Purdue's Beef Blog

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This blog was created by the Purdue Beef Team as an educational forum for beef producers and Extension educators. It includes timely news, issues, and management tips that have the potential to affect the beef business and decision-making process. Opinions expressed in the news clips do not necessarily represent those of Purdue University or the beef industry.
Updated: 12 hours 51 min ago

Video Feature: Manipulating Media Messages

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:27

Christopher R. RainesPenn State UniversityI visited a local, family-run dairy farm. In this movie, I show you the same calves in the same barn filmed in two different camera “modes.” It illustrates just how easy it is to manipulate images to make them appear like something they’re not.

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Diarrhea In Weaned Calves

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:21

Diarrhea In Weaned Calves

Bovine Veterinarian

It is not uncommon to wean calves and then experience an outbreak of respiratory disease. Likewise, sometimes the weaned calves will break with diarrhea and this  can be more difficult to diagnose the cause. Diarrhea in recently weaned calves are commonly caused by BVD (Bovine Virus Diarrhea), mineral deficiencies  (particularly copper or selenium), worms, and coccidiosis.

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Can I Use a Carrier Bull?

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:21

Can I Use a Carrier Bull?

Dr. Matthew Spangler, Assistant Professor of Animal Science, Animal Science, University of Nebraska

This spring there will be some bulls sold in sales or private treaty that are carriers for genetic defects. The question commercial producers have to answer is, “Can I safely use a carrier bull?”.

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No Easy Fix For Mold In Corn

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:21

No Easy Fix For Mold In Corn

Gary Truitt

Hoosier AG Today

  Mold in stored grain is a serious problem for many Indiana farmers, but efforts to solve the problem could end up making things worse. The wet harvest has led to moldy corn being an especially big problem this year. Growers in Eastern Indiana have reported major problems with vomitoxin in their stored grain.

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NCBA Urges Congress To Examine The Science In The Discussion Of Antibiotics

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:20

NCBA Urges Congress To Examine The Science In The Discussion Of Antibiotics

cattlenetwork.com

Kansas State University’s (KSU) Michael Apley, a veterinary clinical pharmacologist, traveled to Capitol Hill yesterday with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) to educate lawmakers and their staff about the use of antibiotics in the beef industry. Dr. Apley and NCBA met with Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Congressman Leonard Boswell (D-IA) to discuss H.R. 1549, Rep. Slaughter’s bill to ban the use of antibiotics in livestock.

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BeefTalk: We Want to Avoid the Word ‘Baffling’ for Good Reason

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:20

BeefTalk: We Want to Avoid the Word ‘Baffling’ for Good Reason

Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service

To be “baffled” would imply the progeny results based on mating plans were confusing or perplexing.

The science and art of livestock selection can be baffling. If one does a quick check on the Internet for the meaning of baffling, one finds it means “to frustrate or check (a person) as by confusing or perplexing.”

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A Systematic Approach to Bull Buying

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:20

A Systematic Approach to Bull Buying

Dr. Scott P. Greiner

Extension Animal Scientist, VA Tech

With the onset of bull buying season, having a systematic approach to finding and identifying the “right” bull is imperative.  Bull selection is the most critical factor for genetic improvement in cow-calf herds, as the influence of the bull impacts both the immediate calf crop as well as future calf crops through the performance (and costs) of his daughters

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Just say “G’day” to Yellow Tail

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:20

Just say "G’day" to Yellow Tail

Greg Henderson

Drovers

The next time you hoist a glass of your favorite wine you could be contributing to a group that seeks to prevent your ability to earn a living. That is, if your favorite wine is Yellow Tail.

The Humane Society of the United States has announced that they will receive a $100,000 donation from a campaign they call “tails for tails.” Specifically, HSUS says, “Through ‘tails for tails,’ Yellow Tail is donating $100,000 to support us and our programs to help animals, including our Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest.” Through the end of March, consumers will see special Yellow Tail displays bearing the HSUS name and logo in stores across the country.

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Water: an important nutrient to maintain beef cattle health

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:19

Water: an important nutrient to maintain beef cattle health

Vetsweb

Water is an important nutrient for animals and small changes in water management can benefit animal health according to Megan N. Brew extension agent and co researchers at the University of Florida in the US.

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Public Lands: Cows vs. RATs

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:19

Public Lands: Cows vs. RATs

By Jodi Peterson

New West

The Forest Service and the BLM have just announced the 2010 fee for grazing one cow and calf on public land.

