The Beef Podcast Show

The lack of water availability from the Ogallala Aquifer, particularly in the portion that goes down the Texas Panhandle and the southern part of New Mexico, has been leading to certain limitations for the beef production systems in the region. With that in mind, looking for forage alternatives that could thrive with lower water availability is one of the main research goals of Dr. Glenn Duff’s program, as he is searching for certain breeds of cattle with better adaptability for such an environment. In this episode, Dr. Duff explains some details of those two alternatives. Also, he goes into the topic of receiving cattle: from metaphylaxis, as well as the importance and implications of beef and dairy crosses along with their relation to liver abscesses, to other health issues. “There are a lot of things we can do – but not a lot of places doing calf research.” – Dr. Glenn DuffWhat you'll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (00:55)The background of the invited speaker (03:26)Getting to know the area and place where Dr. Duff works (06:29)Alternative forages for water limitations (11:03)Heritage breeds and Criollo cattle in the fight against water limitations (13:24)Metaphylaxis in newly received calves (17:32)The risks associated with newly received calves (20:33)Nutritional strategies on arrival (25:44)Liver abscesses and their impacts (31:04)Dairy crosses and their implications for the beef industry (32:13)The health of dairy crosses (39:49)Final questions (45:55)Meet the guest:Dr. Glenn DuffExperienceCurrent: Professor/Superintendent at Clayton Livestock Research Center, New Mexico State UniversityBackgroundPh.D., Animal Nutrition (New Mexico State University)M.S., Animal Physiology (University of Arkansas)B.S., Animal Science and Dairy Science (Northwest Missouri State University)𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM

We can only move forward as a strong industry when beef producers, veterinarians, nutritionists, students, professors, government officials, and everyone else involved in our production chain are connected and in constant communication. When it comes down to putting those pieces together, there are few people who have as much experience as Dr. Dan Thomson. He is an internationally recognized leader in animal welfare, beef cattle production, and cattle health management, having played a part, directly or otherwise, in the education of many of the professionals in our industry. In this episode, we are pleased to hear Dr. Thomson's insights about animal welfare education, his experience as the host of Doc Talk, and his excellent advice to our next generation of professionals. “When we talk about sustainability, it's about more than saving the planet. It's about figuring out what we can do together to keep the industry moving forward and keep people and families in the business.” – Dr. Dan ThomsonWhat you'll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (01:24)Background (02:46)Animal welfare education and advocacy (09:04)Work on Doc Talk on RFD-TV (17:35)Animal production consultation (27:24)Experience with working with students (37:35)Great advice to students (44:21)Final questions (50:39)Meet the guest:Dr. Dan ThomsonExperienceProfessor and Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State UniversityOwner/Partner at PAC Veterinary and Research ServicesFounder and Owner of Doc Talk on RFD-TVFeedlock veterinarianBackgroundPh.D., Ruminant Nutrition (Texas Tech University)M.Sc., Ruminant Nutrition (South Dakota State University)B.Sc., Animal Sciences and D.V.M. (Iowa State University)𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a complex of pathogens that presents several challenges to the beef industry – since there are viruses and bacteria involved in the development of the disease, all of which are triggered by stressors, it is commonly considered a multifactorial issue. In other words, it is a disease that “hits cattle when they are at their worst” and, therefore, its prevention and intervention are a tricky matter, as Dr. McGill herself states in this episode. She also mentions: the importance of timing when intervening; the role of vitamins A and D regarding the integrity of the immune function at the lung and gut level; the relevance of consolidating interdisciplinary groups for research purposes; and the development of future technologies, such as nanoparticle formulation. “We know that stress, weather changes, and pretty much everything else that prompts the cattle to go outside their comfort zone tends to expose them to a higher risk of BRD.” – Dr. Jodi McGillWhat you'll learn:Highlight (0:00)Introduction (1:00)Background (3:21)Understanding bovine respiratory disease (BRD) (05:20)Intervening and managing the risks of BRD (06:45)Researching the role of vitamin A in the immune system (10:57)Predicting BRD responses through pro-inflammatory cytokines (15:15)Conducting interdisciplinary work and groups (17: 15)Is inflammation a good or a bad thing? (19:54)Stimulating the innate immune system (22:00)The nanoparticle formulation (23:43)Getting ahead of the animal before sickness or treating the illness? (27:36)The role of vitamin C (30:42)The dairy cow and louder immune system (34:01)Final questions (37:05)Meet the guest: Dr. Jodi McGillExperienceCurrent: Associate Professor at Iowa State UniversityPast: Faculty Fellow at Kansas State UniversityBackgroundPost-doc. (National Animal Disease Center, USDA)Ph.D., Immunology (University of Iowa)M.Sc., Pathology (University of Iowa)B.Sc., Microbiology (Iowa State University)𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM

