On this episode of BCI Cattle Chat the experts cover diarrhea caused by coccidiosis, emphasizing that it’s a common organism managed through reducing stress, maintaining clean and dry conditions, and using appropriate feed additives rather than trying to eliminate it entirely. The team also discuss growth implants, emphasizing their use to improve production efficiency and that hormone levels in beef are biologically minimal, though consumer preferences may justify selling non-implanted beef at a premium. The last topic was a listener question that asked about protocol when gathering cattle before processing. The veterinarians discussed that timing should minimizing stress while ensuring access to feed and water.
4:27 Diarrhea Caused by Coccidiosis
8:34 Growth Implants in Beef
15:44 Timing When Processing Calves
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
In this episode of Herd Health on Bovine Science, the experts discuss a recent study on factors associated with bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) failure. The veterinarians explain that both intrinsic factors, such as age and prior failure, and extrinsic factors, such as season and environmental conditions, influence whether a bull passes or fails. They highlight that sperm morphology is one of the most important indicators of fertility, often more predictive than other measures. Overall, the episode emphasizes interpreting BSE results in context to make better management and culling decisions.
In this episode of Herd Health, the experts review a 2025 study evaluating whether modified live virus (MLV) vaccines can be given at the time of CIDR placement for timed AI in beef cows. In previously vaccinated, multiparous cows about 80 days postpartum, administering an MLV vaccine at synchronization did not negatively affect estrus response, AI pregnancy rates, overall pregnancy rates, pregnancy loss, calving timing, or calf weaning weights. Total pregnancy rates were around 95%, with no significant differences between vaccinated and control groups. The findings suggest that giving an MLV vaccine at synchronization is safe in well-vaccinated adult cows, though results may not apply to naïve heifers.
This episode of Herd Health explores how cattle producers and veterinarians can choose the most effective estrus synchronization and fixed-time AI protocols for heifers and cows. Dr. Bob Larson explains that there is no single “best” protocol. Instead, the right choice depends on factors such as whether you are dealing with heifers or cows, time available, group size, handling logistics, and cost. The discussion highlights the roles of progesterone, GnRH, and prostaglandin, compares common protocols, and emphasizes using trusted resources such as the Beef Reproduction Task Force and working closely with veterinarians to ensure proper execution and consistent results.
The experts discussed whether it is more costly to have thin or fat cows going into the calving season. Thin cows are generally more costly because they are at high risk of having calving issues. Determining when to be aggressive with supplementation is important when addressing thin cows. The team also answered a listener’s question regarding weak calves. They discussed the factors that could be causing the calves to be weak. The key takeaway is that weak calves are associated with long or difficult births, weather stress, and poor nutrition. Better monitoring of heifers and calving progress can prevent many issues.
2:35 Thin vs Fat Cows
19:53 Weak Calves
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
On this week’s BCI Cattle Chat episode, the experts answer a listener’s question comparing two genetically identical bulls raised in different environments. The group discusses whether early development and nutrition can influence fertility, longevity, or even the genetics passed on to offspring, diving into the emerging science of epigenetics. Lastly, the team tackles a listener question on udder quality, exploring how heritable udder traits are and when producers should use them as culling criteria in the herd.
3:13 Epigenetics
17:31 Udder Quality
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss how to choose the best synchronization protocol for artificial insemination in cattle. They explain the differences between protocols for heifers and cows, including timing, hormone use, and management considerations. The discussion highlights the importance of resources like the Beef Reproduction Task Force website and factors such as chute time, cost, and herd size.
On Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a 2025 study in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science on factors influencing heifer replacement and cow-calf profitability. The study focused on cow feed efficiency, longevity, heterosis, and lifetime productivity. Key findings include the importance of longevity, with heifers staying longer in the herd being more profitable. Crossbreeding, particularly those with more heterosis, reduced costs. Residual feed intake (RFI) was crucial, with lower RFI cows being more efficient and cost-effective. The study used data from 2011 to 2018, accounting for economic fluctuations, and found no significant differences between breeds.
In this episode of Cattle Chat, Dr. Brad White and the team welcome graduate student Katherine Shirley, who discusses her summer research on heat stress and cardiopulmonary issues in feedyard cattle. She explains how environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and hide color can influence cattle health and mortality. The crew then answers a listener’s question about pregnancy checking, covering ideal timing, methods, and the causes of early pregnancy loss. Finally, Cameron Best from Australia joins to compare U.S. and Australian cattle production, highlighting differences in climate, forage systems, and market structures.
