Protein Producers Spring 2024

PROTEI N prod ucers

We see solutions where others can’t.

Advanced diagnostics look deeper to solve tough herd health issues.

Newport Laboratories, Inc. takes the guesswork out of finding solutions for your complex herd health issues. Our advanced diagnostics allow us to see the exact issues hiding in your herd so we can create a customized vaccine or recommend the appropriate combination of commercial vaccines.

Talk to your Newport Laboratories representative or visit NewportLabs.com to learn more.

SPONSORS

Thank you to all sponsors for supporting PAC & Protein Producers.

Animal Health International

Bimeda

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA

Daniels Manufacturing Co.

Heinen Pasture Management

Huvepharma

Idexx

Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health –North America

Lallemand Animal Nutrition

Merck Animal Health

MicroTechnologies

Newport Laboratories

United Patriot Coin

Zinpro

FRONT COVER PHOTO CREDIT

Thank you to Farming Unlimited for the photo from CX Ranch in Wabaunsee County, Kansas.

EDITORIAL TEAM & PRODUCTION TEAM

Brandi Bain

Mary Elkins

Elizabeth Fecteau

Keli Huddleston

Heather Newell

Lexi Studebaker

Lisa Taylor

Photo Credit: Heather Newell

We want to showcase unique photographs from our readers here!

Please submit your photographs to protein producers @ pacdvms.com

WELCOME

Welcome to the spring issue of Protein Producers! By the time you are reading this, many of you and your neighbors are well into calving season or are gearing up for it. We had a beautiful fall and start to winter here in the Intermountain West. As I write this just after the first of the year, winter has hit with full force and seems to be making up for lost time.

Every year at the New Year, we love to sit down and make New Year’s resolutions. It is the start of a new calendar year and seems like the most natural time to set goals for the upcoming year. No matter what sector of the beef industry we operate in, there are cycles or breaks in what we do, just like a new year, that provide us with the opportunity to sit down and evaluate the previous year or cycle and then make plans and preparations for the next. No matter how you feel about New Year’s resolutions, it is healthy for us and vital for the success of our businesses to pick our heads up and step away from just working in our businesses so we can work on what our businesses and operations need to move forward and improve.

This spring issue is packed full of great articles that will add value and provide timely information to your operation no matter what sector you operate in. For those in the feedlot industry, we have an article on deworming and an article on managing heifers in the feedlot. The stockers will want to pay special attention to the articles on stock grazing basics and animal stewardship. There is a lot of buzz on genomics right now, and there is a great article on genomics in beef cattle. This article will educate cow-calf producers on this new and ever-advancing technology and how it might be implemented to benefit their operations.

We appreciate each and every one of you reading our magazine and wish you a successful and prosperous year.

J.D. Folsom, DVM

Cattle Health and Reproduction

Production Animal Consultation

Rexburg, Idaho

THANK YOU

We want to thank the industry partners, publications and associations who have provided content to Protein Producers Also, a big thank you to our readers for supporting us, offering content and helping us improve each issue. We could not do any of this without all of you!

Disclaimer: The views, opinions and information expressed in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect Production Animal Consultation’s policy or position.

TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH. GET BETTER OUTCOMES.

A lot of the most commonly used respiratory vaccines have been around for decades and haven’t changed at all since being introduced. And unfortunately, neither has the incidence of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). Bimeda Biologicals offers producers and veterinarians looking to better prevent BRD a different path –one that equips their cattle with more complete, real-world protection.

LEADERSHIP

24 Encouraging Hearty Debate in Your Organization

28 Stocker Grazing Basics

FEEDLOT

34 Heifer Harmony: Optimal Management for Heifers in the Feedlot

38 “As Seen on DocTalk”

Toe Abscesses in Feedlot Cattle

34

40 Is Your Deworming Program Working?

24 vaca-becerro ganado en desarrollo 38

40

48

No Permita que su Ganado Sea Victima de las Toxinas:

Una Mirada al Interior de los Casos de Toxicología en el Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas

54 Conceptos Básicos del Pastoreo de Ganado en Desarrollo

CAREGIVER IMPACT ON CATTLE HEALTH, PERFORMANCE, AND WELLBEING

By Tom Noffsinger, DVM, Production Animal Consultation & Lucy Morrissey, Morrissey and Friends Consulting

• Animal wellbeing is founded on positive interactions and building trusting relationships between caregivers and cattle.

• Trusting relationships between animals and caregivers result in positive performance levels, providing the foundation for a holistic system which benefits the whole internal supply chain, i.e., from conception to harvest.

• The positive effect of handling livestock with methods based on handler understanding of cattle behavior inclusive of acclimation and exercise techniques is seen predominately in qualitative measures resulting in quantitative results in health and performance.

• Every human intervention such as calving, processing, weaning, pasture rotation, transportation, and address change is an opportunity to build cattle confidence, health, performance, and wellbeing.

Hypothesis

• Cattle that are exposed to positive human interaction present confidence in showing true health and wellbeing indicators. One of the requirements for successful treatment responses to BRD and lameness issues is early detection of cattle abnormalities. Cattle that have distrust of handlers will hide early signs to avoid predator detection. Cattle that trust caregivers are willing to show signs of lameness or loss of respiratory efficiency very early in disease, allowing for early treatment, fast recovery, and minimal loss of production.

• Cattle that have confidence in human presence are more willing to be guided through husbandry requirements such as processing, sorting, and pen moves. Cattle need to be trained to move single file and they need to know that they can walk by handlers without harm.

• Give the cattle time, and the cattle will yield time back with voluntary flow. When we take the time to introduce cattle to their new environment through positive interaction and guidance toward what they need, their performance will repay us.

• Encouraging innate animal and herd behaviors such as exercise supports the establishment of herd hierarchy and positive comingling and sets routine behaviors and consistent daily routine for key performance influencers such as eating, drinking, resting, and playing.

• Human intervention during a period of change, where a caregiver assists animals to acclimate, will greatly benefit the timeline in which it takes the animal to reach consistent and high performance. A period of change varies in cause and effect and can be as simple as a ration change or pen move, or a more dramatic stressor such as weaning and relocation from ranch to a feedyard in different geographical locations.

• Handlers can interact with an animal’s curiosity to develop a leadership position, then guide the animal through the required actions; first impressions count. Cattle remember the interactions they have with humans being either positive or negative; every interaction can be a positive interaction, regardless of the action. Be willing to lead newly arrived cattle from the scale or unloading area to their new home, and everywhere in between.

• Even at a distance, our eye pressure and its subsequent impact is not to be underestimated. An animal’s survival instinct is founded on its ability to identify a threat and react accordingly. Override your predator instincts; your behavior will result in an animal responding positively to your interaction rather than reacting and fleeing or behaving defensively.

• Holding cattle tight promotes a defensive prey animal feeling of bunching together to protect one another from environmental threats, encouraging their fight and flight behaviors. Don’t crowd cattle; respect their personal space both with your presence and other animals.

• An animal confident in its surroundings will demonstrate free approach to the bunk and feed source and will demonstrate sentient being behaviors such as socializing, intentional exercise, and play, all examples of wellbeing that ensure a highly functioning immune system, healthy digestive system, and constructive ability to deal with minor stressors, returning to a normal and positive state of mind in a timely manner. Reduction of cortisol release induced by hypothalamic influence on adrenal glands is critical to eliminate immunosuppression induced by anxiety. Simple cattle behaviors that send hypothalamic signals to adrenal glands to secrete hormones like dopamine, serotonin, vasopressin, oxytocin, and norepinephrine instead of cortisol include simple cud chewing and expression of exuberance or play.

Methodologies of Effective Productive Stockmanship

• Purpose – Position – Posture: Approach cattle with a clear purpose. Proper position is the key to success and will change every second; correct position involves handler distance, direction, posture, angles, and speed.

• Energy – Momentum – Direction: Adjust handler energy to fit cattle sensitivity and previous handling experiences.

• Applying pressure in a way that sets the animal up for success: Stimulus and release/reward is the key to creating voluntary cattle flow. Proper timing of release rewarding desired movement is monumental to building cattle confidence. Handler presence is the first level of pressure; respect and awareness are key.

• Work on the individual animal to influence the herd: Learn to communicate with influential cattle in the herd. Observe the herd to identify those with robust requests for guidance.

• Be consistent in handler attitude: Handlers with a consistent, positive, confident attitude will achieve high performance through building trust.

• Reward the slightest try: Perfection is not instantaneous; handler patience and confidence will yield perfection.

• Encourage voluntary flow, avoid fear motion: Require cattle to move with purpose because they want to, not because they are forced to.

• Stay out of the blind spot: Avoid being behind cattle; appreciate the peripheral visual field of prey creatures; utilize the edge of the animal’s blind spot to encourage a direction change – they don’t want to lose sight of you! Cattle crave to see you simultaneously with their destination, want to go half around you and travel straight.

• The point of balance is the eye, not the shoulder: Balance your working position off the eye. Cattle can sense pressure directed at all locations on the globe of the eye.

• Introduce yourself to the left eye of cattle during an initial meeting: Optic nerves cross so images from the left eye travel to the right brain that is less reactive or more cognitive than the left brain. Range cattle or sensitive cattle are easier to handle from the left side.

• Work the lead, from the front: Be available to the visual field of cattle; keep their mind directed toward the desired destination.

• Understand the difference between flight zones and working zones: Proper stock handlers expect cattle to “work” for them not flee. Correct position, distance, and attitude draws cattle to the handler. Expect the working zone to continually decrease as cattle gain confidence.

• Cattle are very sensitive to handler movement direction: Handler motion parallel to herd movement stops cattle motion. Handler motion against herd movement speeds cattle flow. Handler motion away from herd flow continues motion; be willing to go wide.

• Control the cattle foot speed with the rate of movement of your feet: Rhythm, cadence, and harmonyare essential to gain cattle trust. Handlers need to maintain foot or horse feet speed at the desired rate. Cattle will imitate that step rate.

• Show the animal what you want it to do: Offer nonverbal guidance. Look where you want cattle to go; they share and follow handler vision.

• Portray confidence to build confidence: Know that success will happen with a confident, cohesive work team that understands their purpose.

• Give the animal time to make the right decision: Sensitive cattle that stop and request guidance require up to seven seconds to change their minds the first time. That time requirement shortens with each sequential request.

• Override your innate predator instincts: Handlers can adjust their posture and visual pressure to be less predatory. Handlers should avoid standing still; gentle handler movements allow cattle to sense handler distance and location.

• Let the animal see the source of pressure and where you want it to go in unison: Cattle have slow focus and poor depth perception but good ability to sense motion.

• Cattle want to return to where they have come from: Use this tendency to create voluntary cattle flow through holding pens and Bud box facilities. Cattle tend to exit pens through the gate in which they arrived.

• Take 2 to send 5, take 10 to send 100: When bringing drafts of cattle to a tub or Bud box, rather than walking by 5 cattle, be willing to send the first 2 with purpose and simply step back 2-4 steps to draw and allow space for followers. This movement entices waiting cattle to want to go next rather than being crowded back into a check gate.

• There’s pride in one’s ability to change the plan: Offer new instruction to an animal and a group of handlers in order to achieve the same goal.

Conclusion

Cattle that experience consistent positive and mutually respectful stockmanship handling throughout their lifecycle and guidance through environmental changes will achieve measurable high performance in a timely manner and achieve such performance with minimal expectation of outliers. This performance expectation does not rest solely on the animal, however also on the skillset, mindset, and commitment of the caregivers. There is a profound connection between human interaction, animal stress levels and relative immunosuppression, contributing to either positive or negative performance results through less susceptibility to disease and infection.