Managing cattle health is crucial for feedlot production, once it can significantly impact the overall success of the business. In this episode, Dr. Mariana Guerra-Maupome emphasizes the relevance of integrating management software with the implementation of health protocols, individualized health programs, and cattle categorization. She also stresses the importance of continuously improving our comprehension and management of the bovine respiratory disease. Finally, she goes into advocating for the beef industry and educating its consumers about their products, a critical role. "We have treatment protocols that we design based on research – everything is going to be based on research.”What you'll learn:Highlight (0:00)Introduction (0:54)Feedlot health management systems (3:34)Health and production intervention programs (4:59)Improvements in BRD over the last years (17:42)Advocacy for the beef industry and its importance (20:31)Advice to feedlot cattle owners (29:08)The final questions (30:32)Meet the guest:Dr. Mariana Guerra-MaupomeExperienceCurrent: Professional Services Veterinarian for Feedlot Health Management ServicesPast: Research Assistant in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State UniversityBackgroundPh.D. (Kansas State University)D.V.M. (UNAM, Mexico)Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM

Implants have been proven to be a cost-effective investment for enhancing cattle growth and efficiency. In this episode, Dr. Loy shares insights on the research he has conducted on implants and their implementation in cattle feedlots, impact, and regulations. Particularly, he elaborates on his findings regarding implant timing and energy levels to achieve optimal growth and marbling without compromising carcass quality. Additionally, he addresses the recent hike in feed prices and offers advice to producers on managing feed costs along with minimizing feeding and storage losses for improved efficiency.“You can visually see the difference between pens of cattle that have been on feed for fifty or a hundred days – it's remarkable”. – Dr. Daniel LoyWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:23)Foundational graduate work (5:49)The history of implant research (10:08)Implants, their return to investment, and concerns on carcass quality (17:23)New regulation guidance and how to overcome it (23:07)Feed prices and challenges around it (32:25)Mentoring: impacting and being impacted (39:24)The final questions (47:11)Meet the guest: Dr. Daniel LoyExperience:Current: Professor at Iowa State University; Director at Iowa Beef CenterBackground:Ph.D., Animal Industries/Nutrition (Penn State University)B.Sc., Animal Science (Western Illinois University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse- DSM

Pursuing sustainability is a pressing global demand. However, as complex as it may be, innovative livestock production methods can significantly enhance sustainable practices. For example, we can strengthen the sustainability of beef cattle production by incorporating novel coproducts into diets and studying nitrogen metabolism. On the quest to make beef more sustainable and healthy, consumers and stakeholders can quantify the capacity of US beef production systems to upcycle protein. In this episode, Dr. Tryon Wickersham discusses his research on urea recycling and protein upcycling in cattle, along with protein supplementation for cattle that are consuming low-quality forage.“There is a trend towards improving or increasing protein upcycling over time. A lot of that has been the result of a greater incorporation of byproducts into cattle feeding systems and less reliance on corn." - Dr. Tryon WickershamWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:57)Protein upcycling in cattle production (3:49)The discoveries made along the research with protein co-products (9:02)Upcycling with different coproducts (13:31)Urea recycling: the differences between Bos indicus and Bos taurus (17:07)Low-quality forage research (24:17)Discussing sustainability with producers and consumers (27:34)The final questions (35:55)Meet the guest: Dr. Tryon WickershamExperience:Current: Professor at Texas A&M UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (Kansas State University)M.Sc., Ruminant Nutrition (Kansas State University)B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Texas A&M University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse

Concerns have been raised regarding the disconnection between the sales ring and the commercial world – but, there is still some hope. In this episode, Dr. Dan Shike goes into the foundational purposes of judging programs and the way they have evolved into some kind of sport. However, he emphasizes how these programs can play a pivotal role towards the development of future livestock professionals – from developing soft skills to providing opportunities to young people interested in livestock. That’s because communication and decision making can bridge the disconnection between the sales ring and the commercial world.“The most valuable piece of information we can provide breed associations is feed intake, because then they can incorporate that into a multi-trait selection tool – which already has growth, carcass, maternal reproduction, longevity traits, for example – to really determine what is most profitable for the operation.” – Dr. Dan ShikeWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:04)Transitioning into a faculty position (06:15)Foundational objectives of judging programs (09:44)Developing soft skills from judging programs (10:01)The show ring vs. the commercial world (17:10)Judging programs, the evolution of a sport (21:55)Concern about the show ring and equal opportunities (25:58)Roles in breed industry and breed associations (29:23)Objectives, collecting data and building a future (34:25)Insights on feed intake and feed efficiency (43:24)Current research (48:01)Final questions (57:08)Meet the guest: Dr. Dan ShikeExperience:Current: Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of IllinoisBackground:Ph.D., Ruminant Nutrition (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)M.Sc., Ruminant Nutrition (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)B.S., Animal Sciences (Kansas State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse

