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Making Beef Out of Dairy

Dairy beef cross cattle have become an increasingly popular option for dairy farmers looking to capture additional market value on calves that aren’t needed for the dairy herd. Many dairy farms are selecting a percentage of their lower-potential or low-producing animals of the herd and breeding to beef sires. Breeding to beef sires with carcass trait merits has the potential to produce calves that will capture better prices in the sale barn or yield carcasses that can net more value compared to purebred dairy animals.
 
 In the factsheet Making Beef Out of Dairy , UW-Extension Kewaunee County Agriculture Agent Aerica Bjurstrom and Marquette County Agriculture Agent Lyssa Seefeldt share the field survey they conducted on 17 dairy beef cross steers and heifers evaluating live and carcass performance.
 

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Episode 105: How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf

Video: Episode 105: How to Spot Respiratory Acidosis in a Newborn Calf

Most beef producers are familiar with the frustration of dealing with a “dummy calf” - a calf that won’t suckle, won’t stand and seems unresponsive despite intensive care. In this episode, we explore one of the most common underlying causes: respiratory acidosis. We’ll break down what causes respiratory acidosis, the symptoms to watch for and practical treatment options to help give these calves the best chance at survival.