Lucy Morrissey is co-founder of Morrissey and Friends Livestock Services, a service-based agribusiness, offering tailored training and consultation to the red meat industry. With a practical, solutions focused mindset, Lucy specializes in stockmanship, horsemanship and team development. Lucy’s unwavering commitment to quality service operations, clients and livestock is founded on her quest to be available to all willing and provide support systems which encourage an approach of raising the bar in livestock handling and preventative health practices. Lucy believes it’s a privilege to continually gain more industry reach and learn from new people and animals every day, helping to ensure high performance for businesses, safe practices for handlers and exceed expectations for animal wellbeing. Lucy’s ability to communicate and connect with people and animals is her most impactful offering, supported by authenticity, kindness, and courage.

Dr. Tom Noffsinger is a founding partner of Production Animal Consultation and an expert in low-stress animal handling and staff development. He received his DVM from Colorado State University and completed the Beef Production Management Series at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center. He is a member of American Association of Bovine Practitioners, Academy of Veterinary Consultants, American Veterinary Medical Association, and Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Tom has received multiple honors, including the 2001 AVC Consultant of the Year, the 1999 NVMA Distinguished Service Award, the 2008 AABP Merial Preventative Medicine Award for Beef, and the 2023 National BQA Educator of the Year. He and his wife Diane reside on their ranch outside beautiful Benkelman, Nebraska.

Looking back at 2023, our industry faced many challenges in different parts of the country. Generational drought ravaged many areas, leading to smaller animal inventories and record-breaking prices. Along with that came increased input costs driving many producers to utilize unconventional feedstuffs and management practices to try and weather the storm. As a diagnostician, many of the health challenges we face seem to stem from practices that deviate from “normal” and last year was no exception. The intent of the following article is to summarize some of the trends we have experienced at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, specifically focusing on toxicology cases. For readers that are unaware, the toxicology section at KSVDL was initiated in 2018 and has since grown annually in tests offered and performed. We are one of the only toxicology sections in the country with a special interest in production animals and our case submissions are approximately 80% cattle.

Most toxicology cases in cattle are related to exposures in feed or water – many are simply an over-accumulation of compounds normally present in forages. These over-accumulations often result from adverse growing conditions of our forage crops and drought is the most significant. Occasional issues with mis-formulations, mistakes in milling, worn-out equipment, and unintended inclusion can result in significant health effects as we typically

performing photosynthesis. Excessive nitrate intake in ruminants eventually results in the inability of the blood to distribute oxygen to tissues in the body. Animals look inebriated and will fall down and eventually die. An often-overlooked source of nitrate for animals is water. We experience several cases annually where a producer is forced to haul water for livestock use. Many producers have plastic fertilizer tanks already attached to trailers

are feeding production animals in a group setting, meaning lots of animals are exposed at a time. Water quality changes can result from drought and are often overlooked as contributing to dietary intake. Water quantity also becomes a concern in many areas and hauling water for livestock use is a common history in some cases where producers experience significant animal loss in a very short period of time.

One of the most common diagnoses in death loss events is nitrate poisoning. Many producers are aware of nitrate potential in drought stressed forages and row crops. Sorghum/sudan, Johnsongrass, and corn are common sources of excess nitrate, and the accumulation is a result of the stressed plants not

and it is very convenient to fill these tanks with water and haul them down the road. The problem is the fertilizers are very concentrated in relation to excessive water concentrations. For reference, a 40% nitrogen fertilizer is equivalent to 400,000 ppm, while 100 ppm nitrate in water can cause significant health issues in cattle. Even when these tanks are washed, they have been responsible for excessive exposure. Some fertilizer formulations use urea as a nitrogen source and overconsumption of urea can cause another problem altogether. Ruminants have an enzyme in their rumen called urease which degrades urea to ammonium and ammonia. In cases where animals consume too much, they are unable to excrete ammonia fast enough and end

up with too much ammonia in their blood, which causes neurologic signs and rapid death. We can detect both ammonia and nitrate in ocular fluid of a deceased animal and many times in these cases using fertilizer tanks, both are elevated. Producers are encouraged to have dedicated water-hauling equipment in order to avoid these issues.

Another common neurologic syndrome is a disease known as polioencephalomalacia or “polio” for short. Clinically this disease is characterized by blindness, head-pressing, tremors, and seizures. The disease has traditionally been blamed on a dietary thiamine deficiency but recently has been shown to be the result of elevated dietary sulfur concentrations. Common sources of sulfur include water in many areas of the country, some ethanol co-products, and some forage plants. It is important to consider both the diet and the water when evaluating total sulfur intake, as animals consuming high-sulfate water cannot tolerate as much sulfur in the diet. Some other co-products have also been responsible for contributing to dietary sulfur, the most significant case last year involved poultry litter. In lieu of listing all of the suspect materials, it is important to realize that coproducts do not have oversight on their formulation, therefore it is best to assume each load is different than the one before and we would be wise to do some basic nutritional analysis prior to inclusion in animal rations.

Ionophore antibiotics are widely used safely

to increase rate of gain and feed efficiency in ruminants. Because these products are so widely used, we invariably have problems with the actual dose that ends up in rations. All it takes is a onetime mistake, such as missing a decimal point or adding a wrong product into a batch of feed, to cause significant health challenges. Ionophore toxicosis can be a difficult diagnosis as there is a delay from ingestion to clinical effects. This delay is often 48 hours or longer and death loss typically peaks around a week post-exposure. This means that the offending feed has already been consumed and does not exist anymore unless batch samples are retained. Ionophore poisoning is often diagnosed using microscopic evaluation of the heart and other muscles. These compounds in an overdose situation affect the ability of cells to make energy and hi-energy tissues like muscle are the first affected. In many cases there are animals that succumb to the overdose initially, but other sublethally exposed animals will experience significant impacts on growth and rate of gain, and some may succumb to heart failure months after the initial exposure. These cases can be challenging to work up and can last for months. It is a good practice to have open communication between the producer, veterinarian, and diagnostic laboratory.

Drought obviously affects the amount of forage produced which affects intake. One overlooked secondary effect of reduced feed intake is reduced mineral intake. Many loose mineral products are

formulated based upon dry-matter intake which drives the daily intake of supplements. When animals do not consume the mineral supplement as readily as the product intends, mineral deficiencies can occur. Copper deficiency is the most common abnormality we see in beef cattle. Minerals in general are transferred across the placenta during the last trimester of pregnancy and calves are born with what they need to last for about the first six months of life, until they start to consume an oral supplement themselves. It should follow that calves born to copper-deficient cows may not have adequate stores to get them through. In many cases of pre-weaning respiratory disease in pasture settings, calves are copper deficient. The same holds true for many significant outbreaks of respiratory disease at weaning or when placed

in yards. Copper is involved in many enzymes and processes in the immune response and often contributes to these outbreaks. Producers should consider the potential for mineral deficiencies in a drought year and adjust the mineral program as needed. Liver biopsies are commonly performed to measure the mineral concentrations in cows and calves as the liver is the storage organ for many minerals. This can be performed by your local veterinarian and submitted to KSVDL for analysis. 2023 was the year of abnormal sources for many of the compounds we normally deal with. It is important to work with your local veterinarian as they are the most in tune with local growth conditions and forage issues in your area.

Dr. Scott Fritz earned his DVM from Iowa State University in 2014. He then spent 5 years in private practice in rural South Dakota focusing on beef cattle. In 2019 Dr. Fritz started a residency in toxicology at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory with a focus on diagnostic medicine. He is board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology and currently serves as a diagnostician and faculty member at the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

DEMYSTIFYING GENOMICS IN THE COMMERCIAL HERD

By Troy Rowan, PhD, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture

No scientific development in the last 20 years has had a larger impact on livestock genetics than the introduction of genomic testing. The ability of genomics to identify exceptional young sires before they’ve ever sired a calf is an invaluable tool to both seedstock and commercial herds.

Compared with the single-gene tests of the late 1990s and early 2000s, genomic tests use markers spread across the cattle genome (>3 billion DNA bases) to capture the complete genetic makeup of animals. Integrating genomics into our conventional methods for predicting genetic merit has led to an incredible increase in the rate at which we are making genetic progress in the seedstock sector. This has helped increase profitability across the cow-calf, feedlot, and packing sectors.

The unknowns of genetic inheritance

The motivation for genomic tests is built on the assumption that an animal inherits its parent’s genetics in a random and unpredictable manner. Mating a good bull with a good cow makes a good calf likely but not guaranteed. Despite sharing 50% of their DNA with each parent, full siblings can have major discrepancies in their overall genetic merit. One sibling may get an exceptional sample of its parents’ genetics, while the other can get a sample that is below average. Identifying the animals that receive favorable samples of parent genetics ensures that we continue to make the next generation better than the last. Bulls play an outsized role in driving genetic progress in commercial herds, so tools that help accurately identify animals with higher genetic potential are invaluable.

Traditionally, we have accomplished this by using Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs), which leverage phenotypes, pedigrees, and contemporary groups to estimate an animal’s likely genetic potential. EPDs are our best statistical guesses, so adding information, particularly on an animal’s progeny, increases our confidence that the value correctly represents a bull’s genetic potential. This is a challenge for commercial operations that almost always purchase bulls that have yet to sire a calf. Even when using their pedigree-based EPDs, our lack of knowledge about which parental genes an animal inherited makes the accuracy of our decision far from perfect. As a result, we assume a fair amount of risk when buying young bulls. Bulls whose actual genetic potential is not wellrepresented by their EPD can cause us problems and sacrifice our intended genetic gain.

Genomics to the rescue!

Genomics allows us to track the inheritance of DNA directly. This means that as soon as an animal is born, we can understand which favorable or unfavorable genetics it inherited from its parents, rather than waiting for it to be expressed in its offspring years in the future. Integrating genomics

into an evaluation does not change the EPDs that are reported or how we interpret them; it only increases our confidence that they represent an animal’s true genetic potential.

When an animal’s genomics is added to the calculation of its EPD, we see an increase in accuracy equivalent to what would be generated by adding over an entire calf crop’s worth of information to the evaluation. Adding genomics can change an animal’s EPD considerably, particularly if they received a very good or bad sampling of parental genetics. While we expect animals to look similar to their parents, over 50% of the genetic variation in traits can come from variation in sampling of the parental DNA.

An important thing to remember about genomics is that whether or not the EPD value increases or decreases after testing, it is ALWAYS a better estimate. Genomics helps move our prediction closer to the animal’s true potential. This allows us to reduce the risk of making a decision based on an animal’s EPD that does not match parental expectations. For example, an animal whose two parents have above-average calving ease could be below average due to a poor sampling of genes. Without genomics, we might also select this bull to breed heifers, not knowing that it is a less-thanideal candidate. Genomics would identify this poor sampling of calving ease genes in the bull and direct us toward another more suitable option.

When the accuracy of an EPD is increased, we make the “correct” selection decision more often. This ultimately leads to an increased rate of genetic progress. Due to their large impacts on commercial herds, this is particularly important in bull selection decisions. Commercial herds should always purchase bulls that have genomicallyenhanced EPDs. The cost of testing is relatively low (<$40), but the information it provides on an animal is invaluable! Options for genomic testing are also becoming more readily available for commercial replacement heifer selection decisions, but that article is for another issue!

Dr. Troy Rowan is an Assistant Professor and state extension specialist at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. His research uses genomics to understand the biology that underlies a wide range of economically important traits in beef cattle. He is particularly interested in local adaptation, heterosis, and genomic approaches to increasing beef cattle sustainability. His work aims to deliver tangible solutions to U.S. beef cattle producers. Additionally, Dr. Rowan serves as the state extension beef cattle genetics specialist, performing producer education and outreach in Tennessee and nationwide.

We all love the feedyard life, and feeding cattle is an incredible business. Cattle feeding is a noble endeavor, just like ranching, farming, dairy farming, and other agricultural businesses, because we are producing food to sustain human and animal life. While it is an incredible business, we face daily challenges, problems, and issues of varying degrees of severity. The things we do daily matter, and we must create an environment focused on reducing all kinds of risk, whether it be financial, health, nutritional, or safety risk. Every problem requires human interaction, action, and conversation to be solved in a healthy manner. Leaders must create an environment for hearty, healthy debate. Healthy debate allows us to achieve success on all fronts.

ENCOURAGING HEARTY DEBATE IN YOUR ORGANIZATION

By Nels Lindberg, DVM, Production Animal Consultation

I am sure that each of us can think of several situations where hearty debate was needed but avoided. Maybe your team had a good discussion about an issue at your operation but no real debate occurred because your leader was set on getting his way regardless of anyone else’s thoughts, experience, or research on the issue at hand. Or perhaps you as a leader identified a problem and the best way to fix it but you were too “nice” to discuss the performance issues contributing to the problem.

“Nice doesn’t require much. You can be passive and be nice. But kind requires the strength of being earnest . . .”

Regardless of the organization, we have all experienced many situations in which hearty debate was not possible or was avoided, or in which hearty debate was attempted but failed miserably. As leaders, we must encourage people to challenge our team, identify when the team is screwing up, and give honest constructive criticism to improve team performance. We must help our team members to understand that if we are to be the best version of our team possible, we must allow everyone to speak up and create hearty debate. We must communicate that we appreciate and encourage hearty debate for critical and honest feedback. We must be clear that it is each team member’s responsibility to participate in these discussions. Hearty debate does not happen unless leaders coach the team in a professional manner.

Here are some keys to creating the right environment for hearty debate:

• Hire or surround yourself with people that have the courage to speak up and not be “yes men” or “yes women”. Leaders that do not encourage team members to challenge them will never reach their full potential and neither will the team.

• Avoid “why” questions and “you” statements, as they create a defensive atmosphere that distracts from the real goal of growth and improvement. Instead, encourage the use of “what” and “how” questions to create a more constructive atmosphere that encourages selfreflection and growth.

• Routinely remind all team members that we ask them to be honest and real with us.

Make sure they know it is their responsibility to take ownership in resolving issues. Reward hearty debate. Thank everyone for successful hearty debate and conversations.

• Require humility of all team members. Everyone must check their ego at the door and adopt an attitude of life-long learning. As John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

• Bring people into the debate that behave well. People who behave poorly or lack a high level of character will destroy the nobility and judicious spirit of hearty debate and ultimately the business.

• Bring people into the debate that get excited, not offended, when challenged and have the ability to listen, reflect, and learn from others in the room.

And here are some keys to having a hearty debate:

• The #1 question that must be the foundation of the debate is “What is best for the organization?”. Everyone must focus on what is best for the team or business or family, not on getting their own way or winning the debate.

• Everyone must speak up, be heard, and offer solutions yet not insist on them. Be respectful of others in the debate and yield to one another when needed.

• Be an active listener. Often times, we quit

listening when others are speaking that do not agree with our solution or bias.

• Remind everyone, again, that everyone is on the same team, wanting success and what is best for the organization. We may have different approaches to achieve “what is best”, but if we speak with honesty and humility, hearty debate will arrive at the best course of action.

• Be prepared for the debate. Some people will bring more experience, knowledge, and intuition to the debate, while others will bring more research. Capitalize on those synergies.

• Be kind, not nice. As businessman Daniel Lubetzky says, “Nice doesn’t require much. You can be passive and be nice. But kind requires the strength of being earnest. There are some cases where people are absolute jerks, but there are far more cases where people are too meek and too afraid to share feedback and they cause far more damage because of how common it is.” 1 Instead of being “nice” and concentrating on sparing others’ feelings, practice being kind by sharing direct, honest feedback in a way that others are more willing to receive it.

As leaders, it is our responsibility to create a real, honest, humble environment that encourages good hearty debate at all times. We need to hear about problems in our organization. If we respond arrogantly or do not respond at all when problems are brought to our attention, our people will stop bringing problems to us to be heartily debated for the good of the organization. If our people bring problems to us and we have hearty debate without fear of any sort of retribution, our business can reach its full potential!

As President Donald Trump once said, “We must speak our minds openly, debate our disagreements honestly, but always pursue solidarity.”

i CNBC, 2023. https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/26/self-madebillionaire-daniel-lubetzky-shares-his-no-1-tip-for-success.html

Dr. Nels Lindberg is a people coach, team coach, business coach, and keynote speaker, available virtually or in person. If you have any interest in these opportunities, please reach out to his office at 620-792-1265 and visit with his right-hand lady, Jill.

STOCKER STOCKER GRAZING BASICS

By Dale Blasi, PhD Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University

The age-old adage, the six Ps (Prior Planning Prevents Pretty Poor Performance), is an excellent segue to start any conversation about efficient beef production. This especially rings true regarding any discussion on beef stocker grazing basics.

Many important decisions should be considered before calves are placed on pasture. Based on historical stocking rates and the need to adjust according to pasture conditions, producers will attempt to purchase the number, size, and type of calf that can be “bought for the money.” With this basic information, one can make effective buying and selling decisions and calculate the value of gain (VOG). This valuable economic metric will help determine the feasibility of any input, such as a supplementation program. Using feeder cattle and corn future prices, BEEF BASIS (beefbasis.com) is an excellent tool that will assist a producer in determining the most profitable VOG and future market windows. The following example illustrates the utility of this software for evaluating the return on investment and the seasonality of marketing with changing contract months.

Assume a producer purchased 100 head of steers for $299.62/cwt on February 22 weighing 500 pounds. About 176 days later (August 16), these calves are anticipated to weigh 850 pounds. The output generated from this simulation is above.

From this particular example, the projected gross value of gain for calves sold on August 16 is $155.65/cwt. Of course, this estimate does not account for death loss or the quality or condition of the calf (capacity to perform). However, this gross value of gain ($1.5564/lb.) is precisely the metering stick one should use when evaluating management inputs such as feed additives, growth implants, or supplementation programs in your grazing cattle program.

Another aspect of this software that is quite useful is the determination of the impact of the date of marketing. In the example above, the projected gross value of gain increases dramatically from August 16th to August 25th. By delaying the anticipated marketing date by idling daily performance (from 1.99 to 1.89 lbs. daily gain), a producer could realize an additional 20 dollars per head.

1. Pre-grass feeding strategy considerations

Upon acquisition, all calves should be properly immunized and treated for internal and external parasites before grass turnout. Producers who already have purchased calves for grass are either backgrounding calves in a holding pattern or minimally managing them on dormant winter grass in anticipation of the opportunity to exploit compensatory gain that can be realized when cattle are placed on actively growing native pastures in April or early May.

A KSU research trial (Anglin et al., 2008) evaluated the long-term effects of limit feeding on subsequent performance on native pasture. The takeaway from this trial was that limit-feeding 2.25% in the dry lot before going to grass decreased feed costs. Calves that were limit-fed experienced

Projected Gross Value of Gain

higher daily gains during the subsequent grazing period at a lower cost per pound of gain. Calves limit-fed during the background phase gained 15 pounds more than the free-choice-fed steers.

2. Feed and mineral inputs are costly; be prudent with their use

The primary objectives for providing mineral supplements to grazing cattle are to meet nutrient requirements, provide a vehicle for delivering feed additives, and improve grazing distribution. Generally, mineral supplements are designed to meet approximately 50% of a grazing animal’s macro and trace mineral requirements when consumed in a two-to four-ounce daily formulation. They are specifically formulated for the nutrient requirements and intended objectives for various classes of grazing cattle (i.e., lactating beef cows grazing fescue vs stocker calves grazing native pasture).

For various reasons (environmental conditions, plant species, maturity, availability, and palatability), the daily consumption of a self-fed mineral supplement can be pretty erratic. In many cases, excessive consumption is often the result of the animal’s desire for additional salt, which can be alleviated with a salt block. Weibert et al. (2018) reported the weekly consumption of a complete mineral fed free choice with an intended daily consumption of 3 ounces per day ranged from a weekly average from a low of 2.33 ounces to a high of almost 5 ounces over the 13-week trial period. Over the entire 90-day trial, the average consumption was 3.27 ounces per head per day. The implications of overconsumption are economically relevant. For example, if a complete mineral supplement costs around $500 with a labeled consumption of 4 ounces/ head/day over 90 days, this calculated cost is about $5.63 per head with no labor for pasture delivery included. If mineral consumption is excessive (6 ounces rather than the bag recommendation of 4), the actual cost will be $8.45 per head.

3. Pre-planning the exit; weight management coming off grass pastures.

One often overlooked aspect of managing pasture calves is the necessary management required to minimize shrinkage when removed from grass. For example, reducing shrink by one percentage unit on an 800 lb. steer with a value of $235/cwt roughly equals $18 to $20 per head. Many factors may influence cattle shrinkage; gathering times and conditions, pre-gathering supplementation strategies, and handling can all collectively impact whether or not the operator realizes good weigh-up conditions.

With respect to gathering time, many operators prefer to gather at first light and have the calves ready for the trucks sometime between 8 and 10 am. According to the results of multi-year research conducted at KSU, producers can pick up about three lb. per head per hour for every hour after daylight that the calves are allowed to graze until 9 a.m. or so. More specifically, steers gathered three hours after daybreak shrunk at a rate of 0.5% per hour compared to 0.69% per hour for steers gathered at daybreak. Steers shrunk 0.71% and 0.67% per hour when gathered at one or two hours after dawn, respectively.

This occurrence is related to the typical grazing pattern of cattle. Depending on factors such as forage type and environment, cattle will usually

graze during two to four distinct periods throughout the day, with the primary grazing period being during the early morning. In effect, disrupting this grazing period “robs” them of their main meal of the day. In general, KSU research has shown that cattle shrink at approximately 1.0% per hour for the first 3 to 4 hours of food and water deprivation, then shrink declines to as little as 0.1% per hour up through 10 hours.

Naturally, stocker operators are concerned about the typically hot weather conditions encountered when calves are gathered during the latter summer and fall months and why calves are gathered during the early morning hours. By delaying the onset of gathering by even one to two hours and coordinating with the arrival of trucks, a producer will have the opportunity to pick up pounds by grazing longer and by reducing the amount of time the calves can “melt” off the pounds they carried into the pen before being loaded on the truck.

Be it the inherent disposition or the environment from where the cattle originate, excitable cattle seem to shrink and take longer to recover the pounds they lose. That said, most grass cattle managers recognize the importance of careful and minimalstress cattle handling and have the facilities and attitude toward quieter handling. While supplement costs are high, strategic supplementation on an every-other or third-day basis during the final two to three weeks of the grazing period will familiarize

“edgy” calves to a truck siren and may facilitate their movement to the load-out facilities with minimal stress. Moreover, the supplementation of crude protein during the latter grazing period will improve the intake and digestibility of the grass, which will result in some improvement in daily calf gain.

Another aspect to consider in anticipation of the day that calves are shipped is to move calves to pastures adjacent to load-out facilities three to four days before shipping. This will allow calves to recoup some lost weight before shipping and facilitate loading when the trucks arrive. Make sure to evaluate the conditions of the roads leading to the loadout facilities and the facilities themselves before the big day. Necessary repairs are much better to accomplish before rather than on the day of shipping.

Dale A. Blasi was born and reared on his family’s farm and ranch near Trinidad, Colorado. He received his B.S. in Animal Sciences and M.S. in Beef Systems Management at Colorado State University in 1984 and 1986, respectively. In 1989, he completed his Ph.D. at the University of Nebraska.

