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Newborn Calf Care
Calving season can be one of the most labor intensive, but also most rewarding parts of a cattleman’s year. Once the calf is born, proper environment, nutrition, and health are important considerations. Early observation, and intervention, if needed, can help set up calves for a lifetime of good health. Environment: Ensuring the calf is born into a warm, clean environment significantly reduces health complications such as scours in the first weeks of life. Reducing mud an

Dr. Elsie
Jan 29


Mud Costs More Than You Think
Mud may not be on your radar during single-digit temperatures, but it should be. When the temperatures warm up, the frozen ground is going to get soft. If we add in some spring rains, things will change and just 4–8 inches of mud (pastern deep) can reduce feed efficiency by up to 13%. Why? Cattle eat less because they visit the bunk less More energy is burned walking through mud Wet hair coats increase maintenance needs by 2% for every degree below 30°F This “mud tax” applies

Dr. Aaron
Jan 29


The Impact of Cow Body Condition Score on Pregnancy Rates
For beef producers, maximizing reproductive efficiency is a cornerstone of profitable cattle operations. One of the most influential factors in achieving high pregnancy rates is adequate nutrition. Body condition scoring is a practical management tool that assesses the amount of fat reserves on a cow and allow us to gauge whether they are receiving the appropriate amount of nutrition. Understanding and managing BCS can make a significant difference in reproductive performance

Dr. Aaron
Dec 1, 2025


Lice Control
As weather cools and cattle are more confined, lice can become an issue. We don’t see this external parasite during the summer months because cattle are often spread out and have shorter hair coats, deterring these animal specific insects. However, with declining temperatures comes longer haircoats and cattle congregating in dry lots and other areas to help stay warm. Signs of lice in cattle include scratching and hair loss, which can become significant. Balding areas such as

Dr. Elsie
Nov 18, 2025


Prepare Now to Wean Spring-Born Calves
Preconditioning your calves pays, no matter what their destination is; whether you are planning to sell weaned calves, retain ownership through feeding, or keep replacement stock. Weaning can be one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life and a cattleman’s year, but a small amount of planning can go a long way. Proper care and nutrition during this time can result in a lifetime of health for cattle, increased rate of gain during the weaning period, and decreased death lo

Dr. Elsie
Sep 2, 2025


Working for Grass Turnout
It’s warming up and grass season is upon us. Producers are almost as eager as the cows themselves for the day of pasture turnout. A...

Dr. Elsie
Apr 15, 2025


Dystocia Management for the Cow-Calf Producer
Dystocia, or difficult birth, is a concern for every cow/calf producer during calving season. Despite following best practices such as...

Dr. Elsie
Feb 15, 2025


Which Iceberg is Sinking your Ship?
We're excited to announce we now offer in-house blood pregnancy and Johne's tests for all ruminants, and CL and CAE/OPP tests for...

Dr. Aaron
Mar 3, 2021


A new way of job training
Many cattle producers and feedyard managers can attest to the challenges in securing good help on their operations. Perhaps you are one...
apogeeanimalhealth
Sep 11, 2019


10 resolutions for cattle producers in 2019
As we embark on another year, consider these 10 resolutions from K-State's Beef Cattle Institute to help keep your cattle and your...
apogeeanimalhealth
Jan 7, 2019


In the news!
Check out these articles in the Hiawatha World and Sabetha Herald about our recent JumpStart grant and new chute! Hiawatha World: Local...
apogeeanimalhealth
Mar 30, 2018


Our portable Silencer hydraulic squeeze chute is here!
Our portable chute is here! Last week Dr. Aaron picked up our new Silencer hydraulic squeeze chute with scales, and we've already put it...
apogeeanimalhealth
Mar 26, 2018


Successful Beef Producer Meeting
We enjoyed a great turnout for our second beef producer meeting last night. While our guest speaker wasn't able to make it because of the...
apogeeanimalhealth
Feb 23, 2018
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