Bovine Science with BCI

BCI Cattle Chat

Listen to veterinary professionals from the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University talk about a variety of topics within cattle health, nutrition, reproduction, and science. New episodes of Bovine Science with BCI are posted each Monday.

  1. 2 days ago

    Heifer Selection for Profit: Why Hybrid Vigor, Longevity, and Efficiency Matter

    This discussion examines a research study focused on improving long-term profitability in cow-calf operations through better heifer selection. The study used economic modeling and field data to evaluate three key factors: feed efficiency, longevity, and heterosis (hybrid vigor). Results showed that cows with greater genetic diversity consistently generated higher returns, largely due to improved reproductive performance and overall herd productivity. Longevity also played a critical role, as cows that remained productive in the herd longer were able to spread their development costs over more calves. However, the study revealed that heterosis had a larger impact on profitability than longevity alone when multiple factors were considered together. Feed efficiency, measured as the ability to maintain condition on less forage, also contributed positively to economic outcomes, particularly during winter feeding periods. An important takeaway is that assumptions from feedlot cattle efficiency do not always translate directly to grazing cows due to differences in diet and digestion. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of crossbreeding strategies, warning that repeatedly using similar genetics can reduce hybrid vigor over time. Overall, the episode highlights that strategic heifer selection—focused on genetic diversity, reproductive success, and efficiency—can significantly improve herd profitability over the long term.

    20 min

  2. 22 Jun

    Saline vs. PBS: A Practical Test of Sample Collection Methods in Cattle Diagnostics

    This episode explores a research study evaluating whether sterile saline can effectively replace phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for collecting samples used in Tritrichomonas PCR testing. The discussion highlights a non-inferiority trial design, which differs from traditional statistical approaches by testing whether one method is not meaningfully worse than another. Researchers created controlled samples with varying concentrations of organisms and compared detection results using both saline and PBS. Results showed no significant difference in detection performance between the two media, and saline met the criteria for being “not inferior” to PBS. This finding is important because saline is more readily available and easier to use in field conditions for veterinarians. The discussion also explains how PCR cycle threshold values work and why small differences can matter depending on diagnostic cutoffs. However, the applicability of these findings depends on the specific testing method, as saline may not perform as well in DNA-based PCR due to potential degradation. Overall, the study provides practical insight into improving diagnostic efficiency while emphasizing the importance of understanding both statistical methods and biological relevance in veterinary research.

    22 min

  3. 15 Jun

    Systems Thinking in Beef Production: Solving Problems Beyond the Individual Animal

    This discussion explores the concept of systems thinking in beef cattle production and how it expands beyond traditional population medicine approaches. Systems thinking focuses on understanding how multiple interconnected factors—such as nutrition, environment, disease exposure, and management practices—interact over time to influence herd health and productivity. Many cattle health and performance issues develop gradually, often involving delayed cause-and-effect relationships that can span months or even generations. The approach also recognizes that cattle may pass through multiple owners or environments, meaning problems observed in one setting may have originated earlier in the system. Rather than targeting a single cause, systems thinking addresses multifactorial “syndromes” where several influences combine to create outcomes like disease or poor reproduction. Key elements include ensuring proper nutrition, maintaining good environmental conditions, and aligning management decisions—such as breeding timing—with forage availability. The concept emphasizes that yearly outcomes are interconnected, with current management decisions affecting future herd performance. In stocker operations, additional complexity arises from combining cattle from different sources and managing land across multiple production cycles. Practically, systems thinking encourages producers to identify “pinch points” such as water access, cattle arrival stress, and housing conditions. Ultimately, it provides a framework for long-term problem solving, focusing on improving the entire production system rather than reacting only to visible health events.

    17 min

  4. 8 Jun

    Deadly Dehydration: How a Simple Gate Closure Led to Mass Cattle Loss

    This 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.

    19 min

  5. 2 Jun

    Industry Changes Coming Down The Line

    In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, the hosts explore what the future may hold for the beef industry, discussing trends in cattle size, production inputs, and market prices. They examine the realities of cow-herd expansion and consider how policy decisions could influence cattle production in the years ahead. The conversation also highlights recent research on liver abscesses in feedlot cattle, including how factors such as diet composition, grain processing methods, and days on feed may affect their prevalence and economic impact. Finally, the beef cattle experts weigh the concept of more dual-purpose operations, discussing the balance between beef and milk demand. 4:45 Calculating efficiencies 15:37 Calving cows in confinement 18:50 Beef on dairy and maximizing efficiency 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

    24 min

  6. 22 May

    After the Abstract: Bovine Leukemia Virus and Beef Cow Performance

    This episode of After the Abstract on Bovine Science with BCI reviews a 2026 study examining bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in cow-calf herds and its potential effects on reproduction, culling risk, and calf weaning weights. The hosts discuss findings showing that although BLV prevalence was very high in the studied herds, standard ELISA-positive status was not significantly associated with poorer pregnancy rates, increased culling, or lower weaning weights. They also explore proviral load measurements, noting that cows with the highest viral loads had slightly lower pregnancy rates, though the practical impact appeared small. Overall, the discussion emphasizes that BLV testing in otherwise healthy beef herds may have limited value for predicting production outcomes or guiding management decisions. Read Article Here

    24 min

  7. 11 May

    Diving into Diets: Does More Protein Improve Feedlot Performance

    In this episode of Diving Into Diets on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster discuss a 2026 study examining whether lower-protein finishing diets can improve performance in long-fed feedlot steers. The researchers compared industry-standard 13.5% crude protein diets to reduced 11.5% crude protein diets over roughly 206 days on feed and found that cattle on the lower-protein diet achieved slightly heavier carcass weights and improved dressing percentages without sacrificing overall growth. The conversation explores how excess dietary protein may increase the animal’s energy costs for nitrogen excretion, potentially reducing efficiency. They also discuss implications for feed costs, nitrogen emissions, and modern feeding strategies that rely heavily on corn byproducts. Read Article Here

    20 min

  8. 5 May

    Tox Talk: Japanese Yew Toxicity

    In this episode of Tox Talk on Bovine Science with BCI, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz discuss a case where a group of cow-calf pairs was turned out onto pasture, and several adult cows died suddenly while calves remained unaffected, pointing away from infectious disease. With no lesions found on necropsy, the veterinarians focused on toxic causes, especially those affecting cardiac function, oxygen delivery, or neurotransmitters. Clues from rumen contents and a pasture walk led to the discovery of Japanese yew trimmings in a dump pile, a highly toxic plant that causes rapid cardiac death. The case highlights the importance of environmental investigation and recognizing toxic plant risks in grazing systems.

    18 min
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Listen to veterinary professionals from the Beef Cattle Institute at Kansas State University talk about a variety of topics within cattle health, nutrition, reproduction, and science. New episodes of Bovine Science with BCI are posted each Monday.

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