Since 1997, Dale has been on faculty within the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University as an Extension Beef Specialist, where he currently has a 10% teaching, 20% research, and 70% extension appointment. His responsibilities include providing statewide Extension educational leadership in stocker cattle nutrition and management and utilization of grazed and harvested forages by beef cattle and other livestock, conducting research and interpreting results, and serving as a resource person

Dale is also the faculty coordinator for the K-State Beef complex, the collective combination of the department’s Beef Stocker, Feedlot, and Precision animal units. Together, these animal units strive to provide invaluable work and research experience for students and conduct pertinent research relevant to these segments of the US Beef Industry.

“You

Reproductive physiologist Dr. George Perry knows bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is the costliest disease of cattle worldwide.1 A recent study—led by one of his graduate students (Epperson)—discovered BVDV impacted 4 of 9 herds with 20% lower conception rates,2 but that didn’t come to mind when Perry’s case study herd experienced a 30% drop in pregnancy rates last March.1 “This particular herd vaccinates against BVDV, so we thought there’s just no way that was the problem.”

After purchasing 6 pregnant females from a trusted producer, the management team of Perry's study herd saw no reason to test the calves because the herd of origin was also vaccinated. However, two of those calves turned out to be persistently infected (PI) with BVDV, as a result of gestational fence-line contact from a neighboring farm. Months later, the management team continues to assess the full impact of this exposure beyond several unborn calves.

Manage BVDV with a simple three-step plan:

1. Determine your herd status using the IDEXX BVDV PI X2 Test at a local laboratory.

2. Work with your veterinarian to design a vaccination and biosecurity program.

3. Test all new introductions to the herd using the IDEXX SNAP ® BVDV Antigen Test on premises.

Due to the BVDV exposure in Perry’s case study herd, the management team now recommends testing every calf for BVDV using IDEXX tests within 30 days of birth. Vaccination will continue, as will pregnancy testing. “ We found the impact of the disease with pregnancy testing from IDEXX and that’s what saved this herd,” said Perry, adding that you should not wait for a conception drop to test for BVDV. In both studies, the drop in conception rate was the first indication of a much larger reproductive issue.

IDEXX diagnostic tests are used around the world to help beef operations of all sizes detect PI cattle that often look healthy and continually expose other animals to disease. Whether you need 20-minute, on-farm results to make quick decisions with confidence or want laboratory-based analysis for unmatched sensitivity, IDEXX has a solution.

We know this virus can infiltrate even the most well-managed herds, so testing for BVDV today means avoiding losses tomorrow. Check with your veterinarian to determine the right approach. Remember, IDEXX offers a complete portfolio of BVDV and pregnancy tests to monitor your herd.

HEIFER HARMONY:

Optimal Management for Heifers in

the

Feedlot

HBy Jessica L. Sperber, PhD, Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

eifers that are not retained as replacement females for breeding often find their home in the feedlot, with heifers comprising approximately 37% of total cattle on feed in the US during a normal cattle cycle. The US is currently experiencing a tightening beef cow herd due to the ongoing drought conditions experienced by many of the cowcalf producing states. Not only has the US culled nearly 8% of the cow herd since 2020, but replacement heifer retention is low, with an elevated number of heifers making their way into the feedlot, representing nearly 40% of cattle on feed (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service). With greater heifer placement in the feedlot, managing feedlot heifers to ensure their health, well-being, and optimal growth is key for feedlot sector profitability.

There are many factors to consider when feeding heifers, including nutrition, animal health, pregnancy management, and growth enhancing technology use. Providing a balanced and nutritionally complete diet that meets the nutrient requirements of growing and finishing heifers is key for optimizing growth and performance. Monitoring feed intake and adjusting the ration based on heifer weight and frame may improve feed efficiency and increase rate of gain. There is no indication that heifers respond to varying feedstuffs (grains, roughages, or byproducts) different than steers, however, it is well established that heifers gain less and are less efficient than steers. Like managing steers, including appropriate pen space (this varies based on geographical location), bunk space (9” to 12”), and providing access to clean water is critical when managing heifers in a feedlot.

Pregnancy prevention and/or management is the most critical difference when comparing management of heifers vs. steers in the feedlot. It is estimated that 2% to 15% of intact heifers that enter the feedlot are pregnant. There are always increased costs associated with heifers that enter the feedlot pregnant, regardless of pregnancy management method. To properly manage pregnancy in a feedlot,

pregnant heifers should be identified upon arrival. At the time of receiving or initial processing, heifers should be pregnancy tested via rectal palpation, ultrasound, or blood test. If the pregnancy check is positive, producers have the option to remove the pregnant heifer from the feeding group or consult with their veterinarian regarding abortifacients. Selection of an abortifacient should be determined by the stage of pregnancy of the heifer. The most common abortifacient utilized in the US for pregnant heifers is an injection of prostaglandin, commonly Lutalyse (Zoetis) or Estrumate (Merck Animal Health), which may be used in combination with dexamethasone depending on stage of pregnancy. For feedlot producers that choose an abortifacient as their pregnancy management method, it is recommended to monitor the health and behavior of heifers for up to 1 week post abortifacient administration. It is important to keep in mind that both the drug protocols used and the stress of delivering the fetus are immunosuppressive, therefore, it is common to modify bovine respiratory disease (BRD) prevention and monitoring protocols for heifers during this period as they are at increased risk of respiratory outbreak. One final consideration is to be aware that protocols for pregnancy

termination are not always 100% successful. Depending on the management and resources of the individual yard, evaluation of the termination success rate in groups with high pregnancy rates may be advantageous to ensure that there are no surprises later on in the feeding period.

If a pregnancy is unknown or the producer chooses to retain a pregnant heifer in the feedlot, an outlined standard operating procedure (SOP) should be in place for the possibility of calving in a feedlot. This SOP should include guidelines on sanitation, dystocia support, calf health and wellbeing, and heifer management post-calving, keeping in mind that dystocia support and neonatal calf management can be two of the greatest challenges for ensuring animal welfare in yards that feed a large population of heifers.

Although some feedlot producers may choose to retain a confirmed pregnant heifer through the feeding period and market her prior to expected parturition, this management method is not economical when compared to feeding a nonpregnant heifer. Although the live body weight of a full-term pregnant heifer will be heavier than a nonpregnant heifer, this difference in live body weight is due to the fetus, enlarged uterine, and excess fluid from pregnancy. On a carcass-adjusted basis, heifers that are pregnant at slaughter have reduced average daily gain (when adjusted for pregnancy weight), worse feed conversion, and lower dressed yield compared to non-pregnant heifers. In general, the further along in gestation that a heifer is at the time of harvest, the lower the carcass dressed yield will be. If a feedlot regularly markets pregnant heifers to the packing plant, this may result in a lower price at the time of sale or potential marketing challenges for the yard further down the road.

Aside from pregnancy testing upon feedlot arrival, feedlots have the option to purchase spayed heifers or hire veterinary assistance to complete the spay procedure at the time of heifer processing. Spaying is a surgical procedure which involves removal of the ovaries, rendering a heifer sterile, for prevention of pregnancy. Removing the ovaries eliminates the hormonal fluctuations associated with the estrus cycle, which can impact heifer behavior. Even when purchasing spayed heifers, feedlot operators are encouraged to pregnancy test new arrivals, as the spay procedure may have failed, and heifers could be pregnant. Although dated, research shows that when comparing nonimplanted spayed heifers to non-implanted intact heifers, spayed heifers gained less. However, when

implants were administered to spayed heifers compared to intact heifers, spayed heifers had a significant improvement in rate of gain over intact heifers.

The separation of sexes in the feedlot pen or avoiding “mixed pen” feeding is one of the best ways to avoid unplanned breeding in the feedlot. There is always the possibility that a steer retained a testicle during the castration process, so if choosing to feed in mixed pens, performing a testicle check during receiving is highly recommended. When separating sexes into separate pens, the feedlot has the option to include a Type A Medicated Article known as Melengestrol Acetate or “MGA” in the diet. For heifers fed in confinement for slaughter, MGA is utilized to suppress estrus, preventing pregnancy, and subsequently increasing rate of gain and improving feed conversion. Estrus suppression also reduces behaviors associated with estrus, including mounting, riding, and standing heat behavior, all of which can be an energy loss for the animal. Unnecessary mounting can result in severe bruising, which may result in a carcass-weight loss for cattle sold on a carcass basis due to excess trim at the packer.

The use of growth enhancing technologies, such as implants and beta-agonists, are labeled for use in both steers and heifers fed in confinement for slaughter. Growth promoting implants have the greatest return-on-investment of any animal healthrelated technology utilized in the feedlot sector. To achieve the full weight gain advantage from implant administration, a proper plane of nutrition must be offered to the cattle. Feedlot producers should work closely with their veterinarian and nutritionist and follow recommended guidelines for growth enhancing technology use. In general, steers exhibit a greater gain response to growth enhancing technologies than heifers. This difference in response is largely due to the naturally circulating level of estrogen in intact heifers, which may increase impetus for fat deposition. Since steers typically have a greater potential for lean muscle mass compared to heifers, and implants stimulate the deposition of lean muscle tissue, steers respond more robustly to implants than heifers due to their inherent muscle development capacity. That being said, there are still additional pounds to be gained by utilizing growth promoting implants in feedlot heifers, and the profitability of these technologies should not be overlooked.

One advantage of finishing heifers is their ability to deposit intramuscular fat, known as marbling.

Estrogen and progesterone play a major role in the synthesis and deposition of lipids, which cause heifers to have a natural impetus for the deposition of fat. This can become a challenge when feeding heifers for extended days on feed, as excessive fat deposition can cause heifers to qualify for USDA Yield Grade (YG) 4 and 5 discounts. However, feedlot producers may have an opportunity to gain a premium for USDA Quality Grade (marbling score) when feeding heifers and selling on the grid,

pending that YG 4s and 5s can be managed and their discount does not outweigh the marbling premium. When it comes to optimal management of heifers in the feedlot, nutritional status, heifer health, pregnancy management, and growth technology use are all key considerations, and when managed correctly, can be profitable for a feedlot operation.

Dr. Jessica Sperber was raised on her family’s 4th generation cow-calf and grain operation located in Alberta, Canada. Jessica attained her master’s degree from West Texas A&M University specialized in meat science, and Ph.D. in feedlot nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica joined the Department of Animal Science at UNL in November of 2022 as an Extension Assistant Professor and Feedlot Specialist. Her areas of interest include nutritional management strategies, technologies that improve cattle production efficiency, and carcass changes over the feeding period.

TOE ABSCESSES IN FEEDLOT CATTLE

Lameness presents a significant challenge in feedlot cattle, causing notable economic losses and raising concerns for animal welfare. Toe abscesses emerge as a prevalent issue, posing substantial difficulties for both veterinarians and feedlot managers. This article will provide industry stakeholders with knowledge to identify, treat and prevent toe abscesses in feeder cattle.

“As seen on DocTalk”

Dr. Shane Terrell and others at Kansas State University conducted a survey among feedlot operators, veterinarians, and nutritionists. In the survey, participants were asked to identify the risk factors for infectious and noninfectious lameness in cattle. Infectious causes encompass foot rot and digital dermatitis (hairy heel wart), while non-infectious causes include sole abscesses and toe abscesses. Understanding these distinctions is critical for implementing targeted prevention and treatment measures.

When asked about the common risk factors associated with infectious lameness cases in feedlot cattle, feedlot managers, veterinarians, and nutritionists identified pen cleaning, environmental conditions, and weather. The survey respondents identified risk factors associated with non-infectious lameness, such

as toe abscesses, as cattle temperament, poor cattle handling practices, and the working surfaces within the facility.

