Without hard data, it’s challenging to truly evaluate ration changes with your nutritionist, review trends in rumination data with your veterinarian or plan management adjustments with confidence.

In recent years, researchers have discovered that heat stress affects the gut at a very basic level. This has led to a growing interest in nutritional strategies that support gut health, with probiotics emerging as a promising tool to help cows better cope with high temperatures.

Instead of ignoring low rumination alerts, understanding what may be causing them is key before taking action. Establishing management practices to support individual animals and prevent rumination drops on herd and group levels can make a big difference.

Recent research from multiple labs suggests some of the most expensive stressors cows experience are the ones we don’t see.

We’ve made it through a tough winter, and calving season is winding down. If you’re like me, you’ve been looking forward to spring. It’s almost time to turn cows out on lush, green pastures as we start pondering the mating decisions for the breeding season. But as you know, our herd is entering the most critical nutritional point of the production cycle.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Although Benjamin Franklin was referring to fire prevention when he wrote that phrase, the same phrase can have literal implications when it comes to saving pounds through scours prevention in calves.

A calf’s gut is a blank slate at birth, but bacterial microbes quickly establish themselves within the first weeks of life. During this narrow window, the calf’s gastrointestinal (GI) tract is rapidly colonized by bacteria from equipment, colostrum and bedding – both beneficial as well as harmful.

Few seasons on the ranch inspire more optimism than calving time. With calf prices at historic highs, every live and healthy calf represents not just an animal, but a major financial asset.

In the dynamic world of animal nutrition, the challenges facing livestock production are no longer just about maximizing output. Today, producers must navigate a complex web of sustainability goals, regulatory constraints, consumer expectations and animal welfare concerns.