June 2026

Heifer Selection for Profit: Why Hybrid Vigor, Longevity, and Efficiency Matter

June 29, 2026June 26, 2026by ksubci

This discussion examines a research study focused on improving long-term profitability in cow-calf operations through better heifer selection. The study used economic modeling and field data to evaluate three key factors: feed efficiency, longevity, and heterosis (hybrid vigor). Results showed that cows with greater genetic diversity consistently generated higher returns, largely due to improved reproductive performance and overall herd productivity.

Longevity also played a critical role, as cows that remained productive in the herd longer were able to spread their development costs over more calves. However, the study revealed that heterosis had a larger impact on profitability than longevity alone when multiple factors were considered together. Feed efficiency, measured as the ability to maintain condition on less forage, also contributed positively to economic outcomes, particularly during winter feeding periods.

An important takeaway is that assumptions from feedlot cattle efficiency do not always translate directly to grazing cows due to differences in diet and digestion. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of crossbreeding strategies, warning that repeatedly using similar genetics can reduce hybrid vigor over time. Overall, the episode highlights that strategic heifer selection—focused on genetic diversity, reproductive success, and efficiency—can significantly improve herd profitability over the long term.

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Adding Value and Managing Grass: Practical Decisions in Cow-Calf Operations

June 26, 2026June 26, 2026by ksubci

This episode of Cattle Chat focuses on practical management strategies for improving profitability in cow-calf operations, driven largely by listener questions. A major topic centers on how to add value to cull cows, emphasizing that even though calf sales make up most revenue, cull cow income is still significant. Experts discuss options like breeding open cows before sale, combining them into a single group, or simply adding weight through grazing or feeding to improve market value. Timing decisions based on forage availability and market conditions are highlighted as key to maximizing returns.

The conversation then shifts to grazing management, particularly the differences between cool-season and warm-season grasses. While rotational grazing has well-documented benefits in cool-season systems, research shows less consistent improvement in native warm-season pastures. Factors like lower rainfall, reduced fertilizer response, and greater plant diversity may explain why responses differ.

Speakers note that successful grazing management of warm-season systems often requires more flexibility and observation, blending science with practical “art.” Strategies like deferred rotation—changing grazing timing across pastures—may support long-term grass health, even if immediate livestock gains are less obvious. Overall, the discussion emphasizes tailoring decisions to each operation, using observation, records, and adaptability to balance forage productivity, animal performance, and economic outcomes.

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Saline vs. PBS: A Practical Test of Sample Collection Methods in Cattle Diagnostics

June 22, 2026June 18, 2026by ksubci

This episode explores a research study evaluating whether sterile saline can effectively replace phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for collecting samples used in Tritrichomonas PCR testing. The discussion highlights a non-inferiority trial design, which differs from traditional statistical approaches by testing whether one method is not meaningfully worse than another. Researchers created controlled samples with varying concentrations of organisms and compared detection results using both saline and PBS.

Results showed no significant difference in detection performance between the two media, and saline met the criteria for being “not inferior” to PBS. This finding is important because saline is more readily available and easier to use in field conditions for veterinarians.

The discussion also explains how PCR cycle threshold values work and why small differences can matter depending on diagnostic cutoffs. However, the applicability of these findings depends on the specific testing method, as saline may not perform as well in DNA-based PCR due to potential degradation. Overall, the study provides practical insight into improving diagnostic efficiency while emphasizing the importance of understanding both statistical methods and biological relevance in veterinary research.

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Summer Research and Herd Management: From Vitamin Stability to Confinement Strategies

June 19, 2026June 18, 2026by ksubci

Joined by guest Logan Thompson, this episode of BCI Cattle Chat covers a wide range of topics, beginning with updates on current cattle research projects underway during the summer. Researchers discuss ongoing work in areas such as semen evaluation technology, stocker cattle supplementation, grazing system optimization, and respiratory disease investigation. A key theme is how research helps refine management practices over time, even though results often require multiple trials to confirm reliability. The conversation then shifts to a listener question about vitamin A stability, highlighting how vitamin levels can degrade over time—especially in mineral mixes—and emphasizing strategic purchasing and seasonal supplementation.

The team also discusses magnesium supplementation, noting that risk depends heavily on forage type, with cool-season grasses posing the greatest threat for deficiencies like grass tetany. They emphasize tailoring supplementation to specific conditions such as lactation stage and pasture type rather than applying blanket recommendations. Another major topic examines the feasibility of raising cow-calf pairs in confinement systems. While possible, this approach introduces challenges including increased labor, higher feed costs, ventilation requirements, and greater disease risk—especially during calving.

Experts suggest that confinement may work best when used strategically, such as outside of calving season or in combination with grazing systems. Overall, the episode stresses the importance of adapting management decisions to specific operations, balancing economics, animal health, and available resources.

