Dairy health : article
STOCKTON, Mo. – “As spring and lush grass growth arrives cattle producers need to plan for prevention of grass tetany,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Ways to replace toxic tall fescue pastures keep improving as renovations move across the Fescue Belt from Missouri to Georgia.
Five grazing schools in five states in March will clarify a complex system, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Lexi Angelo earned high individual honors at the State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest held Aug. 17 at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
SEDALIA, Mo.—Many Missouri producers are asking if it is safe to use soybeans for livestock forage. The topic was brought up repeatedly by attendees at the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Start stockpiling fescue mid-August for healthier and more profitable cattle, says University of Missouri Extension forage specialist Craig Roberts.Stockpiling fescue saves time and money by reducing the need to feed hay.
MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Cold weather has moved into Missouri quickly with no plans of leaving soon, according to forecasts.
As a fourth-generation cattle farmer, Jared Decker knows that cattle suffer from health and productivity issues when they are taken from one environment--which the herd has spent generations adapting to--to a place with a different climate, a different elevation or even different grass.
Cold snaps can trigger fescue foot in cattle grazing toxic fescue, leading to lameness and hoof loss. Early detection helps prevent losses.
High heat and humidity after a wet spring increase ergot risk in tall fescue, posing dangers to livestock and humans.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Summertime brings factors that lead to anaplasmosis in cattle operations,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist. Anaplasmosis can affect cattle operation performance due to calf abortions, decreased weight gain, bull infertility and animal…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Drought increases the chance of nitrate poisoning and prussic acid poisoning. High concentrations in plants and water can harm or even kill animals.
Control poison hemlock early using herbicides or mowing to protect livestock from its toxic effects.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Newly made spring hay finally being baled in June may be toxic for cattle. Hold off on feeding new hay, says Craig Roberts, University of Missouri Extension forage specialist.The longer the hay can be stored after baling, the less toxic it becomes.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – To reduce fescue foot, a long-used plan to feed winter hay after grazing down fall pastures should be changed. A University of Missouri Extension forage specialist says it’s backwards. Feed hay first; then graze stockpiled winter pastures.
Fescue foot threatens Missouri cattle during cold spells. Learn warning signs, prevention steps, and pasture solutions to protect herds.
It’s the time of year when flies and ticks start becoming a problem for cattle, and they can be more than just a nuisance. “These external parasites not only cause irritation and stress but also reduce production efficiency and serve as vectors for certain cattle diseases,” said Craig Payne,…
Frost seeding legumes boosts pasture yield and quality, reduces fertilizer needs, and supports livestock health and grazing profits.
STOCKTON, Mo. – Add legumes to grazing pastures to improve cow performance, soil health and forage production, says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist in Cedar County.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – High nitrogen prices make it especially important to consider frost seeding legumes this winter, says University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts.
Learn how to protect dairy cows from heat stress with cooling, nutrition, and reproductive management strategies.
Learn how hair shedding scores help identify cattle with heat tolerance, improving herd productivity, profitability, and sustainable management.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many beef and dairy calves will be born in the next three months. As spring calving season approaches, University of Missouri Extension experts stress the importance of properly caring for newborn calves.
Johnsongrass is spreading in northwest Missouri's crops and pastures. Experts recommend early fall herbicide applications and integrated control methods.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Adding poultry litter or nitrogen to toxic fescue pastures grows more grass, but also boosts toxins in the grass.
Check fescue seed labels to ensure healthy livestock and long-lasting pastures with the right novel-endophyte seed.
Foot rot in cattle can lead to lameness and decreased profitability. Prevention includes proper hoof care and adequate trace minerals.
Learn how to manage ergot infestations in pastures to protect livestock health. Tips on mowing, haymaking, and recognizing symptoms of ergot poisoning.
Learn management strategies to reduce pink eye in cattle, including fly control, pasture care, and preventive treatments.
Learn strategies to prevent and manage pinkeye in cattle, including fly control, vaccination, and early detection.
Missouri dairy producers face drought and heat challenges, adjusting feed and herd management to protect cows and maintain milk production.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension, Missouri Dairy Association and Multimin USA will hold the 2018 Missouri Dairy Profit Seminar at five locations throughout the state Feb. 19-23, said MU Extension veterinarian Scott Poock.
MOUNTAIN GROVE, Mo. – With spring calving season underway, producers want as many healthy calves on the ground as possible.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension dairy team cautions producers to practice elevated biosecurity in light of a recent disease outbreak in Texas dairy country, in and near the Texas Panhandle from Dalhart to Lubbock.
The MU College of Veterinary Medicine recently launched five on-demand continuing education courses for veterinarians providing practical education in food animal medicine and production. Learners can complete modules at their own pace while earning up 0.5 hours of CE credit per course.
Explore essential vaccination strategies for cow-calf operations, covering key diseases, vaccine types, and sample schedules to enhance herd health.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri dairy farmers are urged to protect their dairy herds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus as the USDA and other federal agencies investigate an illness among dairy cows in seven other states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina…
Foremost Dairy boosts calf health with top-quality colostrum, lowering scours, pneumonia, and mortality.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy veterinarian Scott Poock has developed a spreadsheet to track and evaluate colostrum management data in dairy calves.
Obtain a CVI to ensure animals are healthy and safe for shows, preventing disease and meeting veterinary requirements.
Veterinary students apply campus research on dairy farms to improve milk quality, herd health, and farm efficiency.
Research shows targeted synchronization can improve fertility and reproductive success in dairy cows that calve late in the season.
Calves housed in pairs may boost social development and learning, though paired setups require more management and raise disease-control costs.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy veterinarian Scott Poock says three types of flies cause economic damage and discomfort in cattle.Typically appearing in spring, horn flies, face flies and stable flies carried over to summer this year due to hot, humid weather.
Drought increases livestock risk from toxic perilla mint, causing breathing issues and death in cattle and small ruminants.
Plan ahead as many livestock antibiotics will soon require a veterinarian’s prescription under new FDA rules.
Perilla mint is a toxic plant that can harm livestock. To control it, apply broadleaf herbicides between April and June before seed set
Learn strategies to protect cattle from heat stress, including providing shade, fresh water, and proper ventilation to maintain animal health.
Learn simple strategies such as shade, fans and water to keep dairy herds cool and sustain milk output under heat pressure.
Colostrum, the first milk produced by a cow’s mammary glands after giving birth, is liquid gold for baby calves. The thick, nutrient-rich fluid provides essential nourishment and crucial immunity in the form of antibodies to newborn calves in the first 24 hours of life.
Summer is a good time to review how to prevent disease from coming onto your farm, says University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist Chloe Collins.
STOCKTON, Mo. – “Bull breeding soundness exams (BSEs) are important to make sure bulls are ready for the upcoming breeding season,” says Patrick Davis, University of Missouri Extension livestock field specialist.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With high costs of feed for wintering cows, herd owners should consider adding monensin to grain supplements for winter forages. The additive, trade name Rumensin, controls coccidiosis, a disease caused by intestinal parasites.
Cattle rid their bodies of heat in three ways: radiation, convection and evaporation. “If your cattle can’t use all three methods, they’ll overheat fast,” says University of Missouri Extension state beef nutrition specialist Eric Bailey. Summer heat knocks weight off calves and pounds off milk,…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state forage specialist Craig Roberts says now is the time to check for ergot in the seed heads of grasses.
Starting June 11, 2023, certain livestock antibiotics will require a veterinary prescription, ending over-the-counter sales. Plan ahead with a vet.
Poison hemlock is highly toxic to livestock and humans. Learn how to identify, control, and prevent risks from this dangerous plant.