2:42 Research Update from Katherine Shirley
8:09 When to Preg Check
19:55 Cameron Best Compares Australian and U.S. Beef Production
Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss the failure of passive transfer in beef herds, highlighting differences from dairy cattle. Risk factors included calves born to heifers, twins, and assisted births. Higher body condition scores in cows also correlated with lower IgG levels. The study emphasized the importance of colostrum intake, especially in high-risk situations. The discussion emphasizes the need for targeted management strategies in beef cattle.
In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, Bob Weaber interviews Dr. Stephan Hughes, a veterinarian from South Africa, while on a trip. Hughes shares how he started listening to Cattle Chat and how beef production differs in South Africa. They also talk about the different tools Kansas State University has that can enhance your operation, not only in the United States but also abroad. The team then transitions to a listener question about bull fertility. The experts emphasize the importance of testing your bull’s fertility, especially as he ages.
2:20 Dr. Stephan Hughes interview
8:25 KSU Resources
17:30 Listener Question: Bull Fertility
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, guest Dr. Cassandra Olds continues the discussion of Theileria, a tick- and fly-borne parasite affecting U.S. cattle herds. The team explains how it spreads from the East Coast westward, causes anemia-like symptoms, and persists for life in infected animals. They stress prevention through stress reduction, parasite control, and good nutrition, noting that no approved treatment exists. The conversation shifts to preparing heifers for breeding season, emphasizing pre-breeding exams, tracking weight and reproductive readiness, and managing nutrition to ensure early conception and lifelong productivity.
This episode of Cattle Chat features guest Dr. Cassandra Olds, an entomologist, who shares with the group about her research on Theileria, an emerging protozoan parasite in cattle. Dr. Olds explains that Theileria is tick‑borne but can also be spread by sucking lice, possibly stable flies, limited placental transmission, and contaminated needles or equipment, emphasizing single‑needle use and the difficulty of vector control. The conversation then shifts to winter hay feeding strategy: estimating cow weights and forage intake, testing hay quality, minimizing waste, cleaning up old hay to reduce stable fly breeding sites, and tracking bale disappearance over time to adjust feeding and prevent cows from losing condition.
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a case where a client found an aborted fetus in their herd. Dr. Larson suggests identifying the aborting animal, collecting samples from the fetus, including the placenta, lung, liver, and brain, and holding them for further analysis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the herd’s history, including the age and origin of the cows, and potential causes like Neospora, IVR, BVD, and feed contamination.
On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White talk about a ranch that reported weaned calves with bloody diarrhea after being mixed from four pastures. Coccidiosis was at the top of the list for possible issues, with other potential causes to look at. They discuss potential cases of bloody diarrhea and the ways to treat and prevent the issues.
This week on Cattle Chat, our guest Caroline Wingert shares her research on jobs in rural communities and the challenges that come with living in rural areas. The experts also dive into a listener’s question of co-mingling bulls, how to prevent fighting, and different housing strategies. Lastly, they discuss how to tackle your bull-to-cow ratio.
2:47 Caroline Winger Research Update
9:30 Listener Question: Co-mingling bulls
16:23 Bull-to-Cow Ratio
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
On Cattle Chat this week, the experts discuss whether or not you could be taking records, making a plan, or both when it comes to your breeding season. After the discussion, the team talks about implementing your plan. When making your plan, what should you be looking for when saving back replacement heifers? They talk about how much age should play a factor when saving back your replacement heifers
4:31 Records or Plans
11:30 How to Implement a Plan
14:14 Saving Replacment Heifers
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, sponsored by ESTROTECT Breeding Indicators, the team discussed how to use various reproduction technologies to achieve your herd’s genetic goals. Our guest, Dr. Jordan Thomas from the University of Missouri, shared their research on the 7&7 Sync Program and its benefits. Finally, the group talked about the best age to wean calves.
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 blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, we start by answering a listener question pertaining to newborn calves with flies. Next, the crew go over BCI’s other podcast Bovine Science. Finally Brad brings a research paper which analyzes the benefits of castration at an early age. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode!