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Farmers reach out to city kids about connection to land

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:19

Farmers reach out to city kids about connection to land

 Alex Frazer-Harrison

Calgary Herald

For Dave Lantz, being a farmer is much more than anyone with a nine-to-five city job would understand.

For him, it’s a challenging way of life that sees him dedicated to bringing a century-old family tradition into a new millennium.

"I was probably the only kid in Grade 1 who knew exactly what I wanted to do when I left school," he says. "I’ve never wanted to do anything but farm and I’ve been involved in it all my life — and I intend to stay involved in it all my life."

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Skipping meat may help environment

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:18

Skipping meat may help environment

Jullian Clair

Auburn Plainsman (AL)

Editor’s note: Stories of this ilk are included in the blog to inform those in our industry how agriculture is being presented to and perceived by the public.

Eat less meat; save the planet.

This is part of the mentality of supporters of the Meatless Monday campaign.

According to meatlessmonday.com, eating less meat is not only good for a diet, but beneficial for the environment.

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More than 200 exhibitors will showcase products and services at 35th Annual TSCRA Trade Show

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:18

More than 200 exhibitors will showcase products and services at 35th Annual TSCRA Trade Show

North Texas e-News

More than 200 exhibitors will showcase their products and services to cattle producers across the state at the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) 35th Annual Trade Show during the cattle raiser convention March 19-21.

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Care of the Newborn Immediately After Calving

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:17

Care of the Newborn Immediately After Calving

Dr. Glenn Selk, Professor-Animal Reproduction Specialist, Animal Science – Oklahoma State University

Delayed passage through the birth canal in the face of a faltering placenta compromises oxygenation of the calf. Although the calf is able to breathe as soon as its nose passes the lips of the vulva, expansion of the chest is restricted by the narrow birth canal.

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Inspections Reveal Harmful Drugs In Ohio Meat

Fri, 2010-02-05 06:17

Inspections Reveal Harmful Drugs In Ohio Meat

Newsnet5.com

A Five On Your Side Investigation reveals how potentially harmful drugs in Ohio beef could enter the food supply.

Investigator Ron Regan found eight Ohio beef and dairy farms have received warning letters from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the last 15 months.

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Assist or Resist?

Thu, 2010-02-04 05:46

Assist or Resist?

KATRINA WATERS

The Cattleman

Dystocia causes a myriad of problems. Not only are the cow and calf more likely to become injured, ill or even die during a difficult delivery, but pulling calves means more time spent on individual animals that could be spent tending to the whole herd.

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 Feed Additives

Thu, 2010-02-04 05:46

 Feed Additives

American Cattleman

Nutritional Management of the Calf After Weaning  The first 30-45 days after a calf is weaned is perhaps the most stressful period of its life. Good performance and health during this time can set the stage for an efficient and profitable feedout, or a long and productive life in the cow herd. On the other hand, most of the sickness and death loss due to respiratory disease happens at this time.

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Crossbreeding – Its Cool Again!: Part 3

Thu, 2010-02-04 05:45

Crossbreeding – Its Cool Again!: Part 3

Dr. Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, VA Tech

The fundamentals concerning the basic advantages of crossbreeding were outlined in Part 1 of this series.  The primary advantages of crossbreeding include capturing heterosis (hybrid vigor) and breed complimentarity. Part 2 focused on the design and management of crossbreeding systems, with specific attention on the application for small herds.

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Spring breeding decisions can influence marketing opportunities

Thu, 2010-02-04 05:45

Spring breeding decisions can influence marketing opportunities

Drovers.com

As beef producers consider their breeding decisions this spring, one factor that should weigh into those decisions are the marketing opportunities for those calves next fall. While it is difficult to predict where the market will end up in 2011, producers can look at current beef industry trends and breed association sponsored marketing programs to help decide what direction to take this breeding season.

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K-State Gears Up for Cattlemen’s Day March 7

Thu, 2010-02-04 05:45

K-State Gears Up for Cattlemen’s Day March 7

Kansas Farmer

Cattlemen’s Day will begin at 8 a.m. in Weber Arena with a commercial trade show and exhibits of cutting edge beef research. Presentations by featured speakers will begin at 10 a.m., and breakout sessions encompassing several timely and important production topics will be led by K-State scientists following the noon meal.

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