Toe abscesses primarily occur on the hind limb’s medial claw and are frequently observed in animals experiencing higher stress levels and exhibiting worse temperament, often attempting to move towards the center of the herd. This behavior, combined with the risk factors identified above, helps explain why less docile cattle administered aggressive cattle handling on concrete flooring would lead to increased toe abscess prevalence in feedlot cattle.

Accurate identification of lame animals is crucial for timely intervention. Locomotion scoring serves as a valuable tool for assessing cattle mobility and detecting signs of lameness. By systematically evaluating gait

abnormalities and discomfort indicators, pen riders and feedlot managers can pinpoint affected animals and initiate appropriate diagnostic procedures early in the injury or disease process.

A proper diagnosis at this stage can result in significant time and cost savings. Once in the chute, the affected leg needs to be secured and lifted to perform a proper exam. To begin, inspect the skin area between the claws of the lame animal for signs of inflammation due to a foot rot infection. Foot rot infections emit foul odors due to the bacteria that cause the infections being anaerobic. If there are no lesions between the toes, examine the back of the skin area of the heel above the hoof’s coronary band for strawberry-like lesions, which may suggest hairy heel wart or digital dermatitis.

If neither foot rot nor hairy heel wart is detected by visual inspection, hoof testers need to be employed to examine soreness in a claw. Soreness throughout the hoof could indicate a toe abscess, whereas tenderness localized to a specific isolated area may indicate a sole abscess. The reaction to the hoof testers can be a strong jerk that retracts the foot or it can be a more subtle flinching when pressure is applied to the area of the hoof inflicted.

Here are two important considerations to bear in mind regarding hoof health. Firstly, the coronary band is the junction where the skin and hair meet the hard hoof wall. The hoof wall grows downward from the coronary band, similar to how our fingernails grow forward from the nailbed. Secondly, the bottom of the hoof is the sole. The sole grows outward from the soft sole bed underneath the hoof. So, the hoof wall and the hoof sole are two separate tissues that meet together.

The sole and hoof wall comprise the main components of the hoof, with the white line marking the junction between the hard hoof casing and the sole. This white line is susceptible to separation, particularly when cattle exert pressure, such as when they push on hard concrete surfaces. This can lead to the ingress of manure into the hoof cavity, potentially causing issues like toe abscesses.

These abscesses, once thought to be sterile, are now understood to be caused by pressure-induced separation of the white line. Manure entering the cavity can lead to infection, which, if left untreated, can result in deterioration of the coffin bone (P3). The infection may manifest as abscesses around the toe area, and if not drained, can travel upward

breaking through just above the coronary band or travel up the leg’s lymphatic system, affecting areas such as the hock, stifle, and hip.

Unfortunately, these cases can be challenging to treat effectively. Cattle will exhibit locomotion issues but many times the discomfort of the toe abscess might not be immediately apparent until lameness becomes pronounced. By this point, significant damage to the coffin bone may have already occurred.

There is still a lot to know about treating toe abscesses. Currently, options to treat toe abscesses include doing nothing, tipping the end of the toe, or removing the entire claw. Since most toe abscesses occur on the hind limbs, where cattle carry 40% of the body weight compared to the front limbs carrying 60% of the animal’s body weight, tipping toes and removing claws may yield better outcomes. It’s advisable to enlist the assistance of a veterinarian for this procedure if claws are going to be removed.

When tipping the toe, it should only be trimmed back enough to release a small amount of blood. Anything more risks creating a hole that can become packed with manure, impeding healing. By trimming to just a pinhole, the infected debris can be expelled when the animal steps down, though precautions should be taken to prevent further contamination.

Key strategies for preventing toe abscesses include addressing flooring issues and employing low-stress cattle handling. It is important to understand the docility of cattle, as flighty cattle temperament is a significant risk factor for toe abscesses. Rubber mats and bedding in cattle working facilities can improve cushioning and minimizing abrasion or splitting of the while line through low-stress cattle handling.

Toe abscesses represent a significant challenge in feedlot operations, impacting both animal health and productivity. By adopting a proactive stance towards lameness management and prioritizing preventative strategies, veterinarians and feedlot managers can safeguard the welfare of their cattle while minimizing economic losses. Collaboration with veterinarians and adherence to best practices are essential for promoting optimal hoof health and overall well-being.

For further information on this topic, visit www.doctalktv.com , and we’ll see you down the road!

IS YOUR DEWORMING PROGRAM WORKING?

By Grant Crawford, PhD, Merck Animal Health

Merck Animal Health maintains the world’s largest database of fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) results to monitor the field efficacy of dewormers. Today the database has 14,506 samples from 600 farms. Twenty-three different products have been evaluated.

A FECRT is the standardized diagnostic tool to test manure for the presence of internal parasite eggs. Twenty samples are taken both at treatment and 14 days post-treatment; the database only includes certified FECRT samples of this number from single farms. A successful deworming should result in a 90% or greater reduction in parasite eggs in feces.1

Based on data through 2023, the database demonstrates that pour-on (Graph 1) and injectable (Graph 2) parasite products have fallen below the 90% threshold for successful deworming. The percent of anthelmintic failures – those with less than 90% reduction – was 76.5% for pour-ons and 74.8% for all injectable dewormers (Graph 3).

There are three classes of dewormers approved for use in U.S. cattle: benzimidazoles, endectocides or macrocyclic lactones and imidazothiazoles. Certain classes of dewormers are not working as well as they have in the past. However, the fenbendazole formulations – all of which are in the benzimidazoles class – provide a median efficacy above 99.7% (Graph 4).

Decreases in efficacy are likely due in part to dewormer resistance, which is the genetic ability of a parasite to survive the effects of a dewormer of which they were previously susceptible. Resistance is a global issue and an emerging one for U.S. beef and dairy producers.

There is not always a visual sign of parasitism. Unless FECRT testing is conducted, it is unknown how effective the deworming was or the amount of time before reinfestation occurs after deworming.

Impact of parasitism

Most cattle producers associate internal parasites with a reduction in feed intake. Indeed, the No. 1 effect of internal parasites is a decreased appetite, which means there are fewer nutrients for an animal to absorb. On top of that, internal parasites have a direct effect on nutrition absorption because they cause inflammation in the gut. This reduction in

nutrient intake and absorption is detrimental to all cattle, but especially highly stressed animals.

Internal parasites affect the nutritional status of the animal in three ways:

• they decrease feed intake

• they decrease nutrient absorption

• increase nutrient requirements

These effects of internal parasite infections on the animal’s nutritional status are important because they impact and compromise every aspect of biology – including growth, milk production, immune function and reproduction.

Cattle producers put a lot of effort and resources into vaccinating their cattle and offering highquality feed and mineral programs. These efforts and resources are not fully utilized and can be wasted if cattle are parasitized.

Even a low number of internal parasites can affect cattle health and performance. Cattle with relatively low parasite burdens (324 total slaughter worm counts) have been shown to have depressions in feed intake of up to 3.2%, while cattle with high parasite burdens (11,164 total slaughter worm counts) have been shown to have depressions in feed intake of up to 7.8%. 2,3

Younger animals, such as suckling calves, weaned calves, replacement heifers or stocker cattle, are much more susceptible to parasites because of the limited immunity they have built up against them. This will develop as an animal gets older, but cattle are never fully immune to parasites.

Set a deworming strategy

Take these five steps to help maximize cattle performance:

1. If using a dewormer that ends in “-ectin,” consider adding another product where the active ingredient is fenbendazole. Not only does a concurrent deworming program most effectively control internal parasites, it also ensures a sustainable deworming program that helps keep resistance to a minimum.

2. Treat cattle at turnout but remember, cattle pick up parasites almost immediately after they are on contaminated green grass, and those parasites can start doing damage in a very short time. If cattle are dewormed at

turnout and not again until they come off the pasture in the fall, they have several months to pick up gut-damaging worms. Deworming cattle that are on pasture does not require gathering if using feed or mineral formulations and can be highly effective.

3. Deworm calves at cowside. When calves start ruminating, they are at a high risk of picking up internal worms. Deworming appropriately from the time of early exposure (from the age of two months) can result in improved weaning weights. For spring-calving herds, it typically is good to deworm calves six to eight weeks after turnout onto pasture. Feed or mineral formulations require relatively little labor.

4. Read label directions carefully and give the proper dosing amount. Under-dosing can contribute to reduced efficacy.

5. Work with your veterinarian to do FECRT testing annually. It is a simple, reliable method to assess efficacy. It is important that 20 samples are taken both at treatment and 14 days post-treatment. If there is less than a 90-percent reduction in fecal egg count, a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test – which is a DNA-based test – should be conducted to determine which parasites remain.

Get a free FECRT kit

You can request a free FECRT kit at killmoreworms. com to determine how well your current deworming protocol is working. Consult your veterinarian for assistance in the diagnosis, treatment and control of parasitism.

References:

1. Dobson R, Jackson F, Levecke B, Besier B, et al. Guidelines for fecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT). World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP) (2011) Proceedings: 23rd International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology.

2. Smith, R. A., Rogers, K. C., Huse, S., Wray, M. I., Brandt, R. T., Hutcheson, J. P., Nichols, W. T., Taylor, R. F., Rains, J. R., McCauley, C. T. Pasture deworming and (or) subsequent feedlot deworming with fenbendazole. I. Effects on grazing performance, feedlot performance and carcass traits of yearling steers. The Bovine

Practitioner . 2000. 34(2), 104-114.

3. Taylor, R. F., D. H. Bliss, R. T. Brandt, Jr., W. T. Nichols, J. R. Rains, J. P. Hutcheson, and R. A. Smith. 2000. Pasture deworming and (or) subsequent feedlot deworming with fenbendazole. II. Effects on abomasal worm counts and abomasal pathology of yearling steers. Bovine Pract . 34:115-123.

Grant Crawford, Ph.D., Associate Director, Cattle Technical Services, with Merck Animal Health provides technical support for beef producers, veterinarians, and nutritionists in the Upper Midwest. Prior to joining Merck Animal Health in 2015, Dr. Crawford worked as a feed company technical nutritionist for 3.5 years and spent five years in beef cattle extension and research at the University of Minnesota

Cooperia (shown here) is one of the most prevalent internal parasites in U.S. cattle herds. And infected calves experience 7.4% less average daily gain.1

Powered by fenbendazole, all formulations of SAFE-GUARD® are proven highly effective in killing worms.2

1

It’s also the only dewormer available in both a suspension and feed formulations, so you can deworm your way. At the chute, in the pasture or added to feed – wherever SAFE-GUARD is given, SAFE-GUARD goes to work. Guaranteed.

BITE BACK AT KILLMOREWORMS.COM

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use in beef calves less than 2 months old, dairy calves and veal calves. A withdrawal period has not been established for this product in preruminating calves. Additionally, the following meat withdrawal and milk discard times apply: Safe-Guard Paste: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 8 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 96 hours. Safe-Guard Suspension: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 8 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 48 hours. Safe-Guard EnProAl Type C Medicated Block: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 11 days. For use in beef cattle only. Safe-Guard 20% Protein Type C Medicated Block: Cattle must not be slaughtered for 16 days. For use in beef cattle only. Safe-Guard Type A and other medicated feed products (pellets, cubes, free-choice mineral, or free-choice liquid): Cattle must not be slaughtered for 13 days. For dairy cattle, the milk discard time is 60 hours.

BE, et al. Cooperia punctata: Effect on cattle productivity? Vet Parasitol. 2012;183(3-4):284-291.

Choose suspension, paste or one of the formulations your cattle are already used to eating.

