Ensuring the health and productivity of starter cattle is a complex challenge. One of the critical aspects of managing this is understanding and supporting their immune systems, especially during the stressful transition from pasture to backgrounder or feedlot.

Rumen health is the cornerstone of a successful cow-calf operation, impacting calf health, maternal performance, feed utilization and, ultimately, economic profitability.

Beef producers continually search for ways to improve their operations and bottom lines. One tool worthy of consideration is creep feeding calves.

While conventional feedlot operators have benefited from the use of ionophores in the diet, producers feeding all-natural cattle are generally handcuffed from utilizing ionophores and other antibiotics.

It’s that time of year when many producers will begin weaning calves, and new cattle will be entering stocker and feedlot operations. During this stretch, stress is the number one issue that will influence health and performance.

Profitability is basically the difference between income and expenses. In today’s world of tight margins, producers should be looking at their own balance sheet now more than ever to make sure they are making smart decisions that can impact either end (income or expense) of the equation.

Nutritional inadequacies and digestive disorders in beef cattle can result in poor animal health, lowered production and even animal losses.