Brad White, DVM, MS

Beef production is shifting toward a consumer focus and new areas are achieving more attention including: individual animal identification, value-based marketing, food safety, as well as source, process, and age verification.

Reproductive success is a key component of the successful cow-calf herd. Reproductive parameters should be evaluated in light of the herd's production constraints and overall goals.

Replacement heifers represent the future of the cow-calf operation. These females are the genetics behind the next generation of farm offspring. Efficient development is critical as raising a replacement heifer represents a significant asset that does not generate a return until the first calf is sold.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the most common and costly syndrome afflicting beef cattle after weaning. A basic understanding of the disease syndrome is important to design a treatment and prevention program.

Optimizing reproductive success in cow-calf herds relies on combining appropriate immunization and biosecurity practices with the current production system management techniques in the herd. The goal of the immunization program is to match herd immunity to the risks faced.