PAC MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

LIAM ROBBINS, DVM

Diamond R Veterinary Service

PC Roy, Montana

In Roy, Montana, you will find Diamond R Veterinary Service PC, owned by Dr. Liam Robbins. While his home base is located in central Montana, his practice serves clients all over Montana as well as in the western Dakotas, Idaho, and Washington. Dr. Robbins enjoys working with clients from this large geographic area as it provides the opportunity to experience a diversity of cattle operations adapted to very different environments.

Growing up on a cow-calf ranch, Dr. Robbins knew from a young age that he wanted to be a part of the beef industry. After graduating from UC Davis in 2011, he practiced in Baker, Montana, for 11 years. In 2023, he moved home to the family ranch and started Diamond R, along with his own cow-calf operation. He and his wife DeLayne are appreciative of the opportunity to raise their twin boys, Declan and Reade, in rural Montana on the ranch.

Dr. Robbins loves working outside in some of the most scenic places in the country and forming relationships with clients while helping them with their operations. His advice to those curious about rural veterinary medicine? “Every day is different than the last; there is no monotony in veterinary medicine. Even though the hours are long and the work is very mentally and physically tiring, there is not a more rewarding career.”

NO PERMITA QUE SU GANADO

SEA VICTIMA DE LAS TOXINAS:

Una Mirada al Interior de los Casos de Toxicología en el Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas

Por Scott Fritz, DVM, DABVT, el Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas (KSVDL, por sus siglas en ingles)

Mirando hacia el 2023, nuestra industria enfrentó muchos desafíos en diferentes partes del país. La sequía generacional devasto muchas áreas, lo que provoco menores inventarios de animales y precios que rompieron récord. Junto con eso, vino el aumento de los costos de los insumos, lo que llevó a muchos productores a utilizar alimentos y prácticas de manejo no convencionales para tratar de capear la tormenta. Como especialista en diagnósticos, muchos de los desafíos de salud que enfrentamos parecen surgir de prácticas que se desvían de lo “normal” y el año pasado no fue la excepción. La intención del siguiente artículo es resumir algunas de las tendencias que hemos experimentado en el Laboratorio de Diagnóstico Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas (KSVDL, por sus siglas en ingles), enfocándonos específicamente en casos de toxicología. Para los lectores que no lo saben, la sección de toxicología de KSVDL se inició en el 2018 y desde entonces ha crecido anualmente en pruebas que se ofrecen y se realizan. Somos una de las únicas secciones de toxicología en el país con especial interés en animales de producción y nuestros casos presentados son aproximadamente el 80% de ganado.

La mayoría de los casos de toxicología en el ganado están relacionados con exposiciones en el alimento o el agua – muchos son simplemente una sobreacumulación de compuestos normalmente presentes en los forrajes. Estas sobreacumulaciones a menudo son el resultado de condiciones adversas de crecimiento de nuestros cultivos forrajeros y la sequía es la causa más importante. Problemas ocasionales con formulaciones erróneas, errores en la molienda, equipo desgastado y la inclusión no

nitratos. Muchos productores son conscientes del potencial de los nitratos en los forrajes y cultivos estresados por la sequía. El sorgo/el pasto Sudan, el pasto Johnson y el maíz son fuentes comunes de exceso de nitrato, y la acumulación es el resultado de que las plantas estresadas no realizan la fotosíntesis. El consumo excesivo de nitrato en rumiantes eventualmente resulta en la incapacidad de la sangre para distribuir oxígeno a los tejidos del cuerpo. Los animales parecen estar ebrios, se caen

intencionada pueden tener efectos significativos sobre la salud, ya que normalmente alimentamos a los animales de producción de manera grupal, lo que significa que muchos animales son expuestos a la vez. Los cambios en la calidad del agua pueden ser el resultado de la sequía y a menudo son pasados por alto ya que contribuyen al consumo dietético. La cantidad de agua también se convierte en una preocupación en muchas áreas y transportar agua para el uso del ganado es una historia común en algunos casos donde los productores experimentan pérdidas significativas de animales en un periodo de tiempo muy corto.

Uno de los diagnósticos más comunes en eventos de pérdida por muerte es la intoxicación por

y eventualmente mueren. Una fuente de nitrato para los animales que a menudo se pasa por alto es el agua. Anualmente experimentamos varios casos donde un productor se ve obligado a transportar agua para uso ganadero. Muchos productores tienen tanques de plástico para fertilizantes acoplados a los remolques y es muy conveniente llenar estos tanques con agua y transpórtalos. El problema es que los fertilizantes son muy concentrados en relación con las concentraciones excesivas de agua. Como referencia, un fertilizante con un 40% de nitrógeno equivale a 400,000 ppm, mientras que 100 ppm de nitrato en agua pueden causar importantes problemas de salud en el ganado. Incluso cuando estos tanques han sido lavados,

han sido responsables de una exposición excesiva. Algunas formulaciones de fertilizantes utilizan urea como una fuente de nitrógeno y el sobreconsumo de urea puede causar otro problema. Los rumiantes tienen una enzima en el rumen llamada ureasa que degrada la urea a amonio y amoníaco. En los casos en que los animales consumen demasiado, no pueden excretar amoníaco lo suficientemente rápido y terminan con demasiado amoníaco en la sangre, lo que causa signos neurológicos y una muerte rápida. Podemos detectar tanto amoniaco como nitrato en el fluido ocular de un animal muerto y muchas veces en estos casos donde se utilizan tanques de fertilizante, ambos están elevados. Se alienta a los productores a tener equipos exclusivos para el transporte de agua para evitar estos problemas.

Otro síndrome neurológico común es una enfermedad conocida como polioencefalomalacia o “polio” para abreviar. Clínicamente esta enfermedad se caracteriza por ceguera, presión en la cabeza, temblores y convulsiones. La enfermedad tradicionalmente se ha atribuido a una deficiencia de tiamina en la dieta, pero recientemente se ha demostrado que es el resultado de concentraciones elevadas de azufre en la dieta. Las fuentes comunes de azufre incluyen el agua en muchas áreas del país, algunos coproductos del etanol y algunas plantas forrajeras. Es importante considerar tanto la dieta como el agua al evaluar el consumo total de azufre, ya que los animales que consumen agua con alto contenido de sulfato no pueden tolerar mucho azufre

en la dieta. Algunos otros coproductos también han sido responsables de contribuir al azufre en la dieta; el caso más significativo del año pasado involucraba pollinaza de aves de engorda. En lugar de enumerar todos los materiales sospechosos, es importante darse cuenta de que los coproductos no tienen supervisión en su formulación, por lo tanto, es mejor asumir que cada carga es diferente a la anterior y sería prudente hacer algunos análisis nutricionales básicos previo a su inclusión en las raciones para los animales.

Los antibióticos ionóforos se utilizan ampliamente de manera segura para aumentar la tasa de ganancia y la eficiencia alimenticia en rumiantes. Debido a que estos productos se utilizan tan ampliamente, invariablemente tenemos problemas con la dosis real que termina en las raciones. Todo lo que se necesita es un error una sola vez, como omitir un punto decimal o agregar un producto incorrecto a una tanda de alimento, para causar importantes problemas de salud. La toxicosis por ionóforos puede ser un diagnóstico difícil ya que hay un retraso desde la ingestión hasta los efectos clínicos. Este retraso a menudo es de 48 horas o más y la pérdida por muerte normalmente alcanza su punto máximo alrededor de una semana después de la exposición. Esto significa que el alimento infractor ya se ha consumido y ya no existe a menos que se hayan retenido muestras de esa tanda de alimento. La intoxicación por ionóforos a menudo se diagnostica mediante una

evaluación microscópica del corazón y otros músculos. Estos compuestos en una situación de sobredosis afectan la capacidad de las células para producir energía y los tejidos de alta energía, como los músculos, son los primeros afectados. En muchos casos, hay animales que sucumben inicialmente a la sobredosis, pero otros animales expuestos de manera subletal experimentarán impactos significativos en el crecimiento y la tasa de ganancia, y algunos pueden sucumbir a insuficiencia cardíaca meses después de la exposición inicial. Estos casos pueden ser difíciles de resolver y pueden durar meses. Es buena práctica tener comunicación abierta entre el productor, veterinario y laboratorio de diagnóstico.

La sequía obviamente afecta la cantidad de forraje producido, lo cual afecta el consumo. Un efecto secundario pasado por alto de la reducción del consumo de alimento es la reducción del consumo de minerales. Muchos productos minerales sueltos se formulan basándose en el consumo de materia seca, lo que impulsa el consumo diario de suplementos. Cuando los animales no consumen el suplemento mineral tan fácilmente como lo indica el producto, pueden ocurrir deficiencias minerales. La deficiencia de cobre es la anomalía más común que vemos en el ganado. Los minerales en general se transfieren a través de la placenta durante el último trimestre del embarazo y los terneros nacen con lo que

necesitan para aproximadamente los primeros seis meses de vida, hasta que ellos mismos comienzan a consumir un suplemento oral. De esto se deduce que los terneros nacidos de vacas con deficiencia de cobre pueden no tener reservas adecuadas para sobrevivir. En muchos casos de enfermedades respiratorias previas al destete en entornos de pastoreo, los terneros tienen deficiencia de cobre. Lo mismo aplica a muchos brotes significativos de enfermedades respiratorias durante el destete o cuando son puestos en operaciones de corrales de engorda. El cobre participa en muchas enzimas y procesos de la respuesta inmunitaria y a menudo contribuye a estos brotes. Los productores deben considerar el potencial de deficiencias minerales en un año de sequía y pueden ajustar el programa de minerales según sea necesario. Las biopsias del hígado se realizan comúnmente para medir las concentraciones de minerales en vacas y terneros, ya que el hígado es el órgano de almacenamiento de muchos minerales. Esto lo puede realizar su veterinario local y enviarlas a KSVDL para su análisis.

El 2023 fue el año de fuentes anormales para muchos de los compuestos con los que normalmente tratamos. Es importante trabajar con su veterinario local, ya que es el que está más en sintonía con las condiciones de crecimiento locales y los problemas de forraje en su área.

El Dr. Scott Fritz obtuvo su Doctorado en Medicina Veterinaria (DVM, por sus siglas en ingles) en la Universidad Estatal de Iowa en el 2014. Luego paso 5 años realizando practica privada en la zona rural de Dakota del Sur, enfocándose en el ganado de carne. En el 2019, el Dr. Fritz comenzó su residencia en toxicología en el Laboratorio de Diagnostico Veterinario de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas con un enfoque en medicina diagnóstica. El Dr. Fritz ha sido certificado por el Consejo Americano de Toxicología Veterinaria y actualmente se desempeña como diagnosticador y miembro de la facultad del Colegio de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas.

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Ganado en Desarrollo CONCEPTOS BÁSICOS DEL PASTOREO DE GANADO EN DESARROLLO

Por Dale Blasi, PhD,

Departamento de ciencia de animales y industria en la universidad del estado de Kansas

El viejo refrán, las seis P (Prior Planning Prevents Pretty Poor Performance/planificación previa previene un desempeño bastante pobre), es una excelente transición para iniciar cualquier conversación sobre la producción eficiente de carne de res. Esto suena especialmente cierto con respecto a cualquier discusión sobre los conceptos básicos del pastoreo de ganado de carne en desarrollo.

Se deben considerar muchas decisiones importantes antes de poner a los terneros en pastoreo. En base a cargas ganaderas históricas y la necesidad de ajustarse según las condiciones de los pastizales, los productores intentarán comprar la cantidad, el tamaño y el tipo de terneros que se puedan “comprar por el dinero.” Con esta información básica, uno puede tomar decisiones efectivas de compra y venta y calcular el valor de ganancia (VOG, por sus siglas en ingles). Esta valiosa métrica económica ayudará a determinar la viabilidad de cualquier insumo, como un programa de suplementación.

