Cattle Chat

In this episode, the hosts welcome Mark Hilton, sponsored by Virbac, a longtime veterinarian, educator, and beef cattle consultant, to discuss the principles and economics of calf preconditioning. Hilton defines preconditioning as preparing calves for a successful feedlot career, emphasizing that the process involves much more than vaccination alone. Key components include weaning calves before sale, implementing sound vaccination programs, controlling parasites, providing balanced nutrition, and training calves to eat from feed bunks and drink from waterers. The panel discusses how weaning is one of the most significant stressors calves face and highlights practices such as fence-line weaning, low-stress cattle handling, and high-fiber starter diets to ease the transition. Nutrition, mineral supplementation, and proper vaccine management are emphasized as critical factors that help calves develop strong immune responses and reduce the risk of respiratory disease.A recurring theme is the importance of facilities, labor, and communication. Producers are encouraged to work closely with veterinarians and nutritionists to design preconditioning programs that fit their operations and to communicate those efforts to buyers so the value of preconditioned calves is recognized in the marketplace. The discussion also explores the economics of preconditioning. While premiums for preconditioned calves can be significant, Hilton argues that much of the financial return comes from efficient weight gain, reduced shrink, and better overall calf performance. Data from long-term studies and field experience suggest that preconditioned calves experience substantially lower sickness and death loss rates in feedlots compared with non-preconditioned calves. Overall, the episode concludes that successful preconditioning requires a combination of health management, nutrition, facilities, and planning. When done well, it benefits calf welfare, improves feedlot performance, and can generate meaningful returns for cow-calf producers.

This episode begins with a discussion of innovative research by Jake, a PhD student at Kansas State University, who is exploring whether artificial intelligence can detect pain in cattle by analyzing facial expressions. Using video recordings of newly castrated calves and non-castrated controls, researchers trained a machine-learning model to identify patterns associated with pain. While the system identified only about half of the painful animals, it was highly accurate when it predicted pain, suggesting promising future applications for automated health monitoring. The hosts discuss how camera systems placed near water sources or feeding areas could eventually help producers detect pain, illness, or lameness earlier than traditional observation methods.The conversation then shifts to a listener question about mastitis in beef cows and heifers. The panel explains that although mastitis is less common in beef cattle than dairy cattle, it does occur and may be influenced by environmental factors such as dirty conditions, heavy fly pressure, or calves suckling inappropriate body areas. They emphasize looking for patterns involving age, pasture location, timing, and management practices rather than focusing solely on genetics, which likely play only a minor role. In the final segment, the hosts discuss succession and transition planning for farms, ranches, and veterinary businesses. They stress the importance of beginning the process early, maintaining open communication among family members and stakeholders, and involving professional advisors such as attorneys and accountants. Special attention is given to challenges surrounding leadership transitions, inheritance decisions, and balancing the interests of family members who may or may not remain involved in the operation. The episode concludes by emphasizing that successful transitions require ongoing communication and evaluation long after the formal transfer of ownership or management has occurred.

Recorded live at the Kansas State Fair birthing center, this episode highlights the educational value of exposing the public to livestock production and animal health. The hosts discuss how the birthing center allows visitors to observe the calving process firsthand while learning about normal births, signs of labor, and situations that may require veterinary intervention. Through stories from veterinarians, listeners hear memorable examples of unusual calving cases, including prolapses, difficult births, and even a rare two-headed calf. The episode also features conversations with fair attendees, livestock producers, FFA educators, veterinary students, and practicing veterinarians. One cattle producer describes how careful genetic selection and retaining ownership of cattle allow him to improve carcass quality and capture more value from his herd. An FFA advisor explains how state fair projects motivate students, build agricultural skills, and expose young people to opportunities in animal agriculture. Veterinary students and recent graduates discuss career paths, emphasizing the value of hands-on experience, mentorship, and exploring different areas of veterinary medicine. The conversation highlights the diversity of mixed-animal veterinary practice, where a single day may involve cattle, companion animals, horses, or exotic species. A recurring theme throughout the episode is workforce development and the importance of introducing young people to agriculture and veterinary medicine early in life. The hosts emphasize that creating enthusiasm through hands-on experiences, demonstrations, and educational outreach may be one of the most effective ways to inspire the next generation of agricultural professionals. The episode concludes with the successful birth of a calf at the birthing center, providing a live example of the natural processes and educational opportunities that make the exhibit such a valuable feature of the state fair.

Sponsored by Elanco, with guest Dr. Frank White, this episode focuses on two critical topics for cow-calf producers: managing bred heifers and maximizing forage utilization during challenging grazing conditions. The discussion emphasizes that first-calf heifers are among the most nutritionally demanding animals in the herd because they are still growing, carrying a calf, and preparing for lactation and rebreeding. As a result, maintaining a body condition score of approximately six at calving is highlighted as a key management goal to improve reproductive success and shorten the postpartum interval.The hosts discuss the benefits of managing bred heifers separately from mature cows whenever possible, allowing producers to meet their higher nutritional requirements and reduce competition from older, dominant animals. When separate management is not feasible, they recommend increasing access to feed and supplements to ensure younger females are not pushed away from resources.A major portion of the conversation addresses forage efficiency during drought and periods of declining forage quality. The speakers explain that cattle producers are really feeding the rumen microbes, which require adequate protein to digest low-quality forage effectively. When forage protein drops below critical levels, intake and digestibility decline, reducing the amount of nutrition cattle can obtain from available forage. Strategic protein supplementation can significantly improve forage utilization by supporting microbial activity in the rumen.The group also notes that protein supplementation does not always need to occur daily, as cattle can recycle nitrogen and often maintain performance with less frequent feeding schedules. However, they caution that animals requiring significant weight gain or body condition improvement may need more intensive nutritional management. Overall, the episode stresses the importance of planning ahead, monitoring body condition early, and using nutrition strategically to position cattle for long-term success.

Recorded live at the Kansas State Fair Birthing Center, this episode highlights the educational value of giving the public a firsthand look at animal agriculture and the birthing process. The hosts discuss how the birthing center has served as a popular attraction for decades, allowing visitors to observe calves, piglets, and lambs being born while learning more about animal health and livestock production. The conversation explores the signs of impending calving, including behavioral changes, relaxation of structures around the tailhead, and the progression of labor. The veterinarians explain how they determine when a cow may need assistance and discuss common causes of calving difficulty, such as abnormal calf positioning. Throughout the episode, listeners receive practical insights into gestation lengths, fetal development, and the biological similarities between livestock and human births. A major focus of the discussion is agricultural education and youth involvement. FFA advisor Mrs. Chase from Wellington shares how projects at the state fair help students develop agricultural skills, showcase their work, and gain exposure to industries they might not otherwise experience. The hosts also discuss strategies for encouraging students to consider careers in veterinary medicine and agriculture, emphasizing mentorship, hands-on experience, and a willingness to start with basic tasks and learn over time. The episode concludes with a successful live birth at the birthing center, giving listeners a real-time example of normal calving behavior. As the newborn calf arrives and the cow immediately begins grooming it, the hosts explain how those maternal behaviors help stimulate the calf, encourage standing and nursing, and strengthen the bond between cow and calf. Overall, the discussion celebrates the value of agricultural outreach, hands-on learning, and helping the public better understand where livestock and food production begin.