July 20, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 7
Resiliency is a word used to describe someone or something that can overcome difficulties at a quick rate. It directly translates to producing cattle in arid climates where ranchers are looking for resilient cows — ones that are going to contribute a calf year after year even when the environment surrounding them is tough.
Internal parasites impair production by increasing maintenance energy costs and diet digestibility, reducing feed intake, and increasing activity of the immune system. They affect profitability of beef cattle operations much more than most of us really think. Research shows weaning weights can be increased by more than 30 pounds and pregnancy rates by more than 10% by deworming cows in the spring and again in midsummer.
There are a lot of details in cattle nutrition, and it’s OK to admit you can’t explain all of them, even if you understand the general concept.
July 6, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 7
“I’ll be frank. This is something that I have never really opened up about,” says Drew DeSutter, a fourth-generation farmer and Angus cow-calf rancher from west-central Illinois, of his bouts with anxiety and depression.
As the year progresses many producers look to move cattle to alternative pasture. Unfortunately, certain weather conditions, including drought or frosts, can set up some plants in the sorghum family, including Johnsongrass, to become toxic. Even after limited grazing, prussic acid may cause deaths. Prussic accid is also known as hydrocyanic acid or cyanide. A classic call to the veterinarian is, “My cattle are dropping like flies.”
Trevor Tuell, director of strategic beef business with Diamond V, explains in this video ways to optimize gut health for commercial operations. He sees the future of nutrition is improving gut health, and discusses ways to do so now.
In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.
Angus Proud: Scott SproulOklahoma operation learned wisdom of moving calving season to better suit their marketing needs.
Angus Proud: Bubba CrosbyFall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.
Angus Proud: Jim MooreArkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.
Angus Proud: Stephen ShinerIdaho operation rotates pastures in summer and raises crops for winter.
Angus Proud: Brian NusbaumAngus cattle fit cattleman’s marketing goals and helped him set out on his own.
Angus Proud: Les ShawSouth Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.
Angus Proud: Jeremy StevensNebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.
Angus Proud: Dave RutanAngus breeder gets the most out of his bull investment by partnering with opposite calving-season operation.
Angus Proud: Nickey SmithAngusLink helps Louisiana cattleman gain more for his calves.
Angus Proud: Mike MossOperation’s nontraditional start lends to creativity and conservation efforts.
