Controlling internal parasites in grazing cattle has a significant positive return on investment; in most cases greater than any other management practice.
Bovine anaplasmosis is an infectious, noncontagious disease of cattle that is caused by the organism Anaplasma marginale.
New tick species carries new disease that is a threat to cattle.
Anaplasmosis fact sheet
This article discusses the clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot rot in cattle
Pinkeye, also known as infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), is a common disease of beef cattle that causes redness and ulcers in the eye.
Trichomoniasis is a bovine venereal disease that can cause substantial reproductive and economic loss in cow-calf operations that use natural service. Many states, including Louisiana, now have regulations on movement of bulls to prevent the spread of trichomoniasis.
Planning and Protecting Financial Investments, Develop Local, Regional and State Partnerships, Maximize Herd Health, and more.
Discusses the impacts of clinical and subclinical heat stress in beef and dairy cattle.
This fact sheet list talking points about antibiotic use in beef cattle.
Prudent use of pharmaceutical agents in food-producing animals is essential for animal health and welfare, and food safety. This article describes current drug-use regulations so livestock producers can work with their veterinarian to make smart choices.
Performing breeding soundness evaluations on herd bulls is a sound investment for beef cow-calf operations. A bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a uniform method of assessing a bull’s likelihood of accomplishing pregnancy in an appropriate number of open, healthy, cycling cows or heifers in a defined breeding season.
Information on purchasing healthy bulls, breeding-soundness examinations, disease prevention and nutrition. (PDF format only)
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a new rule by FDA that went into effect January 1, 2017.
During the late summer and fall is the best time to get ready for potential winter hazards.
Winter feeding costs are a major expense in cow-calf herds. So, selecting a winter feeding program that is cost-efficient is imperative. However, making sure nutrient requirements are met during this time is critical to future profitability. An investment now can pay dividends for years to come.
One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.
Johne’s (pronounced “Yo-nees”) Disease is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
Anthrax in livestock and horses is described. Topics discussed include: A brief history of the disease, persistance of spores in soil, clinical signs, what to do if anthrax suspected, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.
Biosecurity plans control the introduction and spread of disease by evaluating and addressing the primary routes of disease transmission. An effective biosecurity plan will control several diseases at one time. (PDF Format Only)
BVD is a viral disease of cattle that can cause clinical disease and subclinical production losses. This article discusses the common signs of this disease and how to manage it.
Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.
Cattle in all beef herds are subjected to some of the common diseases. Vaccines are available that can induce some degree of protection against several of the major diseases of cattle.
The LSU AgCenter operates 25 weather stations at research stations and other cooperating locations throughout Louisiana. The Louisiana Agriclimatic Information System privides temperature and humidity data that researchers can correlate to livestock and crop production. Each station provides minute-by-minute measurements of air temperature, rainfall, wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, solar radiation and soil temperature.
Photosensitization, also known as photodermatitis, occurs when the liver is unable to excrete a metabolite of chlorophyll from forages the animal has eaten. The metabolite accumulates in the skin and is activated by sunlight. The reaction yields free radicals that "burn" the skin.
Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.
This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them.
Photosensitization, also known as photodermatitis, occurs when the liver is unable to excrete a metabolite of chlorophyll from forages the animal has eaten. The metabolite accumulates in the skin and is activated by sunlight. The reaction yields free radicals that "burn" the skin.