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Full-Text Articles in Beef Science

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim Jan 2026

Optimal Drought Management Actions For Cattle Operations On Navajo Nation, Tatiana Drugova, Kynda R. Curtis, Man-Keun Kim

All Current Publications

In this fact sheet, we examine the drought management options available to cattle operations on the Navajo Nation, the largest Native American reservation in the U.S. Specifically, we discuss the results of a study evaluating the economic outcomes of two common drought response strategies: herd reduction and supplemental hay purchases. We also provide recommendations for ranchers on optimal strategies, i.e., those that maximize profits, for two rancher types, differentiated by their willingness to accept (risk-neutral) or avoid risk (risk-averse).


Winter Supplementation Of Beef Cows In The Intermountain West, David Secrist Sep 2025

Winter Supplementation Of Beef Cows In The Intermountain West, David Secrist

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Feed costs are the most significant expense of most ranching operations in the Intermountain West. Year-round grazing opportunities, hay cost and availability, calving season, cow size, milk production, and feeding logistics are all considerations in a supplementation program. The key to effective winter feeding is to balance the cost/benefit ratio of the supplementation programs while meeting nutritional demands at a minimal cost.


Weaning Beef Calves, David Secrist Jul 2025

Weaning Beef Calves, David Secrist

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Weaning a beef calf is likely the most stressful event in the animal’s life. Future growth and reproductive performance can be compromised by health challenges encountered through the weaning process. Consequently, proper management aimed at reducing stress and preparing the beef animal for the next stage of production is critical to reach its genetic potential. Proper management involves applying good animal husbandry techniques, using sound science in developing health and feeding protocols, and implementing low-stress animal handling practices.


Tube-Feeding A Calf, Cheyenne Reid, Reganne K. Briggs, Melanie Heaton, Rebekah Esplin, David Secrist May 2025

Tube-Feeding A Calf, Cheyenne Reid, Reganne K. Briggs, Melanie Heaton, Rebekah Esplin, David Secrist

All Current Publications

Producers may need to tube-feed a newborn calf to provide milk if calves are unable to nurse or suck from the nipple bottle or when calves are sick and need electrolytes. This fact sheet outlines the materials required and the steps to successfully tube-feed a calf.


Warming A Calf, Cheyenne Reid, Reganne K. Briggs, Melanie Heaton, Rebekah Esplin, David Secrist May 2025

Warming A Calf, Cheyenne Reid, Reganne K. Briggs, Melanie Heaton, Rebekah Esplin, David Secrist

All Current Publications

Calves born in the winter or spring are often exposed to harsh weather and environmental conditions. After birth, calves may become chilled due to cold temperatures or not being dried off promptly. A chilled calf may be experiencing hypothermia. This fact sheet explains the different types of hypothermia and methods for warming a calf until it can be safely returned outside.


Using Thermal Camera Drones In Beef Cattle Roundup, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Eric Galloway, Shalyn Drake, Shawn Barstow, Ross Israelsen, Michael Pate Mar 2025

Using Thermal Camera Drones In Beef Cattle Roundup, Justin Wyatt Clawson, Eric Galloway, Shalyn Drake, Shawn Barstow, Ross Israelsen, Michael Pate

All Current Publications

Using drones with thermal sensors can be an effective tool in finding and collecting livestock from summer mountain ranges in the West. Drones can complete searches in much less time than required on horseback in demonstrated areas. Using drones reduces the workload of the rider and horse, saving time and energy and reducing the risk of injury. With proper training and certification, livestock producers can use drones to locate cattle and perform many other cost-cutting operations.


The Importance Of Monitoring Beef Cattle Body Condition, David Secrist Nov 2024

The Importance Of Monitoring Beef Cattle Body Condition, David Secrist

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A body condition scoring system commonly used in the U.S. is an objective effort to quantify a cow’s body condition with ratings from 1 (severely emaciated and weak) to 9 (excessively obese), resulting in a body condition score (BCS). Optimal BCS in commercial cow/calf operation is from 5 to 7, depending on the production stage, feed resources, and the animal’s age. Reproductive efficiency is critical to operational success and is closely tied to BCS. This fact sheet discusses why BCS is important and how to apply BCS to a herd effectively.


Using Growth Implants In Bos Indicus Cattle Compared To Bos Taurus Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Caleb C. Reichhardt, Kara Thornton-Kurth, Matthew Garcia, Laura Motsinger Sep 2024

Using Growth Implants In Bos Indicus Cattle Compared To Bos Taurus Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Caleb C. Reichhardt, Kara Thornton-Kurth, Matthew Garcia, Laura Motsinger

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A recent study at Utah State University compared production response to anabolic implant protocols of Santa Gertrudis-sired and Angus-sired steers. Feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and economic analyses were completed to determine how implants affect Bos indicus-influenced animals. This fact sheet reviews the research findings and suggested benefits, such as increased efficiency and yield of steers.


