Feeding yeast can be a valuable part of a well-designed dairy feeding program. Primary end effects include the reduction of stress, improvement of performance, and improvement in gut and overall animal health. Since there are a fairly large number of different types of yeast products on the market, it is important to carefully research which products may be the most effective and economical for any given dairy.

As the field of cattle science progresses, we delve deeper into a previously unexplored domain: the ruminant gut microbiome. Each animal hosts a distinct set of organisms, many of which remain unknown in terms of their specific functions and interactions.

It’s no secret: Feed has always accounted for, by far, the biggest production expense of beef cattle production.

If cows could just tell us when they get an upset tummy, maybe we could help them get through the episode without a hitch. Before we can discuss rumen dysfunction, we need to understand what normal rumen function looks like.

Rumen health is the cornerstone of a successful cow-calf operation, impacting calf health, maternal performance, feed utilization and, ultimately, economic profitability.

The dry period is a time of rest and relaxation for the dairy cow. While her body continues to finish growing a calf, other organs are recovering from the lactation that has just been completed and preparing for another year of milk production.

This is quickly shaping up to be a year that all cattle producers, both big and small, won’t forget any time soon. As sale barns across the country begin to crush previous record highs in calf prices, the decision to keep or sell the 2023 calf crop will be weighing heavy on every producer’s mind.

By optimizing nutrition, maintaining optimal rumen health, utilizing genetics and breeding strategies, and focusing on good cow comfort and management practices, producers can significantly improve milkfat production.

The transition from summer to fall can bring tremendous uncertainty for beef cattle producers. The shorter day length not only signals the coming cooler weather, but also the end of the growing season for most forages, especially warm-season grasses.