Prevention Works

Cattle persistently infected with bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) can drain the production efficiency and profits out of a herd. By understanding how persistently infected cattle result and taking steps to prevent the problem, producers can safeguard their herds and their wallets against losses....More

By following the modified-live vaccine (MLV) label when vaccinating cows and first-calf heifers, producers can prevent diseases that can cause profit-killing respiratory and reproductive problems....More

Producers are aware of how quickly and easily disease can spread throughout a beef operation, but are they taking all the necessary steps to keep their herd healthy? According to Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. Professional Services Veterinarian, Dr. Jerry Woodruff, producers need to keep the basics in mind to maintain their herd’s health....More

After a drought year everyone wants to forget, processing time can help cow-calf producers evaluate the mature weights and body condition scores of cows to help avert long-term damage to a good breeding program, says a leading beef cattle specialist at Kansas State University....More

Both beef and dairy producers have been working towards eliminating bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) for many years, with different levels of success from operation to operation. While vaccinations are effective, even the operations that have been successful in eradicating BVD from their herd must maintain a BVD control plan to continue to protect their operation and operations around the country....More

When choosing a vaccine to protect against reproductive diseases, remember that not all vaccines are created equal. Reading and following label directions are essential to ensure the vaccine will give you the coverage needed throughout the entire breeding season and pregnancy....More

Despite dry pasture conditions across the United States, internal and external parasites will continue to challenge beef cattle operations heading into fall and winter. An effective parasite control program in the fall can help cattle maintain body condition and make the most of purchased feedstuffs....More

With 98 percent of Americans at least two generations removed from production agriculture, it is no wonder consumer misconceptions of the agriculture industry are spreading quickly. This distance has also caused a lack of understanding of the work and care that goes into beef and dairy production....More

The extended drought in the southern Plains and Southwest throughout 2010 and 2011 forced the dispersion of numerous cow herds. As spring rains and green grass offer producers the hope of restocking their pastures, it’s important that they have a solid reintroduction plan to reduce disease risk in the cow herd, says Dr. Mac Devin, Senior Professional Services Veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc....More

The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to show the spread of severe and extreme drought into larger areas of cow-calf country. Producers are seeing the effects of more heat, reduced forage quality and dwindling water supplies in the cows and calves....More

Beef producers and feeders can improve their parasite control program by making sure they select a dewormer that will control the right parasites at the right time – and which leads to the most productive gains when cattle are marketed...More

Record-breaking beef prices only make the problem worse. Besides being a herd health and biosecurity nightmare, trichomoniasis is costing producers missed dollars across the country. In states like Arkansas, emergency bull testing requirements were passed this summer due to outbreaks. In Colorado, the Board of Animal Health is reminding producers of the importance of testing because of seven trich-positive areas in that state....More

Cattle experience a variety of stressors throughout their life that can hinder their overall productivity. Combining good management practices with a solid vaccination program creates a preconditioning plan designed to help calves perform at the best possible levels...More