Selenium (Se) was discovered in 1818, but its role in animal nutrition wasn’t understood until the 1950s, when Se was identified as an essential nutrient. Selenium is thought of as a trace or micromineral in beef cattle diets.

The Edwards Plateau ecoregion of central Texas is an elevated area originally formed from marine deposits of sandstone, limestone, shales and dolomites 100 million years ago when this region was covered by ocean.

Beef cattle managers deal with animal variation routinely for a variety of traits and issues. Many people may assume that management would be better if there was no animal variability.

For cow-calf producers, there are certain periods that determine an operation’s profitability. Failure to manage the nutrition of the cow herd during these critical times can hurt productivity in ways producers often do not think about.

Sire selection does not need to be overwhelming or complex. Centuries of work by geneticists and statisticians have allowed for the development of tools that help producers make decisions relative to the next bull you purchase; do not ignore them.

Silage storage and feedout dry matter losses not only deal a wallop to the wallet; they also negatively affect the nutritional value of the remaining silage.

Properly selecting and developing replacement heifers can have large impacts on the economics of a cow herd. We have known for 50 years how to select replacement heifers.

My son Paul recently came home from a trip to Bulgaria. He has had a hard transition into American culture ever since he was a boy. He started his life on the streets of Varna, Bulgaria, where his gypsy ancestors spent their days.

Heterosis (hybrid vigor) has great value in beef production. Research shows 25 percent more pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed to a bull when crossbred cows produce crossbred calves.

Key Ranch Solutions of Twin Falls, Idaho, is announcing its exclusive rights as the U.S. distributor of Vizitags, reflective ear tags for the cattle and sheep industry.