Blister beetles, known as meloids to entomologists, are insects that naturally contain a toxin, known as cantharidin. Poisoning caused by blister beetles is rare, but being aware of these insects and their potential impacts is worthwhile for owners of horses or other livestock.
Feed cost is usually ranked as the highest expense in animal production. Proper management of feed storage can prevent feed shrink – or the loss of feed. Reducing feed shrink in storage can help decrease the cost of production.
Culling decisions are a routine part of beef cow-calf herd management. Producers should make culling decisions based on what is best for their farm’s profitability, and what is best for animal well-being. This article covers some of the decisions every beef herd needs to make.
Preconditioning is a management practice that many producers implement to increase buyer interest and add value to their feeder calves by building the health status of calves and training them to feed bunks and waterers post weaning.
Learn about the various stages in the life of a hen in this edition of Small Flock Nuggets.
Learn how to determine if an egg is “good” or “bad” and what attributes determine egg quality in this edition of Small Flock Nuggets.
If your pastures have an abundance of biennial or perennial weeds like spotted knapweed, wild parsnip, thistles, Canada thistle, and horsenettle, then fall is a good time to get a handle on these tough to control weeds.
There are various castration methods, and it is recommended that castrations be performed in calves at the youngest age possible, preferably within three months of age. Using a proper castration procedure on a young calf can add more beef value at the time of marketing.
Horned cattle are discounted in beef markets. Using polled genetics is the best way to avoid having to remove horns. Beef genetics are often polled, but cross breeding with dairy cattle may result in horns. Monitor beef or beef x dairy crossbred calves during their first six weeks of life for the growth of horn buds and disbud immediately as they are identified.
Respectable preconditioning programs focus on health AND nutrition. The goal of these programs is to help calves succeed during their next phase of production at the feedlot, stocker, or heifer development facility.
