The growth of animal welfare concerns among today’s consumers will create more demand for analgesic care given to livestock, including more requirements from meat-packing organizations.

Most bodily functions are controlled by the endocrine system, which uses chemicals and hormones (chemical messengers) that are released into the bloodstream from glands.

With rain reaching most of cattle country, drought-impacted cattle and pasture areas of the U.S. have improved substantially compared with this time last year. This year, producers face improved winter grazing conditions compared with past years. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service’s (NASS) Crop Progress and Condition report, soil moisture levels in North Texas, for example, indicate promising conditions for winter wheat (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service).

Thinking of attending this year’s NCBA Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, Texas?

Is two better than one? Or is calving twins double the trouble? Whatever the case, raising twins or multiple calves can bring a whole new set of challenges to an operation.

For some the “spring” calving season is upon them, although the calendar still says it is winter. For others, the start of the spring calving season is still several months away. The value of calves under current market conditions is amazing, with baby calves bringing close to the same amount of dollars today a weaned calf would bring just five years ago.

Harvest is that special time of year where you get to reap the benefits of a year’s worth of work. So what does that have to do with calving cows?

Birthweight is an important indicator of calf survivability, according to David R. Smith of Mississippi State University. “Both heavy and light (compared to normal) newborn calves are more likely to have complications during or shortly after birth.”

The most expensive health problem facing the cattle industry is bovine respiratory disease (BRD), or shipping fever.