News
Liver Abscess Research Points to a New Culprit
A new study featured in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel is shaking up what we thought we knew about liver abscesses in cattle. For years, the main blame went to high-grain diets causing ruminal acidosis. But fresh research led by USDA microbiologist Rand Broadway—alongside Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Kansas State University—tells a different story...
The Transformation from Monogastric to Ruminant
The rumen is a fascinating and unique organ in ruminant animals. Proper development of the rumen is pivotal to digestive efficiency and overall productivity. Producers who prioritize rumen development in the early stages of life set their animals up for success, ensuring they thrive in both growth and production...
Help Calves Hydrate During Heat Stress
With wide eyes and sunken flanks, the calves looked up at me. This scene was totally different from the one I saw a month ago on my previous visit to this same farm. What could have changed? A month ago, the calves were full, sleek, and spunky. Today they were dehydrated and lethargic. A lot can change in a month; a lot can change in 24 hours...
Prevention of Foodborne Illness Starts at the Farm Level
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified nontyphoidal Salmonella as one of the top 5 pathogens contributing to foodborne illnesses in the United States. Ground chicken leads the pack when it comes to Salmonella contamination, but ground beef is also a common source of Salmonella outbreaks...
2025 Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Conference Recap
Last week (April 8-10,2025) Was the annual meeting of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association. In attendance there were 350 members from 27 different states, and 7 different countries. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) provides networking and training for calf raisers across the globe. Here are some highlights from the conference! Networking In my opinion one of the greatest benefits from attending the DCHA conference is the opportunity to network with other producers and industry professionals. It is always fun to see old friends and acquaintances and to meet new people! This year in addition to connecting...