Podcast
Bovine Science with BCI
Hosted by BCI Cattle Chat · EN
Listen to veterinary professionals from the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University talk about a variety of topics within cattle health, nutrition, reproduction, and science. New episodes of Bovine Science with BCI are posted each Monday.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
After the Abstract: Bovine Leukemia Virus and Beef Cow Performance
2w ago00:23:48Tap to summarizeThis episode of After the Abstract on Bovine Science with BCI reviews a 2026 study examining bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in cow-calf herds and its potential effects on reproduction, culling risk, and calf weaning weights. The hosts discuss findings showing that although BLV prevalence was very high in the studied herds, standard ELISA-positive status was not significantly associated with poorer pregnancy rates, increased culling, or lower weaning weights. They also explore proviral load measurements, noting that cows with the highest viral loads had slightly lower pregnancy rates, though the practical impact appeared small. Overall, the discussion emphasizes that BLV testing in otherwise healthy beef herds may have limited value for predicting production outcomes or guiding management decisions. Read Article Here
Transcribe →Diving into Diets: Does More Protein Improve Feedlot Performance
3w ago00:20:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster discuss a 2026 study examining whether lower-protein finishing diets can improve performance in long-fed feedlot steers. The researchers compared industry-standard 13.5% crude protein diets to reduced 11.5% crude protein diets over roughly 206 days on feed and found that cattle on the lower-protein diet achieved slightly heavier carcass weights and improved dressing percentages without sacrificing overall growth. The conversation explores how excess dietary protein may increase the animal’s energy costs for nitrogen excretion, potentially reducing efficiency. They also discuss implications for feed costs, nitrogen emissions, and modern feeding strategies that rely heavily on corn byproducts. Read Article Here
Transcribe →Tox Talk: Japanese Yew Toxicity
4w ago00:18:23Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where a group of cow-calf pairs was turned out onto pasture, and several adult cows died suddenly while calves remained unaffected, pointing away from infectious disease. With no lesions found on necropsy, the veterinarians focused on toxic causes, especially those affecting cardiac function, oxygen delivery, or neurotransmitters. Clues from rumen contents and a pasture walk led to the discovery of Japanese yew trimmings in a dump pile, a highly toxic plant that causes rapid cardiac death. The case highlights the importance of environmental investigation and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.
Transcribe →Tox Talk: Lantana Toxicity Case
Apr 2700:17:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tox Talk with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through a challenging case where 75 cows were turned into a new pasture and left unchecked for two weeks, resulting in 22 deaths. The surviving cattle showed jaundice and severe skin damage linked to secondary photosensitization from liver injury. Through diagnostics and pasture investigation, the cause was identified as Lantana camara toxicity, leading to cholestasis and liver failure. The discussion highlights the importance of pasture evaluation, monitoring, and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.
Transcribe →After the Abstract: Pregnancy Loss in Crossbred Beef Cows
Apr 1700:24:39Tap to summarizeOn this episode of After the Abstract on Bovine Science with BCI reviews a recent study on pregnancy loss in crossbred beef cows, focusing on factors that influence whether pregnancies are maintained after conception. The vets highlight that estrus expression at the time of artificial insemination, cow body weight, and season all play significant roles, with lighter cows, those not showing estrus, and those bred in the dry season experiencing higher loss rates. They also emphasize that changes in body condition after breeding, especially losing condition, are strongly associated with increased pregnancy loss. Overall, the discussion suggests that nutrition and reproductive physiology are key drivers of pregnancy retention, even more than factors present at the time of breeding. Read Article Here
Transcribe →Diving into Diets: Fertilization vs. Supplementation in Grazing Cattle
Apr 1300:19:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diving into Diets on Bovine Science, Dr.Brad White and Dr. Phillip Lancaster discuss a 17-year study comparing fertilizing pasture versus supplementing cattle on smooth bromegrass and found that supplementation led to higher daily gains and greater gain per acre than either fertilized or unfertilized systems. Fertilization increased carrying capacity but did not improve individual animal performance compared to the control. Importantly, supplementing cattle maintained soil nitrogen levels similar to those in fertilized pastures, likely due to manure recycling, with no long-term effects on forage stands. Overall, the results suggest producers can flexibly choose between fertilization and supplementation based on economics, with supplementation also reducing year-to-year variability in performance. Read Article Here
Transcribe →Tox Talk: Lead Poisoning in Young Calves
Apr 600:19:13Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where multiple two-month-old calves in a dry lot died with minimal clinical signs. Initial differentials included infectious disease, nutritional issues, and ryegrass staggers, but necropsy and testing were largely unrewarding. Ultimately, elevated tissue lead levels confirmed lead poisoning, even though no clear source was identified. The case highlights the importance of considering lead toxicity in young calves with neurologic signs, especially when they have access to areas outside their normal environment.
Transcribe →Herd Health: Bull Soundness Exam
Mar 3000:16:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Herd Health on Bovine Science, the experts discuss a recent study on factors associated with bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) failure. The veterinarians explain that both intrinsic factors, such as age and prior failure, and extrinsic factors, such as season and environmental conditions, influence whether a bull passes or fails. They highlight that sperm morphology is one of the most important indicators of fertility, often more predictive than other measures. Overall, the episode emphasizes interpreting BSE results in context to make better management and culling decisions. Article Discussed
Transcribe →After the Abstract: Methylene Blue Withdrawal in Cattle
Mar 2300:18:44Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BCI After the Abstract, the veterinarians explore a pharmacokinetic study on the use of methylene blue in cattle to determine safe withdrawal periods after treatment. The experts walk through how researchers tracked drug levels in blood, milk, and tissues to estimate when residues fall below safe thresholds. They emphasize that previous guidance lacked data, forcing veterinarians to rely on highly conservative withdrawal times. With this new evidence, practitioners can better balance effective treatment of nitrate toxicity with responsible residue avoidance in food animals. Article Discussed
Transcribe →Diving into Diets: Organic vs. Inorganic Minerals in Beef Cattle
Mar 1600:21:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, the experts discuss a 2025 meta-analysis comparing organic and inorganic trace mineral supplementation in beef cattle during preconditioning and feedlot receiving. They explain the biological differences between mineral sources and review results from about 20 studies included in the analysis. Overall, organic minerals showed a small improvement in average daily gain, but no effect on cattle morbidity. The discussion highlights that while organic minerals may provide slight performance benefits in certain situations, the overall effects are relatively small and context-dependent. Article Discussed: HERE
Transcribe →