Managing the beef cow herd through cold stress
The University of Nebraska has a valuable article addressing important considerations for meeting beef cow needs during cold spells.
Climate & Heat Stress
Implementing measures to mitigate the impact of extreme weather and heat on cattle productivity, including shade, water, and even forage production.
Articles
Keep Cattle Cool and Comfortable in Summer
Introduction The latest long-range forecasts from the National Weather Service show that Wisconsin has a 40% to 50% chance of a hotter-than-normal summer. Long periods of heat stress are more likely to have lasting effects on cattle, including early embryonic loss in heifers and cows, poor semen quality in bulls, and reduced gains in feeder […]
Options for feeding the beef cow herd when hay supplies are short
Management options that a spring-calving cow herd may consider to get through the winter feeding season when hay is in short supply. The examples given use general assumptions because options and costs vary from farm to farm and over time.
Corn silage opportunities and considerations for drought-stressed corn
Beef cow-calf producers are feeling the pinch of low pasture and hay yields due to drought conditions across the state. Corn silage is another feed source that can be used to help meet the herd’s nutritional needs.
Methane emissions from livestock and climate change
In the increasing discussions about how to address climate change there are conflicting claims about the need to address methane (CH4) emissions. Some people argue that methane emitted by cows is a primary cause of climate change. Others argue that methane from beef and dairy production is not of much concern because of its relatively short duration in the atmosphere.
Drought decisions for cow/calf herds
Rainfall through the heart of the Midwest and for most producers across Wisconsin has been a topic to avoid this past spring and summer. Hot summer days were not usually followed by stormy afternoons and much-needed rainfall.
Drought resources for livestock producers
Rainfall has been scarce in Wisconsin this growing season with most parts of the state in moderate to severe drought. While some parts of the state have recently received some much-needed rain, forage yield has already been reduced and we don’t know what the rest of the growing season will bring.
Manage feeding to help cattle handle cold stress
Good winter management practices contribute to healthy cattle, reasonable feed costs, and long-term productivity of the beef cow herd. There will be times during the winter when it will be necessary to adjust the ration to help cows through cold conditions.
Be Ready to Reduce Heat Stress in Cattle this Summer
There is no question that heat stress can negatively impact animal performance. For feedlot cattle heat stress reduces daily gains, negatively impacts feed efficiency and can lower dressing percent. Cow-calf producers could expect greater embryonic loss in the first few weeks after conception due to heat stress. High temperatures could also impact semen quality in […]
Winter Management of your Beef Herd
This article was recently published in Wisconsin Agriculturist Magazine In Wisconsin, winter is a fact of life in which severe cold temperatures, wind chills, and blowing and drifting snow are common occurrences. Cattle can adapt to cold temperatures and maintain condition if provided the appropriate nutrition and environmental protections. Let’s take a look at some […]
