looking at grain underneath a magnifying glass

Are mycotoxins hiding in your feed supply?

When it comes to feed quality, we usually think in terms of nutritional properties such as energy, protein or mineral content. There are, however, other feed characteristics that have an impact on quality, one of which is mycotoxin contamination. Depending on crop type, environment, location, harvest and storage management, there are a wide variety of […] Read more



calf with an eye infection

The full cost of pink eye in cattle

Cure the pain as well as the losses


Pink eye or, more properly, infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), ranks high on the list of most expensive cattle health issues. The impact in lost weight gain alone is substantial. For pre-weaned calves, pinkeye is the second most costly disease, behind scours. One study showed a 17 pound (lb.) loss when one eye was affected and […] Read more

yearlings, backgrounded cattle

Achieving performance in cattle backgrounding programs

Set realistic targets and implement a feeding program that achieves your goals

As we move into fall, many of you will be planning feeding programs for weaned calves. With today’s high prices, managing market volatility is an ongoing concern, particularly for the smaller feeder. In some cases, producers have entered into forward contracts or custom feeding agreements with larger feeding companies, the latter typically based on a […] Read more


Ergot – low levels cause big problems

Ergot – low levels cause big problems

Ergot develops when a fungus called Claviceps purpurea infects susceptible grass and grain plants during flowering. Rye is the most susceptible annual crop, followed by triticale, then wheat. Barley and oats are less susceptible but not completely resistant. Ergot is not a concern in corn but it can infect a number of perennial grasses. Cool, […] Read more

Study: Zilmax shows no harmful effect on cattle

Key findings released by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and USDA Agricultural Research Service

University of Nebraska-Lincoln – The cattle feed additive Zilmax has no noticeable detrimental effect on cattle health or well-being, according to research by scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service. The study was undertaken after Zilmax’s maker, Merck Animal Health, temporarily suspended sales of the additive last year when […] Read more