Calf Price Update: “Calf and feeder cattle prices have jumped higher over the last few weeks. Several factors are working together to boost prices including rain, fewer calves for sale, and maybe even the impact of import restrictions on Mexican cattle due to screwworm regulations.” In this article, Dr. David Anderson of Texas A&M University shares an update on calf prices, as well as the factors that influence these prices, and what to expect moving forward. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/04/climbing-calf-prices/
Getting the Most Out of Your Stockpiled Grass: “Stockpiling tall fescue is the most economical way to feed cows during the winter months. Once stockpiled growth has accumulated, how you choose to utilize it can dramatically impact how many grazing days you get per acre. Research in Missouri showed that giving cows access to only enough forage for 3 days versus 14 days resulted in a 40% increase in grazing days per acre. The following tips will help to get the most out of your stockpiled forages.” If you have animals on the pasture and are trying to maximize their grazing opportunities into the winter months, you may be interested in this article from Dr. Chris Teutsch of the University of Kentucky. In it, he discusses strategies for maximizing stockpiled forages, such as which forages to start grazing first, which to wait on, strip grazing, and more. https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/12/11/getting-the-most-out-of-your-stockpiled-grass/
Improving Calf Welfare in Cold Weather: “As winter approaches, low ambient temperatures and high humidity pose serious challenges for all calves, with very young ones being especially at risk. When temperatures drop below 50°F, calves must expend extra energy to maintain their body temperature.” The cold weather of the fall and winter months can provide many challenges for livestock producers, not the least of which is difficulty caring for young animals. Dr. Grazyne Tresoldi, Assistant Professor of Animal Welfare at the OSU Department of Animals Sciences, writes in this article about some ways calf producers can ensure their young livestock are well cared for in low temperatures. Some topics include housing, feeding, and providing layers for the calves. https://dairy.osu.edu/newsletter/buckeye-dairy-news/volume-26-issue-6/practical-tips-improve-calf-welfare-cold-weather
National Milk Testing Strategy: “As part of the National Milk Testing Strategy, APHIS will work with each state in the contiguous United States to execute testing in a way that works for the state and that aligns with the NMTS standards. Once a state begins testing under the NMTS, APHIS will place that state into one of five stages based on the HPAI H5N1 virus prevalence in that state. As states move to another stage, we will have a stronger picture of our progress towards eliminating HPAI H5N1 at state, regional and national levels.” Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle has been a hot topic since reports first emerged earlier this year. USDA APHIS recently announced a new measure to manage the impacts of HPAI: the National Milk Testing Strategy. This article goes into more specific detail regarding the strategy, and how it will impact the dairy industry. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2024/12/06/usda-announces-new-federal-order-begins-national-milk-testing
Providing Water to Livestock: “Many factors need to be considered when developing watering sources for livestock. Adequate amounts of water are needed to maintain high levels of production. Limiting water intake reduces animal performance quicker and more drastically than any other nutrient deficiency (Boyles). Improving springs or seeps by excavating, cleaning, capping or providing a collection and storage area improves the distribution of water and preserves water quality.” Water is often considered to be the most important nutrient, and it is essential that livestock producers ensure their animals always have clean water to consume. In this article, Mark Landefeld of OSU Extension and Jeff Bettinger of Natural Resource Conservation Service share valuable resources on providing water to livestock. Topics include the amount of water consumed per day, calculating tank capacity, keeping tanks clean, and preparing water sources for winter. https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/ANR-12