The US cattle production is a complex multi-segment industry that counts with the participation of several parties, from the time the cattle are weaned to the time they are slaughtered. That is what is under the spotlight in this episode, in which Dr. David Lalman discusses the beef cattle industry – especially the stocker cattle segment. Additionally, he discusses research on the nutritional aspects of beef production, beef cattle grazing, genetic-environmental interactions in beef production systems, the digestibility of various diets for cattle, the flexibility and profitability of the stocker industry, and methods for increasing supplementation levels and managing cattle.“The industry has progressed tremendously over the last 20-25 years in terms of measuring efficiency in confined cattle that are consuming a more energy-dense diet, that is, with more grain and less forage." - Dr. David LalmanWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:40)Resources for research and extension interests (3:54)Is a Ph.D. the right path for you? (7:17)Finding compelling answers for interesting questions (10:57)Improving the sustainability of beef production (14:46)Research on feed efficiency (23:50)Opportunities for stocker cattle (30:18)Challenges beef producers are facing right now (39:40)Three final questions (50:30)Meet the guest: Dr. David LalmanExperience:Current: Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at Oklahoma State UniversityBackground:Ph.D.; Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition, Reproduction (University of Missouri-Columbia)M.Sc.; Animal Science, Ruminant Nutrition, Reproduction (Montana State University-Bozeman)B.S., Animal Science and Business (Kansas State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The combination of high costs for pasture and drought conditions in Nebraska have led producers to bring cows into confinement, at least during a certain period of the year. However, that kind of management has some consequences, such as micronutrient deficiencies and disorders – observed as vitamin A clinical and subclinical signs, grass tetany, and nitrate toxicity. In this episode, Dr. Mary Drewnoski explains some of the most recent research conducted on what producers have been observing on their farms. The importance of dam nutrition in late gestation for providing sufficient amounts of vitamin A to calves, recommendations of bunk space and creep feeding area for calves, antagonisms of micronutrients in coproducts and alfalfa hay, and nitrate threshold are some of the topics that are mentioned in this episode – in other words, lots of answers to practical questions.“I kind of want to do what those extension agents are doing – I just love the fact that they have the opportunity to learn all of these things and then share their knowledge to help producers and others.” – Dr. Mary DrewnoskiWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:35)The invited speaker’s background (2:45)Vitamin A deficiency (12:15)Research conducted on vitamin A deficiency (17:47)Important findings and conclusions of the research (20:28)Symptoms of vitamin A deficiency in calves (24:14)How drought affects vitamin A levels – important considerations (25:40)Diet or injections to correct vitamin A deficiencies? (27:57)Confinement in Nebraska and consequences for the cows (32:02)Antagonistic pressure of high sulfur coproducts (37:53)Nitrate toxicity (42:59)Vitamin A final conclusions (52:42)Final questions (56:50)Meet the guest: Dr. Mary DrewnoskiExperience:Current: Ruminant Nutritionist and Beef Extension Specialist (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)Background:Postdoctoral Researcher (Iowa State University)Ph.D., Animal Science (North Carolina State University)M.Sc., Animal Science (North Carolina State University)B.S., Ag and Natural Resources (Berea College)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Each different management practice causes many changes to beef production systems. Therefore, the key to success is to identify the ones that cause problems and the ones that better improve the production, sustainability, and profitability of the system. In this episode, Dr. Phillip Lancaster shares his knowledge and experience of doing association models with large data sets and predictive models with softwares. He provides his expert opinion about the pros and cons of those types of systems and the still unexploited possibilities of these models."It is pretty interesting that we can employ different management practices at the same time and see the interaction among different changes." – Dr. Phillip LancasterWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:40)Beef Cattle Institute of the Kansas State University (2:39)Big data collection project (4:30)Important factors to be identified on large data sets (5:37)Challenges that cause negative impacts in the future (11:18)Liver abscesses (14:45)Cow herd simulation software (25:48)The use of simulation softwares to evaluate possible improvements in sustainability (34:03)Other podcasts that Dr. Lancaster is currently involved with (39:35)Final questions (40:49)Meet the guest: Dr. Phillip Lancaster Experience:Current: Research Assistant Professor (Kansas State University)Past: Assistant Professor (University of Florida and Missouri State University)Background:Ph.D., Animal Science (Texas A&M University)M.Sc., Animal Science (University of Missouri)B.S., Agricultural Science (Western Illinois University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and treat diseases, but their overuse or misuse may lead to antibiotic resistance in cattle. Resistance to antibiotics occurs when bacteria evolve to survive exposure to drugs that are meant to kill the bacteria, and it can have severe consequences for animal and human health. Antibiotics must be used responsibly in the beef industry to protect the health of animals and humans. In this episode, Dr. Brian Lubbers discusses antibiotic use and resistance in beef production. He also shares his experience about training and teaching undergrad students.“What we can say is that we know that every time we use an antibiotic there is the potential to promote antimicrobial resistance." - Dr. Brian LubbersWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:35)Bovine respiratory disease (2:10)Relationship between cow/calf and feeder segments (8:35)Antimicrobial programs design (12:47)Antimicrobial resistance (18:00)Experiences and opportunities for undergrads to seek (26:49)Beef podcasts (41:06)Final 3 questions (42:47)Meet the guest: Dr. Brian Lubbers Experience:Current: Associate Professor of Food Animal Therapeutics at Kansas State UniversityPast: Director of Clinical Microbiology at Kansas State UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Microbiology (Kansas State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Cows can adapt to different environments if we allow them to experience some stress. However, is adaptation the key to profitability? A decrease in beef production costs is needed, and understanding the challenges and opportunities is an important goal. In this episode, Dr. Travis Mullinax shares his thoughts about moving in the wrong direction regarding adaptability and genetic selection. He also shares his experience and knowledge on building beef cow's resiliency, how precision livestock could be a great tool to improve research and production, and different strategies to decrease feeding costs."And so first we've got to overcome our own biases to understand the adaptation of cows and their ability to adapt." – Dr. Travis MulliniksWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:40)Environmental challenges that cows faces (6:51)Building resistance (10:50)Genetic selection vs. profitability (13:49)Precision livestock and technology (18:50)Small package supplementation to improve productivity (28:30)Interaction between reproduction and nutrition (37:06)Building cows' resiliency (39:32)The mechanism behind cows' adaptability (43:25)The final questions (48:36)Meet the guest: Dr. Travis MulliniksExperience:Current: Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Past: Assistant Professor at the University of Tennessee.Background:Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from New Mexico State University;Master’s degree in Animal Sciences from New Mexico State University;Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Oklahoma State University.Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Animal welfare has become a widely discussed topic in animal production, and of course that includes the beef industry. In order to answer the new questions raised by consumers about meat production, we have been doing an excellent job at developing new research and adapting our practices to offer our herds a better quality of life. So why not bring some of the brilliant minds in that area to chat with us? In this episode of the Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Miriam Martin describes her experience as the Director of Animal Health and Welfare at the North American Meat Institute, where she provides expert advice on a variety of topics, including emerging issues in animal health, animal welfare and handling, and more.“The improvement of animal health also has a positive impact on animal welfare, and much of that has to do with better management practices.” -  Dr. Miriam Martin𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Rising interest in animal welfareCommon questions from customers and policymakersPractices to improve animal welfareAnimal welfare: past vs. nowProfitability and animal welfare What would you change in the beef industry if you could?Meet the guest: What’s her experience?Current: Director of Animal Health and Welfare at North American Meat InstitutePast: Operations Manager at Progressive Beef; Graduate Research Assistant at Kansas State University; Veterinary and Consumer Affairs at Merck Animal HealthWhat’s her academic background?PhD in Physiology, from Kansas State University;Master of Science in Livestock Behavior and Welfare, from Colorado State University;Bachelor of Science, Animal Sciences, from University of Missouri-Columbia.Connect with the guest on social media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

