Podcast
Cattle Chat
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 the beef industry.
61episodes
Episodes
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Bigger Cattle, Bigger Questions: Feed Costs, Corn Demand, and Pasture Lease Strategies
Yesterday00:24:42Summary readyThis episode tackles two listener questions with significant implications for cattle producers. The first explores how increasing cattle carcass weights affect corn demand and feed efficiency. The discussion estimates that an average increase of 36 pounds in carcass weight requires roughly 257 additional pounds of corn per animal, adding up to a substantial amount nationally, although it represents less than 1% of total U.S. corn use. Despite declining feed efficiency and average daily gain as cattle get larger, feeding cattle to heavier weights can remain profitable because a greater proportion of the added weight ends up in the carcass rather than in non-marketable tissues. The hosts explain that heavier cattle help offset the effects of historically low cattle inventories by increasing total beef production without requiring more animals. This additional production helps meet strong consumer demand and moderates beef prices that might otherwise be even higher. The second topic focuses on leasing cropland for pasture when improvements such as fencing, water infrastructure, and forage establishment are required. Panelists emphasize that successful pasture lease agreements begin with clear communication and should account for who pays for improvements, how long the lease will last, and what happens to infrastructure when the lease ends. They note that arrangements can vary widely, from landowners paying for materials to tenants absorbing costs in exchange for longer lease terms or reduced rental rates. Written agreements and careful financial planning are strongly encouraged to protect both parties and ensure that long-term investments can be recovered. Overall, the episode highlights how thoughtful economic analysis and upfront communication can lead to better decisions throughout the cattle production chain.
SummaryIs Graduate School Worth It? Navigating Career Goals, Curiosity, and Lifelong Learning
1w ago00:26:46Summary readyThis episode focuses on the decision to pursue graduate school and explores how advanced education can shape careers in animal agriculture and beyond. Guest Maddie Manke shares her journey from taking a gap year after high school to earning a PhD, explaining how a desire to understand the science behind cattle nutrition sparked her interest in research and advanced study. The discussion emphasizes that graduate school is fundamentally different from undergraduate education, requiring students to move beyond memorization and develop critical-thinking, problem-solving, and independent research skills. The hosts highlight that successful graduate students are often driven by curiosity and a desire to answer complex questions, even though every answer tends to generate new questions. They also stress the importance of choosing the right program, advisor, and academic environment, noting that relationships with professors and fellow students can have lasting impacts on both personal and professional development. A recurring theme is that graduate school should be viewed as an investment in a future career rather than simply a way to delay entering the workforce. The group discusses opportunity costs, career goals, and the importance of understanding whether a desired profession truly requires an advanced degree. They encourage prospective students to visit multiple programs, talk with current graduate students, and carefully evaluate their long-term objectives before making a decision. Ultimately, the episode presents graduate school as a valuable pathway for those motivated by curiosity, lifelong learning, and careers that benefit from advanced analytical and research skills.
SummaryHeat Stress, Screwworm Awareness, and Making Summer Employees Successful
2w ago00:25:30Summary readyThis episode covers three timely topics affecting livestock producers during the summer months. The discussion begins with strategies for preventing heat stress at livestock shows, where cattle face added challenges from transportation, unfamiliar environments, limited airflow, and changes in water sources. Producers are encouraged to closely monitor water intake, provide adequate air movement, and watch for warning signs such as rapid breathing or open-mouth panting. The conversation then turns to the New World screwworm, a parasite that has received increased attention recently. Experts explain ongoing educational efforts, including webinars covering the biology of the pest, treatment options, public health implications, and potential economic impacts. A key message is the importance of regularly inspecting livestock for wounds, since screwworm infestations begin when flies lay eggs in open wounds and the larvae feed on living tissue. Producers are encouraged to stay informed through state animal health agencies and USDA resources as surveillance and response efforts continue. The final segment focuses on managing summer employees, particularly temporary workers or students with limited experience. The hosts emphasize the value of clear communication, structured training, and safety education from the very beginning of employment. They stress that effective onboarding includes explaining expectations, providing hands-on guidance, and following up throughout the summer rather than assuming everything was understood on day one. Ultimately, the episode highlights the importance of preparation, communication, and proactive management—whether caring for cattle, responding to emerging animal health threats, or mentoring the next generation of agricultural workers.
SummaryAdding Value and Managing Grass: Practical Decisions in Cow-Calf Operations
3w ago00:24:19Summary readyThis episode of Cattle Chat focuses on practical management strategies for improving profitability in cow-calf operations, driven largely by listener questions. A major topic centers on how to add value to cull cows, emphasizing that even though calf sales make up most revenue, cull cow income is still significant. Experts discuss options like breeding open cows before sale, combining them into a single group, or simply adding weight through grazing or feeding to improve market value. Timing decisions based on forage availability and market conditions are highlighted as key to maximizing returns. The conversation then shifts to grazing management, particularly the differences between cool-season and warm-season grasses. While rotational grazing has well-documented benefits in cool-season systems, research shows less consistent improvement in native warm-season pastures. Factors like lower rainfall, reduced fertilizer response, and greater plant diversity may explain why responses differ. Speakers note that successful grazing management of warm-season systems often requires more flexibility and observation, blending science with practical “art.” Strategies like deferred rotation—changing grazing timing across pastures—may support long-term grass health, even if immediate livestock gains are less obvious. Overall, the discussion emphasizes tailoring decisions to each operation, using observation, records, and adaptability to balance forage productivity, animal performance, and economic outcomes.
SummarySummer Research and Herd Management: From Vitamin Stability to Confinement Strategies
4w ago00:25:45Summary readyJoined by guest Logan Thompson, this episode of BCI Cattle Chat covers a wide range of topics, beginning with updates on current cattle research projects underway during the summer. Researchers discuss ongoing work in areas such as semen evaluation technology, stocker cattle supplementation, grazing system optimization, and respiratory disease investigation. A key theme is how research helps refine management practices over time, even though results often require multiple trials to confirm reliability. The conversation then shifts to a listener question about vitamin A stability, highlighting how vitamin levels can degrade over time—especially in mineral mixes—and emphasizing strategic purchasing and seasonal supplementation. The team also discusses magnesium supplementation, noting that risk depends heavily on forage type, with cool-season grasses posing the greatest threat for deficiencies like grass tetany. They emphasize tailoring supplementation to specific conditions such as lactation stage and pasture type rather than applying blanket recommendations. Another major topic examines the feasibility of raising cow-calf pairs in confinement systems. While possible, this approach introduces challenges including increased labor, higher feed costs, ventilation requirements, and greater disease risk—especially during calving. Experts suggest that confinement may work best when used strategically, such as outside of calving season or in combination with grazing systems. Overall, the episode stresses the importance of adapting management decisions to specific operations, balancing economics, animal health, and available resources.
SummaryUnderstanding Neurologic Cases in Cattle: Diagnosis, Causes, and Prevention
Jun 1200:27:33Summary readyThis discussion focuses on how to recognize, evaluate, and manage neurologic (brain-related) cases in cattle. Common clinical signs include stumbling, circling, weakness, apparent blindness, head pressing, and paddling when animals are down, all of which indicate issues affecting the nervous system. Diagnosing these cases begins with key questions about the animal’s age, environment, recent management changes, and how many animals are affected. Neurologic problems may stem from several major categories, including toxins, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders, with each requiring a different response. Toxic causes are especially important, with lead exposure being one of the most common, particularly in young, curious animals. Other causes can include sulfur toxicity, water deprivation (salt toxicity), and certain feed or environmental exposures. A thorough physical exam and, when possible, necropsy and lab testing are critical steps in determining the exact cause. The number of animals affected can provide valuable clues, as widespread cases often suggest a shared exposure like a toxin. The discussion also highlights the importance of water management, especially in summer, emphasizing both water quality and access. Improper rehydration of severely dehydrated cattle can lead to fatal complications, so water must be reintroduced gradually. Overall, early investigation and veterinary involvement are essential to identify the root cause and prevent additional losses within the herd.
SummaryDeadly Dehydration: How a Simple Gate Closure Led to Mass Cattle Loss
Jun 800:18:41Summary readyThis case study from a bovine science discussion examines a sudden and alarming incident in which 12 cows and 2 calves died within 12 hours of routine pre-weaning processing. Initially, the deaths raised concerns about vaccine reactions, toxic exposure, or handling stress, but the pattern of mortality did not align with typical causes. Adult cows, which only received topical parasite treatment, were more affected than calves that received vaccines, further complicating the diagnosis. A necropsy revealed elevated sodium levels in brain tissue, pointing to water deprivation as the underlying issue. Investigation of the environment uncovered that while a water source existed, access had been unintentionally blocked when a gate was left closed during processing. High temperatures and a dry pond exacerbated the situation, leading to rapid dehydration and neurological symptoms in the cattle. Surviving animals displayed abnormal behavior such as aggression, crowding in shade, and signs of severe dehydration. Recovery efforts required carefully controlled rehydration to prevent additional complications like cerebral edema. The case emphasizes the critical importance of ensuring continuous water access, especially when altering animal environments during handling.
SummaryBuilding Better Cows: Smart Heifer Development from Day One
Jun 800:27:32Summary readyJoined by special guest Dr. Lee Jones from Boehringer Ingelheim, this episode focuses on effective heifer development as a foundation for long-term herd success, emphasizing the importance of selecting the right genetics and defining clear production goals. This conversation explores how early-life management—including colostrum intake, vaccination programs, and nutrition—plays a critical role in building immunity and supporting growth. They highlight key health risks such as bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) and stress the value of customized herd health plans developed with a veterinarian. Reproductive efficiency is another major theme, with strategies to ensure heifers reach puberty on time, breed early, and maintain long-term productivity. The group also evaluates whether heifers should calve at 24 or 30 months, weighing economic and logistical trade-offs. Overall, the conversation underscores that thoughtful planning and consistent management are essential to producing productive, profitable cows. For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating! Episode sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim.
SummaryLiver Abscess Research and Cattle Market Risk Management
May 2200:24:19Summary readyIn this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, the hosts discuss recent research on liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, including how diet, grain processing, and days on feed may influence their prevalence and economic impact. They explore new findings suggesting liver abscesses may not be caused solely by rumen acidosis, highlighting the need for more research into other contributing factors and prevention strategies. The conversation then shifts to current cattle market conditions, where the team examines risk management options for cow-calf producers facing high calf prices, drought concerns, and decisions about retaining heifers. They also cover tools like futures contracts and livestock insurance programs that producers can use to manage price volatility heading into the fall. 3:10 Liver Abscess Research 14:37 Cattle Market Risk Management For more on BCI Cattle Chat, follow us on X at @ksubci, Facebook, and Instagram at @ksubci. Check out our website, ksubci.org. If you have any comments/questions/topic ideas, please send them to bci@ksu.edu. You can also email us to sign up for our weekly news blast! Don’t forget, if you enjoy the show, please go give us a rating!
SummaryAfter the Abstract: How does bovine leukosis affect cow-calf herds
May 1900:23:48Summary readyIn this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discuss a 2026 study on the high prevalence of bovine leukemia virus in cow-calf operations, implications for cow reproduction, culling, and calf weight. The conversation concludes there is not a great association between culling risk and pregnancy status associated with the ELISA test. Read the article here
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