Utilizando los precios futuros del ganado de engorda y del maíz, BEEF BASIS (beefbasis.com) es una excelente herramienta que ayudará al productor a determinar el valor de ganancia más rentable y las ventanas de mercado futuras. El siguiente ejemplo ilustra la utilidad de este software para evaluar el retorno de la inversión y la estacionalidad de la comercialización con meses de contrato cambiantes.

Supongamos que un productor compró 100 novillos a $299.62/cwt (cwt = cada 100 libras) el 22 de febrero y que pesan 500 libras. Aproximadamente 176 días después (16 de agosto), se anticipa que estos terneros pesen 850 libras. El resultado generado de esta simulación es el anterior.

A partir de este ejemplo en particular, el valor bruto de ganancia proyectado para los terneros vendidos el 16 de agosto es de $155.65/cwt. Por supuesto, esta estimación no tiene en cuenta la pérdida por muerte ni la calidad o condición del ternero (capacidad de rendimiento). Sin embargo, el valor bruto de ganancia ($1.5564/ lb.) es precisamente la vara de medición que uno debe utilizar al evaluar insumos de manejo como aditivos alimentarios, implantes de crecimiento o programas de suplementación en su programa de ganado en pastoreo.

Otro aspecto de este software que es bastante útil es la determinación del impacto de la fecha de comercialización. En el ejemplo anterior, el valor bruto de ganancia proyectado aumenta dramáticamente del 16 al 25 de agosto. Al retrasar la fecha anticipada de comercialización deteniendo el rendimiento diario (de 1.99 a 1.89 lbs. de ganancia diaria), un productor podría obtener 20 dólares adicionales por cabeza.

1. Consideraciones sobre la estrategia de alimentación previa al pastoreo

Al momento de adquisición, todos los terneros deben ser adecuadamente inmunizados y tratados contra parásitos internos y externos antes ser puestos en pastoreo. Los productores que ya hayan comprado terneros para pastar estarán acopiando terneros implementando un patrón de tenencia o manejándolos mínimamente en pastos invernales latentes en anticipación de la oportunidad de explotar la ganancia compensatoria que se puede lograr cuando el ganado es puesto en pastizales nativos en crecimiento activo en abril o a principios de mayo.

Valor Bruto de Ganancia Proyectado

Un ensayo de investigación de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas (KSU, por sus siglas en Ingles) (Anglin et al., 2008) evaluó los efectos a largo plazo de la alimentación limitada en el rendimiento subsiguiente en pastos nativos. La conclusión de esta investigación fue que la alimentación limitada al 2.25% en corral antes de ser puestos en pastoreo disminuyó los costos de alimentación. Los terneros que fueron alimentados de forma limitada experimentaron mayores ganancias diarias durante el periodo de pastoreo subsiguiente a un menor costo por libra de ganancia. Los terneros alimentados de forma limitada durante la fase de acopio ganaron 15 libras más que los novillos alimentados a libre elección.

2. Los insumos de alimento y minerales son costosos; sea prudente con su uso

Los objetivos principales para proporcionar suplementos minerales al ganado en pastoreo son para satisfacer los requisitos nutricionales, proporcionar un vehículo para suministrar aditivos alimentarios y mejorar la distribución del pastoreo. Generalmente, los suplementos minerales son diseñados para satisfacer aproximadamente el 50% de los requerimientos de macrominerales y minerales traza de un animal en pastoreo cuando se consumen en una formulación de dos a cuatro onzas diarias. Estos son formulados específicamente para los requerimientos de nutrientes y los objetivos previstos para varias clases de ganado en pastoreo (es decir, vacas lactantes para carne que están pastando en pasto festuca vs. terneros en desarrollo pastando en pastos nativos).

Por varias razones (condiciones ambientales, especies de plantas, madurez, disponibilidad y palatabilidad), el consumo diario de un suplemento mineral autoalimentado puede ser bastante errático. En muchos casos, el consumo excesivo suele ser consecuencia del deseo del animal de sal adicional, lo cual se puede remediar con un bloque de sal. Weibert et al. (2018) informaron que el consumo

semanal de un mineral completo alimentado a libre elección con un consumo diario previsto de tres onzas por día varió desde un promedio semanal de un mínimo de 2.33 onzas hasta un máximo de casi cinco onzas durante el período de investigación de trece semanas. Durante toda la investigación de 90 días, el consumo promedio fue de 3.27 onzas por cabeza por día. Las implicaciones del sobreconsumo son económicamente relevantes. Por ejemplo, si un suplemento mineral completo cuesta alrededor de $500 dólares con un consumo etiquetado de 4 onzas/cabeza/día durante 90 días, este costo calculado es de aproximadamente $5.63 dólares por cabeza sin incluir la mano de obra para proveerlo en los pastizales. Si el consumo de minerales es excesivo (6 onzas en lugar de la recomendación de 4 en la bolsa), el costo real será de $8.45 por cabeza.

3. Planificación previa para la salida; control de peso al salir de los pastizales.

Un aspecto que a menudo se pasa por alto en el manejo de los terneros en pastoreo es el manejo necesario requerido para minimizar la reducción de peso cuando se retiran del pastoreo. Por ejemplo, reduciendo la reducción de peso por una unidad porcentual en un novillo de 800 lbs. con un valor de $235/cwt equivale aproximadamente de $18 a $20 dólares por cabeza. Muchos factores pueden influir en la reducción de peso del ganado; los tiempos y condiciones de la reunión del ganado, las estrategias de suplementación previa a la reunión del ganado y el manejo pueden impactar colectivamente si el operador logra o no buenas condiciones de pesaje.

Con respecto al tiempo de reunir el ganado, muchos operadores prefieren reunirlo a la primera luz del día y tener los terneros listos para los camiones entre las 8 y las 10 de la mañana. Según los resultados de una investigación de varios años realizada en la KSU, los productores pueden obtener alrededor de tres libras por cabeza por hora por cada hora después del amanecer que los terneros pueden pastar hasta las 9 a.m. aproximadamente, los novillos reunidos tres horas después del amanecer tuvieron una reducción de peso a un ritmo de 0.5% por hora en comparación con el 0.69% por hora de los novillos reunidos al amanecer. Los novillos tuvieron una reducción de peso de 0.71% y 0.67% por hora cuando se reunieron una o dos horas después del amanecer, respectivamente.

Este hecho está relacionado con el patrón de pastoreo típico del ganado. Dependiendo de factores como el tipo de forraje y el entorno, el ganado suele pastar durante 2 a 4 períodos distintos a lo largo del día, siendo el período de pastoreo principal temprano en la mañana. En efecto, interrumpir este período de pastoreo les “roba” de su comida principal del día. En general, investigaciones de la KSU han demostrado que el ganado tiene reducción de peso de aproximadamente el 1.0% por hora durante las primeras 3 a 4 horas de privación de alimento y agua, luego la reducción de peso disminuye a tan solo el 0.1% por hora hasta las 10 horas.

Naturalmente, los operadores de ganado en desarrollo se preocupan por las condiciones climáticas típicamente calurosas que se encuentran cuando se reúnen los terneros durante los últimos meses del verano y otoño y por lo cual los terneros son reunidos durante las primeras horas de la mañana. Al retrasar el inicio de la reunión del

ganado incluso de 1 a 2 horas, el productor tendrá la oportunidad de ganar libras pastoreando más tiempo y reduciendo la cantidad de tiempo que los terneros pueden “perder” las libras con las que entraron al corral antes de ser cargados en el camión.

Ya sea la disposición inherente o el ambiente de donde es originario el ganado; el ganado excitable parece perder peso y tarda más en recuperar las libras que pierde. Dicho esto, la mayoría de los manejadores de ganado en pastoreo reconocen la importancia de un manejo de ganado cuidadoso y con mínimo estrés y tener las instalaciones y la actitud necesarias para un manejo más silencioso. Mientras que los costos de los suplementos son altos, la suplementación estratégica cada dos o tres días durante las últimas 2 a 3 semanas del periodo de pastoreo familiarizará a los terneros “nerviosos” con la sirena del camión y puede facilitar su movimiento hacia las instalaciones de embarque con el mínimo estrés. Además, la suplementación de proteína cruda durante lo último del período de pastoreo mejorará el consumo y la digestibilidad del pasto, lo cual resultará en alguna mejora en la ganancia diaria de los terneros.

Otro aspecto para considerar antes del día en que se envían los terneros es trasladarlos a pastizales adyacentes a las instalaciones de embarque tres o cuatro días antes del envió. Esto le permitirá a los terneros recuperar algo de peso perdido antes del envío y facilitará el embarque cuando lleguen los camiones. Asegúrese de avaluar las condiciones de los caminos que conducen a las instalaciones de embarque y también las propias instalaciones antes del gran día. Es mucho mejor realizar las reparaciones necesarias antes del día de envió.

Dale A. Blasi nació y se crio en la granja y el rancho de su familia cerca de Trinidad, Colorado. Obtuvo su licenciatura en zootecnia y su maestría en Manejo de Sistemas de Carne de Res en la Universidad Estatal de Colorado en 1984 y 1986, respectivamente. En 1989, termino su doctorado en la Universidad de Nebraska.

Desde 1997, Dale ha formado parte de la facultad del Departamento de Zootecnia e Industria de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas como Especialista en Extensión de la Carne de Res, donde actualmente tiene un nombramiento de un 10% de docencia, un 20% de investigación y un 70% de extensión. Sus responsabilidades incluyen proporcionar liderazgo educativo de Extensión a nivel estatal en nutrición y manejo de ganado en desarrollo y la utilización de forrajes pastoreados y cosechados por el ganado de carne y otro ganado, realizando investigaciones e interpretando resultados, y sirviendo como persona de referencia.

Dale también es el coordinador de la facultad del complejo de Ganado de Carne de la Universidad Estatal de Kansas, la combinación colectiva de las unidades de Ganado en Desarrollo, Corrales de Engorda y Precisión del departamento. Juntos, estas unidades ganaderas se esfuerzan por brindar una experiencia de trabajo e investigación invaluable para los estudiantes y realizar investigaciones pertinentes y relevantes para estos segmentos de la Industria de la Carne de los Estados Unidos.

GETTING TO KNOW THE PAC TEAM

CAITLIN COULSON, PHD

Hi! My name is Caitlin Coulson and I started with PAC in May 2023 as our Client Services Coordinator. I’m involved in many different roles at PAC, including client communications, event planning, and supporting data services!

I was raised in eastern Nebraska on a diversified row-crop operation and small feedlot, which fostered my interest in the beef industry. I attended Kansas State University and ultimately earned a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. My professional passions include cattle, science, and people, which fits well with PAC’s core values!

My husband, Ryan, and I call Valparaiso, Nebraska, home with our daughter, Paige, and our two dogs, Moose and Doc. In my spare time, I enjoy a good cup of coffee, running, and spending time with family. I look forward to meeting many more of you this year!

By

Dr.

Doug Ford, DVM,

Production Animal Consultation, & Dr. Greg Quakenbush, DVM, Geissler Corp.

There are so many lessons to be learned on our journey here on earth. Some big, some small, some insignificant, some life changing for the positive or negative, and some are just good information. Many of the lessons I don’t remember, but are still part of the big picture called life. I believe, all are strategically placed in our path pulling in different directions toning, molding, contouring, and building much like a frustrated muscle group during a rigorous work out. No pain, no gain.

One of my more memorable life changing lessons involved a frustrating often tense relationship with a close neighbor. The heart of the lesson was to be agonizing and would come via the slow burn, gotcha method evolving over a period of ten long painful years.

