physiology. Rick grew up on a farming and ranching operationin central North Dakota before obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal science from North Dakota State University and Montana State University, and a doctorate in reproductive biology from the University of Wyoming.
Vaccination at branding
Monday, April 1, 2024

Relieving Stress around the Branding Pen

Spring calving brings the promise of working calves, and in some areas of the state, branding season. Following is the challenge of gathering enough help at the right times to ensure proper vaccination, castration, and the other complements to our herd health programs. Priorities during this event typically include people safety and minimization of cattle stress.
Monday, April 1, 2024

Three-State Beef Conference Recap — Recordings now available

 The Three-State Beef Conference provides essential updates on cow-calf and stocker topics to beef cattle producers and industry stakeholders. With specialists from leading beef cattle land grant universities—University of Nebraska, University of Missouri, and Iowa State University—alongside insights from industry experts, the conference serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Using technology to monitor water on the ranch

Water is often a limiting resource when considering both animal and grazing management. Checking water levels can often account for a considerable proportion of time and labor costs, especially when water sources are few and far between or during extreme weather events. Producers who are looking to minimize time spent checking water may consider investing in one of many modern water monitoring solutions. Many options are available based on needs, product features, budget, and connectivity concerns. For simplicity’s sake, we will start with the most basic options and work our way up.
Monday, March 25, 2024

New guide helps beef producers maximize the value of cull cows

A new resource developed by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and CattleFax helps cattle producers maximize profitability from their culling decisions. “Right Way. Right Time. – A Guide to Cull Cattle Management” is now available at www.ncba.org.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Vitamin A levels at calving can have a big impact on calf health

Vitamin A is one of the most important keys to a healthy immune system in newborn calves. Colostrum is the only way calves can get the vitamin A they need to fight off bacteria that will make them sick, said Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska—Lincoln beef systems specialist and associate professor. But not all colostrum contains enough vitamin A, and recent research suggests that “enough” is more than previously thought.