3:47 Newborn Calves with Flies
10:10 Bovine Science Podcast
14:47 Castration Research
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 blast! Don’t forget if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, the full crew is in the studio to discuss reinvesting in your operation. They also talk about feeding calves and manure scoring. Finally they go over risk management strategies of all kinds. Thanks for listening and enjoy the episode!
5:10 Reinvesting in the Herd
10:57 Calves on Feed
16:00 Risk Management
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 blast! Don’t forget if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, the team debates phenotype versus genotype when selecting replacement heifers. Next, Dustin leads the discussion on marketing with rising cattle prices. Finally the crew discuss water quality management.
2:25 Replacement Heifers
11:56 Marketing
1:13 Water Quality
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 blast! Don’t forget if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
Welcome to BCI Cattle Chat! In this week’s episode of Cattle Chat, the team discusses the Veterinary Research Scholars Program and the research those students have done with the BCI. Next, the crew explain listeriosis and how to identify it in your herd. Finally they have a debate over co-grazing, it’s benefits and potential risks.
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 blast! Don’t forget if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss the risk factors associated with BRD in preweaned calves. They discuss past research over the subject and options to mitigate the risk.
Bob Larson, DVM, PhD Reproductive physiologist and Epidemiologist Beef Cattle Institute Kansas State University RLarson@vet.k-state.edu
Pneumonia in young calves is an important contributor to death loss before weaning. Many veterinarians and cattle producers think of post-weaning respiratory disease (also known as Bovine Respiratory Disease or BRD) when they think about pneumonia in cattle; but calves can get pneumonia while they are still suckling their dams. Because the risk factors associated with pre-weaning respiratory disease differ from BRD in stocker and feedlot cattle (which is usually associated with commingling and transportation), our understanding of how to prevent and control BRD in post-weaned calves is not sufficient to address pneumonia in suckling calves.
Several studies investigating calf pneumonia have reported that an average of 3% to 11% of calves are expected to suffer from the disease each year. In addition, nearly 1.5% of calves will die from pneumonia before they reach the age of weaning; which makes it the second leading cause of pre-weaning death with only scours causing more losses. The most likely age for calves to be diagnosed with pneumonia is between 70 and 150 days of age.
Herds that have more cases of calf scours as well as herds that bring in nursing calves from outside herds to graft onto cows that lost their calves, and herds that creep-feed calves or synchronize cows appear to be more likely to have cases of pneumonia. Calves born after a difficult birth and calves that failed to consume enough colostrum have been shown to be at higher risk of getting sick and dying before reaching weaning age. Veterinarians indicated in a survey that weather, calving in confinement, failing to adequately vaccinate the herd, and nutritional deficiencies were also suspected for contributing to the risk of calf pneumonia.
Many times, the first sign that a herd has a problem is when a calf is found dead. Because death in young calves can also be caused by other diseases such as blackleg, digestive tract disease, or trauma, a veterinarian will probably need to examine the dead calf and may need to submit samples to a diagnostic laboratory to identify the cause of death. Calves that show signs of pneumonia such as rapid breathing, laying down and being reluctant to rise, and having a high temperature should be treated with an appropriate antibiotic after consulting with your veterinarian.
Vaccinating calves against viruses such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and bacteria such as Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida may help prevent outbreaks of calf pneumonia or reduce the severity of disease, but we know that a young calf’s immune system is not able to respond as well to vaccinations as an older calf’s. Because even a calf with a good immune response can be overwhelmed by a large exposure to germs, a successful plan to prevent disease in young calves need to involve more than just vaccinations.
Herds that have the best calf health have a short calving season and few heifers and cows experiencing calving difficulty. In addition, they keep young calves away from mud and other calves as much as possible. Cows that calve in good body condition and that are on a good plane of nutrition are more likely to have healthy calves. The best disease-control strategy is to focus on having good overall health of the cows and calves by meeting the herd’s nutritional needs, providing a good environment, and timely use of vaccinations in the cows and calves. If calves are affected with pneumonia while suckling their dams on summer range, you should be prepared to recognize and treat cases as early as possible with appropriate antibiotics in order to minimize death losses.
Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson are back to discuss a case where a producer had 20% of heifers open. They explore potential causes behind this reproductive issue, from bull problems to nutritional and health-related factors. They also share practical strategies and management tips producers can implement to improve reproductive success and set the herd up for a better breeding season.
