Welcome to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, join hosts Gale McKinney and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they discuss Herd Health Management Plans with Dr. Jason Banta with Texas A&M University.

The conversation opens with timely news on trade restrictions related to disease outbreaks, reinforcing the ongoing importance of biosecurity for preventing the introduction of pests and infectious agents into herds, especially via newly purchased livestock.

Dr. Banta explains that proper herd health plans are critical for maintaining profitability and animal welfare because they reduce illness, treatment costs, reproductive losses, and overall mortality. He emphasizes that these plans should be tailored for each operation but universally include key components: biosecurity, vaccination, internal and external parasite control, and proper nutrition. Quarantine and testing of new arrivals are stressed as vital to preventing the spread of diseases like BVD PI and trichomoniasis. Dr. Banta advises working with veterinarians to determine the best vaccine protocols, highlighting that while some elements (such as Clostridial and respiratory viral vaccines) are foundational, protocols may need to be adjusted for local risks or herd-specific needs. The pursuit of a balanced approach to parasite control is also advocated, with strategies varying by region, rainfall, and forage growth patterns.

Nutrition is described as a frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of herd health, with energy and protein intake more vital to immune function than minerals. Nonetheless, having a balanced mineral supplementation plan is important, as excesses can be as harmful as deficiencies.

The podcast also addresses the importance of consistent record-keeping, suggesting technology or simple tools according to preference, and encourages producers to seek out educational resources and relationships with experienced cattle veterinarians. As part of holistic ranch management, herd health plans should be periodically reviewed and integrated with other operational plans, such as breeding, finance, and staffing. Overall, the experts encourage proactive development and regular updating of herd health plans, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and continued learning for the long-term success of cattle operations.

Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health

For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:

American Cattlemen

American Dairymen

Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:

Elanco Animal Health

Central Life Science

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, Kade and Dr. Peterman discuss some techniques to help take care of your cattle in cold weather.

The conversation highlights the paramount importance of adequate shelters and bedding for cattle as winter sets in. Dr. Peterman outlines how structures such as barns, three-sided sheds, and even simple windbreaks from natural or man-made materials can help shield herds from biting winds and cold. Good bedding, particularly straw, not only provides insulation but also helps prevent cold-related injuries like frostbite in vulnerable animals. Bed maintenance is discussed, with frequency largely depending on the number of cattle and how rapidly the bedding gets soiled—sometimes daily or weekly.

Nutrition is emphasized as a crucial aspect not to be compromised. Dr. Peterman stresses that cattle should enter winter with an appropriate body condition score, and as the temperature drops, high-energy feeds become vital. She explains that cold stress increases animals’ energy needs, and gradual dietary adjustments should accommodate these demands. Clean, unfrozen water is another critical need, calling for vigilance with ice and heating devices.

The episode further covers health monitoring, spotlighting signs of cold stress and reinforcing the importance of timely vaccinations, particularly for disease prevention in newborn calves. Listeners’ questions lead to advice on managing breed-specific genetic issues in Wagyu cattle, the careful acclimation required when moving cattle from warm to cold climates, and the comparative merits of dry lot wintering versus winter grazing systems. Dr. Peterman recommends nutritional testing and gradual feed changes for supplements like alfalfa and dried distillers grains. She concludes with tips for managing hazards like frozen ground to safeguard cattle health.

Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health

For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:

American Cattlemen

American Dairymen

Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:

Elanco Animal Health

Central Life Science