A Lactating Cow’s Needs

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When does a cow have the most nutritional needs? Before she calves, and after. That’s according to Bill Doig, regional livestock specialist at the University of Missouri Extension.

Pasture Fed Beef

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Finishing cattle on grass is nothing new. Rotational or management intensive grazing has been around for at least 200 years. As recently as the 90s in the Ozarks, many dairies were still pasture based. But in efforts to increase production, operations began to “move the feed to the cow.”

Culling for Resistance

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In any animal herd, culling for parasite resistance can be a beneficial and cost effective practice. Mike McClintock, Boone County Cooperative Extension Agent for the University of Arkansas Department of Agriculture Extension is familiar with the purposes and benefits behind culling for parasite resistance in a goat herd. Internal parasite management, especially of the round worm, nematode and stomach worm, is a primary concern for many sheep and goat producers. These parasites have become more difficult to manage because they have developed resistance to most available dewormers.

Dead Animal Disposal

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With the December 2008 closing of the Halfway Packing Company, in Halfway, Mo., many livestock producers were left with the realization, there's no 'dead wagon' to come by anymore. This was reiterated in a recent Springfield News-Leader front page article, complete with glamorous dead cow photo. It is important for livestock producers to understand their new responsibility in keeping with regulations on dead animal disposal, especially with the public eye turned in the producer's direction.

Is High-Density Grazing For You?

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Put 200 cow/calf pairs on a couple of acres of pasture. A few hours later the grass is eaten or heavily trampled. Not a pretty sight. Yet this ultra high stock density (UHSD) grazing approach, also known as mob grazing, is working for some cattle operations with stock densities as high as 500,000 lbs. per acre.

Respiratory Problems?

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When it comes to Bovine Respiratory Disease Complex, it’s important to use all the weapons at your disposal… because the bugs have got you outnumbered.

Necessary Supplements

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In the current economic situation — when saving money is a must — it is tempting for cattle producers to forgo providing supplements to help boost their bottom line. 

Freeze Branding

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It’s true that some like it hot, but when it comes to permanent identification, freeze branding can be a practical and humane way to mark animals.

Making the Bull Purchase

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Adding a purebred bull to a cattle farmers' inventory is undoubtedly a way to enhance production. But there are numerous factors to consider when mulling over the idea of purchasing a bull. Dona Funk, a University of Missouri Extension Livestock Specialist, said that the most important consideration in a bull purchase is knowing what the needs are for your herd. She recommends determining the goals of the herd. "Are you trying to improve something like milking ability or growth rate?" she asked. Aim for purchasing a well rounded bull — but one that will enhance areas of weakness within your farming operation. She also recommends looking through online or print catalogs, and doing your research before ever arriving at a sale.

Pelvic Measurements

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When it comes to calving ease, your chances are better if your cow's pelvis is the right size. "The data nationally would indicate still that anywhere from a low of 18 percent to a high of 28 percent of first-calf heifers have to be assisted at calving," David Patterson, professor of animal science and beef reproduction specialist for the University of Missouri Extension said. "And a high percentage of those assisted births are because either the calf is too big or the pelvic area is too small, or it's a combination of the two."
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