Latest updates

Does barley feed result in more flavorful beef?

Producer Question from 2009

Q:  Have read that barley fed to beef cattle results in more flavorful beef. As corn is generally used, is there any truth to feeding barley over corn for better product flavor? (November 9, 2009)

How much Johnson grass will kill a cow after hard freeze?

Producer Question from 2009

Q: After a hard freeze how much Johnson grass will kill a cow? And is there any other grass that is toxic after a freeze? (December 8, 2009)

Can cows give off false heat after breeding?

Producer Question from 2009

Q:  I turned my bull out May 15, 2009 with the cows. Last nite (Dec. 8th) I was putting hay out and noticed my bull was following a few cows around and trying to ride them. The cows he was following appear to be heavy bred (vision only). I haven't had them palpated or anything, though. My question is can cows give off a false heat after they are bred? (December 11, 2009)

Expected gain from steers on cornstalks and supplement?

Producer Question from 2009

Q:  What kind of gain can I expect from 400-500 lb steers grazing cornstalks this winter utilizing a 38% (DM) CP supplement consumed at 2-3 lbs /hd/d? These would be good crossbred genetics. (December 11, 2009)

Danger in cattle ingestion of plastic net wrap?

Producer Question from 2009

Q: Is cattle ingestion of plastic net wrap more harmful than plastic twine? (December 11, 2009)

A:  I am not aware of any data. The following is an observation by our extension veterinarian.

What happens to twine that's eaten? Well, some of it passes completely through the digestive tract and ends up in manure. But a large amount of it can end up as a tangled up ball that gets stuck in the rumen, especially the plastic twine.

OK to feed protein cubes instead of hay?

Producer Question from 2009

Q:  I have been told that it is less costly and just as beneficial to feed protein cubes to my herd instead of hay. Can you tell me how many pounds of 20% protein cubes I would need to feed per week to keep my late-term cows in their current body condition or if this is even a good or bad idea? My cows weigh 1000 to 1150 pounds. (December 15, 2009)