Buddy Westphal has been raising registered Charolais near Polson, Montana, for several decades, producing bulls for commercial cattlemen.

As we learn more about the genetics of cattle and gain the tools to find specific genes that affect various traits and differences in animals, we are developing the ability to test individuals and select for (or against) certain traits.

Lice are a common winter problem in cattle, especially in northern climates with cold weather and short winter days.

Know practical steps to handle calving emergencies You hope every cow or heifer calves without problems, but occasionally emergencies occur that demand attention.

Genetics and certain indicators can reveal when calves arrive Length of pregnancy is generally estimated at about 283 days, but very few cows calve on their due date.

Minerals are essential nutrients. Sodium, chlorine and potassium help maintain fluid balances in the body and blood.

Pregnancy testing of beef cows is generally done by rectal palpation, but many veterinarians also use ultrasound. The newest techniques include extension-arm ultrasound (a probe that doesn’t have to be taken into the rectum by hand or arm) and blood tests. Both of these technologies are easier on the person doing the testing – and the blood samples can be taken by the rancher.

The rattlesnake is the most common poisonous snake in the U.S. and part of a larger family called pit vipers – which include the water moccasin, copperhead and cottonmouth. All of these can be dangerous to livestock.

Heat stress – and subsequent loss of production from lower weight gain (and death loss) – costs cattle producers millions of dollars each summer.

Rotation grazing enables stockmen to increase the health, productivity and stocking rates on pastures by giving plants periodic rest for regrowth before grazing them again.