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. 6 DAYS AGO

    Diving into Diets: Phosphorus and Calcium in Lactating Beef Cows

    In this episode of Diving into Diets, the discussion examines how different phosphorus and calcium diets affect phosphorus retention, milk composition, calf growth, and bone status in beef cattle. While cows on lower-phosphorus diets maintained milk production and calf growth in the short term, they mobilized phosphorus from bone, unlike cows on high-phosphorus, high-calcium diets. The takeaway is that cows are resilient and can tolerate short-term deficiencies, but inadequate long-term mineral intake may eventually impair performance, underscoring the need for appropriate supplementation. Article Discussed: https://era.dpi.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/14721/1/AN24216.pdf

    22 min

  2. 9 FEB

    Herd Health: Synchronization Strategies for Heifers and Cows

    This episode of Herd Health explores how cattle producers and veterinarians can choose the most effective estrus synchronization and fixed-time AI protocols for heifers and cows. Dr. Bob Larson explains that there is no single “best” protocol. Instead, the right choice depends on factors such as whether you are dealing with heifers or cows, time available, group size, handling logistics, and cost. The discussion highlights the roles of progesterone, GnRH, and prostaglandin, compares common protocols, and emphasizes using trusted resources such as the Beef Reproduction Task Force and working closely with veterinarians to ensure proper execution and consistent results. Beef Reproduction Task Force

    23 min

  3. 2 FEB

    After the Abstract: Predicting Bovine Respiratory Disease with Water Intake

    In this episode of About the Abstract, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discussed a study that tested whether water intake can predict bovine respiratory disease (BRD). The study’s main finding was that water intake decreased 1–2 days before BRD treatment or diagnosis. The study also found that the amount of water consumed mattered more than the number of visits or the time spent at the waterer. The cattle treated multiple times for BRD consistently drank less water than healthy cattle. The main takeaway from the study was that monitoring water intake per visit to the waterer is more important than monitoring cattle behavior.  Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/preventive-veterinary-medicine

    23 min

  4. 26 JAN

    Diving into Diets: Volatile Fatty Acids

    On Dividing into Diets, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster explore how a ruminant’s diet influences the production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate, created through the fermentation of carbohydrates and proteins in the rumen. They explain that different types of feed support different bacterial populations, shifting the balance of VFAs. For example, grain-heavy diets boost propionate levels, while high-forage diets favor acetate. Despite these shifts, overall animal efficiency depends more on the total amount of volatile fatty acids produced than on the specific proportions. The experts note that attempts to manipulate VFA ratios can be expensive and often yield only minor improvements in productivity.

    20 min

  5. 19 JAN

    Herd Health: Estrus Synchronization Protocols in Heifers vs. Cows

    On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss how to choose the best synchronization protocol for artificial insemination in cattle. They explain the differences between protocols for heifers and cows, including timing, hormone use, and management considerations. The discussion highlights the importance of resources like the Beef Reproduction Task Force website and factors such as chute time, cost, and herd size.  Episode Resource: https://beefrepro.org/

    22 min

  6. 12 JAN

    Herd Health: Heifer Selection Strategies

    On Herd Health, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a 2025 study in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science on factors influencing heifer replacement and cow-calf profitability. The study focused on cow feed efficiency, longevity, heterosis, and lifetime productivity. Key findings include the importance of longevity, with heifers staying longer in the herd being more profitable. Crossbreeding, particularly those with more heterosis, reduced costs. Residual feed intake (RFI) was crucial, with lower RFI cows being more efficient and cost-effective. The study used data from 2011 to 2018, accounting for economic fluctuations, and found no significant differences between breeds. Article Discussed: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385812533_Effects_of_cow_feed_efficiency_longevity_heterosis_and_lifetime_productivity_on_profitability_of_heifer_selection_and_cow-calf_operations

    18 min

  7. 5 JAN

    About the Abstract: Bovine Coronavirus

    Dr. Brad White and Dr. Todd Gunderson discuss a study on bovine coronavirus and its role in respiratory disease in cattle. The study, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, used a challenge model with 15 challenge calves and six control calves. Results showed higher viral shedding in challenge calves. PCR detected bovine coronavirus in multiple tissues but not in the lungs or tracheobronchial lymph nodes. Histopathology scores indicated more pathology in challenge calves, but clinical signs were mild. The study suggests bovine coronavirus may play a role in mild respiratory disease but not in severe pneumonia, possibly acting as a co-factor for secondary infections. Article Discussed: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.878240/full

    24 min

  8. 29/12/2025

    Diving into Diets: Grazing Behavior

    On this week’s episode of Diving into Diets Dr. Brad White and Dr. Philip Lancaster discuss a 2025 study on grazing behavior in cattle, focusing on factors like age, size, hide color, and forage quality. The study tracked 40 cows using GPS collars over three years, finding that older cows traveled further distances, possibly due to learning topography. Red cows traveled more in cold temperatures due to better heat retention from black hides. The study also noted that cows traveled further to high-quality forage areas, as measured by NDVI and IRG, and up slopes and to water sources. The study’s individual hypothesis testing approach limited the interpretation of confounding variables like production stage and weather. Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871141325001258?via%3Dihub

    21 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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