Bull Production: Breeding Soundness Exam And Expected Progeny Differences, Ethan Gilliam Apr 2024

Bull Production: Breeding Soundness Exam And Expected Progeny Differences, Ethan Gilliam

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This fact sheet defines a breeding soundness exam (BSE) for a breeding bull and reviews the meaning of expected progeny differences (EPDs). Acronyms used and depended on by livestock producers are reviewed. Understanding the meaning of livestock acronyms is commonly overlooked. Highlights include how a producer makes financial decisions throughout the year in relation to their livestock.


Raising A Bottle-Fed Calf On A Cow/Calf Operation, Reganne K. Briggs, Katelyn Barsnick, Cheyenne Reid, Ashley Longmore May 2023

Raising A Bottle-Fed Calf On A Cow/Calf Operation, Reganne K. Briggs, Katelyn Barsnick, Cheyenne Reid, Ashley Longmore

All Current Publications

Having bottle-fed calves on the ranch is common for beef producers. The most likely scenarios are a cow has died, a cow isn’t giving enough milk, or a twin has been rejected. All these scenarios are likely to happen, which results in an orphan calf. Bottle-feeding a calf is straightforward; however, there are limited resources, specifically for beef producers, looking for bottle-fed calf management strategies. When bottle-feeding a beef calf, there are some things to consider, such as feeding colostrum, selecting and using milk replacers, and weaning the calf. Many of the resources on bottle-calf management come from the dairy …


Implementing Bos Indicus-Influenced Cattle In Utah For Hybrid Vigor, Reganne K. Briggs, Matthew D. Garcia Apr 2023

Implementing Bos Indicus-Influenced Cattle In Utah For Hybrid Vigor, Reganne K. Briggs, Matthew D. Garcia

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Crossbreeding is a tool that cattle producers have used for decades. Hybrid vigor is one of the products of crossing breeding. One way to maximize hybrid vigor is by introducing Bos indicus genetics in a herd. Santa Gertrudis cattle are a great option for introducing Bos indicus genetics.


The Benefits Of Growth-Promoting Implants For Beef Cattle, Caleb C. Reichhardt, Reganne K. Briggs, Laura Motsinger, Kara Thornton-Kurth, Matthew D. Garcia Aug 2022

The Benefits Of Growth-Promoting Implants For Beef Cattle, Caleb C. Reichhardt, Reganne K. Briggs, Laura Motsinger, Kara Thornton-Kurth, Matthew D. Garcia

All Current Publications

Growth-promoting implants have been used in the cattle industry for decades. Their benefits allow cattle producers to become more sustainable by decreasing the amount of resources used. Resources such as water and land are decreased when using growth-promoting implants in beef cattle.


Drought Mitigation For Cow/Calf Producers: Depopulation Strategies, Reganne K. Briggs, Joshua Dallin, Jacob Hadfield, Matthew D. Garcia Jan 2022

Drought Mitigation For Cow/Calf Producers: Depopulation Strategies, Reganne K. Briggs, Joshua Dallin, Jacob Hadfield, Matthew D. Garcia

All Current Publications

Drought is a recurring event faced by many cow/calf producers across the nation. As drought events increase in their severity, it is important for cattle producers to have a management plan to mitigate the economic effects of drought. Two of the most common strategies for mitigating the effects of drought include buying additional feed and depopulating a portion of the herd. This fact sheet reviews strategies that will guide the decision-making process to cull cattle during drought.


Heat Stress And Reproduction In Beef Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Kerry A. Rood Sep 2021

Heat Stress And Reproduction In Beef Cattle, Reganne K. Briggs, Kerry A. Rood

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Reproduction could be considered the most important production trait on a cow-calf operation. Economic outputs are sustained when cattle rebreed and calve every year in a timely manner. However, when cattle are unable to rebreed efficiently, profits may decrease for producers. It is well known that heat stress can negatively impact reproduction in cattle (Jordan, 2003). The Intermountain West has been impacted by drought and increasing temperatures, both of which can impact reproduction rates in cattle. This fact sheet helps producers understand the consequences of heat stress on cattle reproduction and how they can manage reproduction during increasing temperatures.


What Drives Bull Prices, And How Much Can I Spend On A Bull?, Matthew D. Garcia, Ryan Larsen, C. K. Chapman Jul 2020

What Drives Bull Prices, And How Much Can I Spend On A Bull?, Matthew D. Garcia, Ryan Larsen, C. K. Chapman

All Current Publications

Several factors determine the age-old question of how much to pay for a bull. These factors are highly variable and can fluctuate from year to year. The five main factors influencing bull prices are explored in this fact sheet, including breed, availability, auction activity, breeder reputation, and genetic potential.