The US beef industry has been shifting towards larger, consolidated operations that are more automated, technological, and have a growing number of feedlots to provide grain-based diets for fattening cattle. Additionally, sustainability concerns have prompted an increased focus on improving animal living conditions and reducing environmental impacts. As a result of those changes, the beef industry is now more efficient and productive, as well as ethically and environmentally concerned than ever. In this episode, Dr. John Wagner discusses his experiences accompanying and implementing these changes, specifically as a beef nutritionist, and talks about the way the beef industry is different from the past.“We've always had a mindset aimed towards sustainability and have always been concerned about maximizing outputs and minimizing inputs." - Dr. John WagnerWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:03)Management of winter storms for producers (10:12)Reflections on returning to a University (17:48)Nutritional aspects for feeding cattle (20:25)Sustainability initiatives on beef production (28:59)Meta analysis (32:29)Differences between the past and the modern steer (38:29)Personal plans and final thoughts (43:24)3 final questions (46:21)Meet the guest: Dr. John WagnerExperience:Current: Professor of Ruminant Nutrition at Colorado State UniversityPast: General Manager at Continental Beef Research, in Lamar Colorado; Extension Ruminant Nutrition Specialist at South Dakota State UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Animal Nutrition (Oklahoma State University)M.Sc., Animal Science (Oklahoma State University)B.Sc., Animal Husbandry (Michigan State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse

In the breeding of beef cattle, animals with desirable traits are selected and bred to produce offspring with improved meat-producing qualities. This process involves identifying the characteristics which are needed for meat production, such as growth rate and muscle development, and selecting the animals that exhibit these characteristics. Additionally, a good breeding program often decides which animals are to mate with each other based on their weight, feed efficiency, and genetic information. In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Bormann discusses beef cattle breeding, the value of crossbreeding, and the importance of collecting data to ensure the whole process is successful. She also discusses her experiences working in programs like 4-H and how they have helped her engage young people in agriculture.“As we don’t want to chase a single trait, we can design an index that integrates these sustainability traits with their appropriate economic values. Thereby ensuring that we do not lose the wonderful progress that we’ve made over the years, and that we are optimizing that selection process." - Dr. Jennifer BormannWhat you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (1:10)4-H and FFA programs (6:17)Engaging young students with no ag background (13:38)The path till the genetics classes (20:28)The value of cross-breeding (22:25)Selecting to improve the beef industry (28:37)Improving our methods of data collection (33:52)Using data for selection choices in the future (40:50)Apps and other tools for data collection (46:28)Three final questions (48:03)Meet the guest: Dr. Jennifer BormannExperience:Current: Assistant Dean for Academic Programs at Kansas State UniversityPast: Professor of Animal Science at Kansas State UniversityBackground:Ph.D., Animal Breeding and Genetics (Iowa State University)M.Sc., Animal Sciences (Oklahoma State University)B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Iowa State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.The Beef Podcast Show is trusted and supported by innovative companies like:- Bioverse

A successful breeding program depends on understanding the onset of pregnancy in beef herds. Monitoring heat cycles, observing the right timing for insemination, and identifying/addressing fertility problems are all parts of this process. Artificial Insemination (AI), for example, can increase pregnancy rates and improve genetic progress in beef herds. Indeed, the beef industry has been using reproductive technologies at an increasing rate, such as in vitro fertilization and genomic selection. In this episode, Dr. Cliff Lamb discusses how these technologies can improve breeding programs, make them more efficient and accurate, and thus, improve genetics and herd performance.“We utilize embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization. Those technologies are continuously evolving and may have a bigger role in the future, rather than just the utilization in synchronization for AI." - Dr. Cliff Lamb What you’ll learn:Highlight (00:00)Introduction (0:30)The future of applied reproduction in beef (8:22)Pregnancy rates in beef cattle (13:24)Possible reasons for embryonic losses (16:37)Doppler ultrasound technique (27:43)Zinc Sparks (29:52)In vitro fertilization (32:20)The use of beef semen and, possibly, beef embryos in dairy cows (35:35)Sexed semen (37:36)Ovulation: humans and cows (43:02)Final thoughts (45:36)3 final questions (50:16)Meet the guest: Dr. Cliff LambExperience:Current: Director at Texas A&M AgriLife ResearchPast: Head of Department at Texas A&M Department of Animal Science; Assistant Director and Professor at the University of Florida - NFREC; Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota.Background:Ph.D., Reproductive Physiology (Kansas State University)M.Sc., Reproductive Physiology (Kansas State University)B.Sc., Animal Sciences (Middle Tennessee State University)Connect with the guest on Social Media: LinkedIn𝗟𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗱𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝘀, 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺.