After more than 15 years of practicing in a large-animal clinic, a veterinarian pinpoints three herd health issues on which producers can take action to add pounds to their calves and efficiency to their operations.

Making a calf crop stand out to buyers is critical for profitability and long-term success, regardless of an operation’s size. While smaller farms may feel disadvantaged by these efforts, they can significantly enhance their calves’ appeal and secure higher prices using simple but often overlooked methods.

Pinkeye in cattle presents a significant challenge for producers, impacting animal performance and requiring costly and time-consuming treatments. Vaccination against pinkeye is crucial in a producer's prevention strategy, alongside effective fly, weed and dust control with appropriate trace mineral supplementation.

This month's new products rollout includes products from Envu, Virbac and more.

Reproductive efficiency is a key driver of profitability in a cow-calf operation, since females that don’t conceive still consume resources without producing a return. Several factors influence pregnancy outcomes, including animal health, nutrition, stress and adherence to estrus synchronization protocols.

The calendar never lies. While it may feel like New Year’s celebrations have scarcely fizzled, the calf crop is on the ground, the winter feed supply is dwindling, and patches of green grass are beckoning.

With herd size looking toward growth, heifer development will continue to be increasingly important. Management, parasite control and herd immunity are key components of raising healthy heifers.

As we move into spring, beef cattle producers are carrying out seasonal management tasks to prepare for grazing season. By now, many have either already begun or are getting ready for branding of calves and spring processing of cows. During the long but enjoyable days of gathering, sorting and processing, it is important to keep a few things in mind.