Mother nature can be tough on us humans and livestock as well. We saw it again this year with the devastating drought in the United States that led to emergency measures. We are limited on mitigation strategies to minimize the impact of these climate conditions. But what can we do to protect the cattle? And after the drought, how can we proceed? What strategies can we use to improve the outcomes and try to get the best out of this situation? In this episode, Dr. Megan Van Emon discusses some of the challenges of the drought and presents some possible strategies and alternatives to deal with it.“I like to describe agriculture producers in general as optimists. They think it's always going to get better.” -  Dr. Megan Van Emon𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Drought management and strategiesVitamin A deficiency and consequent issuesCattle aspects to consider during the drought and winterDealing with the drought: 2017 vs. nowCattle production last springHow producers deal with cold stressSome key points on beef productionDr. Megan Van Emon received her B.S. in Animal Science at Purdue University, an M.S. in Ruminant Nutrition, her Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition at North Dakota State University, and a Postdoctoral at Iowa State University. In 2014, Dr. Van Emon was hired as an Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at MSU. Megan’s Extension programming focuses on beef cattle nutrition and management. She has been successful in youth Extension outreach, focusing on 4-H programs, specifically the statewide Steer of Merit program. Dr. Van Emon’s research program focuses on questions and concerns learned from beef cattle producers and has developed a unique opportunity for her graduate students to gain Extension experience. Dr. Van Emon has published 27 reviewed Extension publications and 24 peer-reviewed research publications. Megan recently completed her term as a member of the Beef Symposium Committee for WSASAS.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

What determines the success of a beef farm? There are a lot of answers to that question, including animal health, welfare, nutrition, reproduction, and overall performance, environment and facilities, costs and profits, and the people involved in all of these processes. So preparing students to make the most out of a farm can be challenging, but it’s crucial. In the very first episode of The Beef Podcast Show, Dr. Bob Larson shares some great (and inspirational!) thoughts on how to balance performance and costs on a beef farm, especially from a reproduction perspective, and how to better prepare vet students for the practice. The bottom line of today’s exciting conversation is that no matter the situation, there’s always something to be learned and room for improvement.“The integration of animal health, production efficiency, and economic considerations of beef cattle should be the goal of every producer.” - Dr. Bob Larson𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻:Preparing vet students for practicing in rural and urban areas The art of teaching vet studentsAnimal health, production efficiency, and economicsHow does drought affect beef? Cows and heifers: aspects of reproductionThe elevator speech: increasing the profitability of a ranchWhat would you change in the beef industry if you could?Beef podcasts: reception and thoughtsDr. Bob Larson attended Kansas State University, where he received a Bachelor Degree in Animal Science and a DVM. After practicing for a year in southeast Kansas, he returned to KSU, where he focused his work on beef female reproduction and nutrition-reproduction interactions in the department of Animal Sciences and Industry, thus receiving his Ph.D.. Dr. Larson then returned to private practice, primarily in Abilene, Kansas, before joining the University of Missouri and working in the area of beef production medicine. In 2006, he returned to Kansas State University as the Coleman Chair of Food Animal Production Medicine, where he is involved to this day with teaching and research focused on beef cattle health and production. He is board certified by the American College of Theriogenologists, the American College of Animal Nutrition, and the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine – Epidemiology specialty. He has served in a number of leadership roles, including president of the Academy of Veterinary Consultants and the Evidence-Based Veterinary Medicine Association.𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.

The Beef Podcast Show is a brand new podcast where you’ll get fresh, cutting-edge insights – straight from the brightest minds of the global beef industry, right into your ears.Visit us at www.beefpodcastshow.com