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Systems Thinking in Beef Production: Solving Problems Beyond the Individual Animal

June 15, 2026June 12, 2026by ksubci

This discussion explores the concept of systems thinking in beef cattle production and how it expands beyond traditional population medicine approaches. Systems thinking focuses on understanding how multiple interconnected factors—such as nutrition, environment, disease exposure, and management practices—interact over time to influence herd health and productivity. Many cattle health and performance issues develop gradually, often involving delayed cause-and-effect relationships that can span months or even generations. The approach also recognizes that cattle may pass through multiple owners or environments, meaning problems observed in one setting may have originated earlier in the system. Rather than targeting a single cause, systems thinking addresses multifactorial “syndromes” where several influences combine to create outcomes like disease or poor reproduction.

Key elements include ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining good environmental conditions, and aligning management decisions—such as breeding timing—with forage availability. The concept emphasizes that yearly outcomes are interconnected, with current management decisions affecting future herd performance. In stocker operations, additional complexity arises from combining cattle from different sources and managing land across multiple production cycles. Practically, systems thinking encourages producers to identify “pinch points” such as water access, cattle arrival stress, and housing conditions. Ultimately, it provides a framework for long-term problem solving, focusing on improving the entire production system rather than reacting only to visible health events.

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Understanding Neurologic Cases in Cattle: Diagnosis, Causes, and Prevention

June 12, 2026June 12, 2026by ksubci

This discussion focuses on how to recognize, evaluate, and manage neurologic (brain-related) cases in cattle. Common clinical signs include stumbling, circling, weakness, apparent blindness, head pressing, and paddling when animals are down, all of which indicate issues affecting the nervous system. Diagnosing these cases begins with key questions about the animal’s age, environment, recent management changes, and how many animals are affected. Neurologic problems may stem from several major categories, including toxins, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders, with each requiring a different response.

Toxic causes are especially important, with lead exposure being one of the most common, particularly in young, curious animals. Other causes can include sulfur toxicity, water deprivation (salt toxicity), and certain feed or environmental exposures. A thorough physical exam and, when possible, necropsy and lab testing are critical steps in determining the exact cause. The number of animals affected can provide valuable clues, as widespread cases often suggest a shared exposure like a toxin.

The discussion also highlights the importance of water management, especially in summer, emphasizing both water quality and access. Improper rehydration of severely dehydrated cattle can lead to fatal complications, so water must be reintroduced gradually. Overall, early investigation and veterinary involvement are essential to identify the root cause and prevent additional losses within the herd.

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Deadly Dehydration: How a Simple Gate Closure Led to Mass Cattle Loss

June 8, 2026June 12, 2026by ksubci

This case study from a bovine science discussion examines a sudden and alarming incident in which 12 cows and 2 calves died within 12 hours of routine pre-weaning processing. Initially, the deaths raised concerns about vaccine reactions, toxic exposure, or handling stress, but the pattern of mortality did not align with typical causes. Adult cows, which only received topical parasite treatment, were more affected than calves that received vaccines, further complicating the diagnosis. A necropsy revealed elevated sodium levels in brain tissue, pointing to water deprivation as the underlying issue. Investigation of the environment uncovered that while a water source existed, access had been unintentionally blocked when a gate was left closed during processing. High temperatures and a dry pond exacerbated the situation, leading to rapid dehydration and neurological symptoms in the cattle. Surviving animals displayed abnormal behavior such as aggression, crowding in shade, and signs of severe dehydration. Recovery efforts required carefully controlled rehydration to prevent additional complications like cerebral edema. The case emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring continuous water access, especially when altering animal environments during handling.

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Building Better Cows: Smart Heifer Development from Day One

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026by ksubci

Joined by special guest Dr. Lee Jones from Boehringer Ingelheim, this episode focuses on effective heifer development as a foundation for long-term herd success, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right genetics and defining clear production goals.

This conversation explores how early-life management—including colostrum intake, vaccination programs, and nutrition—plays a critical role in building immunity and supporting growth. They highlight key health risks such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and stress the value of customized herd health plans developed with a veterinarian. Reproductive efficiency is another major theme, with strategies to ensure heifers reach puberty on time, breed early, and maintain long-term productivity. The group also evaluates whether heifers should calve at 24 or 30 months, weighing economic and logistical trade-offs. Overall, the conversation underscores that thoughtful planning and consistent management are essential to producing productive, profitable cows.

For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!

Episode sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.

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Industry Changes Coming Down The Line

June 2, 2026June 2, 2026by ksubci

In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, the hosts explore what the future may hold for the beef industry, discussing trends in cattle size, production inputs, and market prices. They examine the realities of cow-herd expansion and consider how policy decisions could influence cattle production in the years ahead. The conversation also highlights recent research on liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, including how factors such as diet composition, grain processing methods, and days on feed may affect their prevalence and economic impact. Finally, the beef cattle experts weigh the concept of more dual-purpose operations, discussing the balance between beef and milk demand.

4:45 Calculating efficiencies

15:37 Calving cows in confinement

18:50 Beef on dairy and maximizing efficiency

For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news

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