The lesson began when Jan and I purchased a 4th generation family ranch in the South Platte River basin near Snyder, Colo. The ranch had been the hub of the family for over 100 years. It was a known fact that the property would likely remain in the family for another 100 years. We were in total shock and disbelief when we were approached with an offer to purchase the property private treaty. After many days of the usual price dickering and negotiating, a deal was made. As part of the negotiation the youngest son was to retain 35 acres “smack dab” in the middle of the parcel. New boundary lines were established, and agreements were made with a handshake. New fences were built, and we were officially neighbors.

We all worked for several years establishing what was to be the new normal. Unfortunately, as time passed little twinges of strife would appear out of nowhere. In our frustration, the continuing goal was to always foster good healthy relations, promote peace, and achieve some sense of harmony, which often proved somewhat impossible. I continually remained mindful of how I would have felt if the ranch I had grown up on was suddenly sold out from under me. The resentment, betrayal and heart ache had to be real. Unfortunately, time does not always heal all wounds.

The perpetuation of discord grew out of control, with the exception of one sunny spring day eight years into our struggle. It is no secret that one of my favorite vices is heavy equipment. Track hoes, backhoes, dozers, and skidders to name a few. Heavy equipment is expensive to buy, and even more expensive to operate and maintain. Every repair on a track hoe starts at $5000. Another downside of owning this type of equipment or having a prime spot for duck, goose, deer, and turkey hunting is it will expose the “hey old buddy” syndrome. How is this relevant to my story? As it turned out, our domestic feud was about to be put on hold. In a weak moment, the opposing team needed to borrow the 210EC Volvo excavator to harvest gravel for his ailing septic system. Years earlier I reluctantly loaned the machine to my neighbor for a different project, and I didn’t feel comfortable with a repeat performance. In my frustration, I agreed to use of the machine but felt I should be the primary operator.

With gritted teeth and my head held high, I began the project. Most buckets produced clean usable gravel, but some were laced with heavy, dark, sulfide smelling mud. Deep down in my heart, “I” knew that would not be suitable, but “I” didn’t really care as “I” thought about the past eight years. After all “I” was the victim, “I” was paying for the fuel, “I” was putting wear and tear on my machine, “I” was spending my valuable time, “I” was unappreciated, “I” was being the bigger man, “I” was justified in my feelings, and at the very least “I” didn’t deserve the past decade of mental abuse and verbal shaming. After all, “I” was right, and my resolve was to be unshakable. I, I, I, me, me, me!!!

Ironically, as fate would have it “I” now own the 35 acres, the house, and the refurbished septic system. Humbly, each day I pray for the crop failure mentioned in the last parable, resulting from my seeds of discord and strife. “An enemy will give you in a day what a friend can’t give you in a lifetime.” Adversaries are a master key to life, renewers of perspective if you will.

Attitude is everything, grace is everything, humor is everything, humility is everything, forgiveness is everything, integrity is everything. Christ did it all while establishing His code of conduct here on earth and in heaven. He also freely gave the first and the best of all He had unconditionally. Surely, we should do the same. Ultimately, it is not what happens to us, but what happens in us. Forgive me, Lord. Always being right is overrated and comes with a high price tag. Often it is a destroyer of partnerships,

relationships, friendships, and families. There is exponential power in unity and agreement. Lesson learned... I hope?

Digging Deeper

Are you “good” to go... ?

In 2020, a survey undertaken by the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University asked the question, “ is man basically good ”? The Center interviewed 2000 adults for its survey which included individuals of all ages, ethnicities, beliefs, and political views. The survey revealed that 7 out of 10 adults responded that they believe man is basically good.

One situation that constantly challenges the position of the “I am good” crowd is the seemingly constant stream of difficult or even adversarial people who are in our lives or have crossed our path. If I asked you to think of a difficult individual, no doubt that someone will come immediately to mind. It possibly will be a list rather than a single name. Maybe the first name that comes to mind might be a child, spouse, parent, or other family member. From there the next tier likely comes from work, neighbors and maybe even a “friend” or two. Identifying an “adversarial” person in politics or the cultural elite is just too easy and the list will definitely be long.

“I have met the enemy and he is us...”

I wonder how many readers would have identified themselves as a “difficult person”. I know for sure that 7 out of 10 would not have even considered it as they were shown in the survey above to identify as “good”. In the Bible, we will find that 100% of us are identified as difficult or adversarial people.

The Bible uses a different term called “sinners”. This is naturally an unpopular label, but one that has proven to be accurate and true. Sinners by nature have one overriding principle, “Me before thee”. My life is most important (I’m #1) and even essential. But your life... not so much.

Romans 3:23 (ESV): For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Genesis 6:5 (ESV): The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.

The above verses give the correct answer to the question, “is man basically good?” No, he is not. God knows that man is intrinsically evil and therein lies the problem.

Possibly the most well-known of Jesus’s teaching on dealing with difficult and even adversarial people is found in the Sermon on the Mount . “But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” ( Luke 6:27-31 NLT).

Paul adds to the discussion of the topic of dealing with others with this instruction from Philippians 2:3-4 (NASB). “ Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others .” If couples took this one verse to heart, it is

hard to imagine that an amazing strong and loving relationship would not be the result. What about this principle being utilized as the philosophy for a business? Note, this recipe is not a “once and done” thing but practiced consistently and daily.

The final point comes from Romans 12:17-21 (ESV). “ Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. ” The key principle here is not to return “evil” for “evil”. Not returning evil for evil would certainly put a crimp in the crime of “road rage”. This syndrome might be the greatest example of how returning evil with more evil only escalates the situation. Evil response play right into the hands of the enemy, Satan.

The above Bible verses regarding how to deal with others is a small sampling of a huge Biblical topic. Admittedly, the elephant in the room is “who can respond in this manner?” “What about the wrong done to me? I cannot just just ‘roll over’.”

The Biblical response to dealing with others is not consistently possible without supernatural assistance. By supernatural, I mean spiritual vs. bodily or fleshly. Christianity is about “rebirth”, and that rebirth involves becoming alive spiritually where we previously were dead in that regard. The natural man (who sees himself as “basically good”) does not have the spiritual resources to respond without bringing out the worst in himself. Revealing... man is basically evil.

Regarding dealing with others. You know, those who are selfish, rude, mean, dishonest, argumentive, and so forth. In other words, you and me. How do we want God to respond to us? Are we OK if God gives us “what we deserve”? That certainly seems fair.

What we deserve is what happened to Jesus. The punishment for our wrong doings were placed upon Him. He took our place and the judgement we deserve was inflicted upon Him. Since we as Christ followers have been given grace (undeserved merit or favor), mercy (not receiving what we truly deserved) and forgiveness , how can we not extend the same to others in consideration of what we have freely been given?

i https://christiannews.net/2020/06/26/survey-shows-most-americans-believehumans-are-basically-good-but-dont-think-life-is-sacred/

Doug Ford, DVM is the owner of Beaver Creek Veterinary Clinic in Brush, Colorado. Doug earned his DVM degree from Colorado State University. Brush, Colorado has been his home since graduating from Colorado State. Doug’s practice has been remarkably diverse over 40 years of veterinary medicine. Dogs, cats, cow/calf, feedlot, two sale barns, and spaying thousands of heifers for grass. The last 20 years of practice has been 50% large western dairies and 50% beef cattle (spaying, cow/calf, and feedlots). In 2005, Doug was given the privilege to become one of the six founding members of PAC. Doug and his wife Jan ranch in their “spare” time. They are also heavily involved in a wetlands development project on the South Platte River near Snyder, Colorado. Doug’s dad used to say, “Get your grades up. Do you want to grow up to be a ditch digger?” Doug had no idea how much fun it would be to play in the dirt with dozers and track hoes. He feels truly blessed and believes that the best days are yet to come.

Greg Quakenbush, DVM is a 1978 graduate of Colorado State University and spent 16 years in large animal practice in Porterville, California. For 19 years, Dr. Q worked for Zoetis (Pfizer) and was Director of the US Cattle Technical Services team. Since 2013, Dr. Q has worked with the Geissler Corporation assisting in the development of new veterinary diagnostic technologies. Dr. Q enjoys Bible study, shooting sports, fly-fishing, and being a part-time farmer growing citrus and nuts in the central valley of California.

CHUCKLES FROM DOWN UNDER . . . .

A vampire bat came flapping in from the night, covered in fresh blood, and parked himself on the ceiling of the cave to get some sleep.

Pretty soon all the other bats could smell the blood and began hassling him about where he got it. He told them to go away so he could get some sleep, but they persisted until he finally gave in.

“Okay, follow me,” he said and flew out of the cave with hundreds of other bats close behind him. Down through a valley they went, across a river, and into a huge forest. Finally, he slowed down and all the other bats excitedly milled around him, tongues hanging out for blood.

“Do you see that large oak tree over there?” he asked.

“Yes, yes!” the bats all screamed in a frenzy.

“Good,” said the first bat, “because I didn’t!”

The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and say, “Thanks for flying with us!”

The first officer on this particular flight hammered his plane into the runway really hard. Considering his bad landing, he had difficulty looking the passengers in the eye, all the time thinking a passenger would have a smart comment. However, it seemed all the passengers were too shell shocked to say anything.

Finally, everyone had gotten off except for this little old lady walking with a cane. She said, “Sonny, mind if I ask you a question?”

“Why, no ma’am,” said the first officer. “What is it?”

The little old lady asked, “Did we land or were we shot down?”

A couple drove down the road for several miles not speaking to each other.

An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither wanted to concede their position.

As they passed a barnyard of donkeys, goats, and pigs, the husband asked sarcastically, “Relatives of yours?”

“Yep,” the wife replied, “in-laws.”

Keep on smiling! Warm Regards, Jane Sullivan

THE POT ROAST

GRILLED PORK TENDERLOIN WITH THREE PEPPER SPACKLE

Ingredients

Pork tenderloin(s) – approx 1 ¼ lb each (get a couple because this is really good)

Three pepper spackle – enough for one tenderloin

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp thyme – dried

• ½ tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp dried rosemary –crushed

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp ground white pepper

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1/8 tsp (a pinch or so) ground red pepper or cayenne

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 garlic clove - crushed

Instructions

• Mix all ingredients together, rub on tenderloin(s), wrap in plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes or so at room temperature.

• Grill.

Tips & Notes

• Most rubs are dry. The spackle used here is a wet rub.

• For fool-proof cooking of these or any other pork tenderloins use the 7-6-5 method. Get a gas or charcoal grill hot (400 degrees F), and oil the grates with some grapeseed oil to prevent sticking. Place room temp tenderloin(s) on hot grill and close the cover. Turn tenderloins after seven minutes. After six more minutes, turn the heat to low (gas) or move meat to a spot on a charcoal grill that is not directly above the coals, and shut the grill cover. Leave the tenderloin in the closed grill for five minutes. Internal temp should be about 1450 at this point. Remove from grill, cover loosely with foil and let rest for 2-3 minutes. With this method it will be done perfectly every time. Slice about 5/8” thick and serve. This is great as is or with a little cherry or cranberry sauce on the side.

• This is great on a gas or charcoal grill, takes very little time and is drop dead simple to make.

Pete Anderson spends most of his time assisting cattle feeders in his work for Midwest PMS. When he gets a little free time, he likes to cook beef or the occassional lesser species for friends and family. Pete and his wife, Denise, live in Loveland, Colorado. They have three carnivorous kids that are all grown. For more recipes and some fun, check out petesmeats.com

• For best results, brine tenderloin(s) for 45-60 minutes (simple brine is 1 quart water, ¼ cup kosher salt, 1/8 cup sugar), rinse, pat dry and apply spackle, then grill.

• No recipe on my entire web site will make you look like a culinary genius faster than this one. It looks and tastes great.

If you have a recipe that you would like to feature in The Pot Roast section of Protein Producers, email us a protein.producers@pacdvms.com