We’ve all seen it! If you haven’t seen it, you’re probably not feeding ensiled crops to ruminants. What is “it”? Top-layer spoilage: that rind of discolored, decomposing feed often laden with yeasts, molds and mycotoxins on the top of your silage bunker or pile.

A cow’s plane of health and nutrition can have a lasting and profound impact on her offspring throughout their lives, too.

When it comes to feeding the world, cattle have a starring role. At the same time, they play a part in the emission of methane, one of the three major greenhouse gases. Neither fact can be ignored.

Recent research suggests that beef-on-dairy steers fed a low-starch total mixed ration at a younger age will continue to increase in feed intake and growth longer than those receiving different diets. 

It’s commonly known in the cattle industry that BRD is the most costly illness affecting cattle in North America. Despite extensive research and treatment efforts over the years, it continues to lead to high rates of sickness and death among cattle.

There’s no bigger reward in this industry than capitalizing on the decisions of last year, but like the tax collector, don’t pay attention to your herd in arrears. Now is the time to begin thinking of next year’s calf crop.

Building immunity in feedlot cattle requires a holistic focus that begins long before an animal reaches the feedlot.

Nutritional management plays a central role in promoting the health, productivity and reproductive success of beef cattle.

Mineral mixes and supplements can be formulated with several trace mineral sources, each with advantages and disadvantages. There are some commonly held perceptions around trace minerals and their “benefits” that need attention in order to optimize performance, health and feed costs.

The way in which beef producers manage the tasks of "housing" and watering and feeding their cattle during the winter will have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of the herd.