Six to 10 percent of all calves born in beef-cow herds in the United States die at or soon after birth. About half of those deaths are due to calving difficulty (dystocia). The purpose of this guide is to acquaint cattle ...

Missouri dairy manure management can be classified into three systems -- solid, slurry or lagoon -- depending on the collection, transportation and distribution of manure on the fields. These systems are dependent on the ...

To raise a flock of chickens that will suit your needs, whether for eggs, meat or show, start with quality chicks. Obtain chicks from a hatchery that participates in the National Poultry Improvement Program. There are some ...

Beef cow owners should evaluate the performance of their animals at least once a year — perhaps more often. The most convenient time for evaluating is when the calves are weaned. For spring-calving cows, this is in the ...

Freeze branding as a method of livestock identification has been received with enthusiasm. When super-cold or chilled branding irons are applied to the hide of the animal, the pigment-producing cells are destroyed or ...

An average interval of 70 days from calving to first breeding and a high fertility rate are important to maximize efficiency in dairy herds. The results are more milk and calves at reduced cost. This publication examines ...

This article discusses the issues to be considered when planning to establish a dairy operation.

Harvested and purchased feeds make up nearly 40 percent of annual production costs in typical cow/calf operations. These costs also have a dramatic impact on cost per unit of gain in stocker operations. Consequently, cattle ...

Vitamin needs of beef cattle can be confined largely to A, D and E. This is because bacteria in the rumen of cattle are considered to have the ability to synthesize vitamin K and the B vitamins in sufficient quantities to ...

Beef cattle have the ability to digest low-cost feedstuffs that are not usable by other livestock species. One such feedstuff is poultry litter, which provides opportunities or both the poultry producer and the beef cattle ...

Stocker calves, weighing from 350 to 500 pounds, are wintered on a variety of rations on Missouri farms. The feedstuffs available and the desired rate of gain on the calves determine the ration.

The way cattle are handled shortly before loading, during hauling, and the first two weeks in the feedlot has a great influence on the overall performance of feedlot cattle. There is no one program that will give best ...

Implants increase the weaning weight of suckling calves and increase the rate and efficiency of gain of cattle fed growing and finishing rations. This guide provides information about implanted growth stimulants for cattle.

During periods of high temperatures and humidity, livestock losses can occur from hot weather stress. Hot weather stress is particularly hazardous to closely confined livestock (those in feedlots, sorting and holding pens, ...

Intensively managed grazing systems can be a win-win situation, increasing productivity and profits for the operator and improving water quality for the citizens of Missouri. Like all production enterprises, livestock ...

Missouri beef manure management, usually for feedlots rather than for pasture systems, can be classified into four systems: solid, semisolid, slurry and lagoon (liquid), depending on the solids content, which determines ...

Harvesting and storing forage crops at the proper moisture is necessary to minimize forage losses and to maintain maximum nutritional value. But it is difficult to determine the moisture concentration of forage crops prior ...

A primary need and concern for most confinement livestock producers is managing manure so that groundwater and surface water are protected and regulatory requirements are fulfilled. This objective is usually accomplished ...

Hackamores are used to start colts in training. An untrained colt makes many mistakes, and the trainer needs to correct them. This publication gives instructions on how to use a hackamore.

Safety practices for hunt seat riders will help them avoid injury and trouble for themselves and the horse. Safety should become second nature — not taken for granted. Riders should constantly be aware of potentially ...