Bovine Science with BCI

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 tracheobronchi...

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 d...

Dr. Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss the failure of passive transfer in beef herds, highlighting differences from dairy cattle. Risk factors included calves born to heifers, twins, and assisted births. Higher body condition scores in cows also correlated with lower IgG levels. The study emphasized the importance of colostrum intake, especially in high-risk situations. The discussion emphasize...

In About the Abstract, the experts discuss a study by Cordial and Carrie (2024) in the Journal of Animal Science, which compared the impact of metaphylaxis with Tulathromycin versus saline on high-risk beef stocker calves over 42 days. The study found that calves treated with Tulathromycin had higher average daily gain, especially in the first 14 days, and fewer treatments for respiratory disease....

In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat, guest Dr. Cassandra Olds continues the discussion of Theileria, a tick- and fly-borne parasite affecting U.S. cattle herds. The team explains how it spreads from the East Coast westward, causes anemia-like symptoms, and persists for life in infected animals. They stress prevention through stress reduction, parasite control, and good nutrition, noting that no app...

In this Tox Talk episode, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz review a case involving six dead calves out of 38 fall-calving cow–calf pairs on pasture. The producer had not been checking the herd frequently, making the exact timeline of deaths unclear. With at least one calf estimated to have been dead for 4–5 days. They emphasize how decomposition, weather, and time since death affect necropsy val...

Brad White and Dr. Bob Larson discuss a case where a client found an aborted fetus in their herd. Dr. Larson suggests identifying the aborting animal, collecting samples from the fetus, including the placenta, lung, liver, and brain, and holding them for further analysis. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the herd’s history, including the age and origin of the cows, and potential...

On today’s episode of Herd Health, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White talk about a ranch that reported weaned calves with bloody diarrhea after being mixed from four pastures. Coccidiosis was at the top of the list for possible issues, with other potential causes to look at. They discuss potential cases of bloody diarrhea and the ways to treat and prevent the issues. 

In this episode of Diving into Diets, Dr. Brad White and Dr. Phillip Lancaster finish up the essential oils in feed rations series with another article. The experts discuss how essential oils compare to commonly used feed additives like Monensin. Article Discussed: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S109002332100054X

In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Phillip Lancaster continues the series with an article that looks into the use of essential oils in feed rations. In part two of the Essential Oils in Rations series, they talk about the different benefits and effects of adding the oils to your feed. Article Discussed: https://www.mdpi.com/2311-5637/8/6/254

A 2,000 cow dairy is seeing high culling rates due to lameness but not the typical lameness they are used to. What is wrong? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will discuss. The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley, and Dr. Bob Larson have received to share more toxicology inf...

In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings an article that looked into the use of essential oils in feed rations. The experts go over this paper and the styles of research groups used for the experiment. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0377840124000841

In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss nutritional plans for your cow herd through the winter. They go through the cost difference between high-quality hay and low-quality hay with supplements. They also discuss how to avoid having your cows calve at a lighter weight. 

On this episode of After the Abstract, Dr. Todd Gunderson brings a research article which looks at the effects of backfat thickness on results of a breeding soundness exam. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Gunderson go through the article and discuss the issues this study addressed as well as the potential affects of this research. Article discussed: Relationship between phenotypic subcutaneous backfat thic...

For this episode of Bovine Science Dr. Phillip Lancaster brings an article which looks at feeding live yeast. This episode is based on a listener question, if you have a listener question email in to bci@ksu.edu.

For this edition Dr. Brad White is joined by Dr. Matt Miesner to discuss lame calves. When a calf gets stepped on, kicked or ran over it can be a costly loss for producers. They go over the different options producers have when a calf breaks its front or back leg. Thanks for listening.

When a large dairy operation finds seven young calves dead, they seek help from the toxicologists. What happened and how can they prevent it from happening in the future? Brad White and Scott Fritz go over this case and answer those questions. Thanks for listening! KSVDL Toxicology:  https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/ The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have b...

This week on After the Abstract Todd Gunderson brings an article which analyzes the different methods for tritrichomonas testing in bulls. They break down the research and look at the findings as well as implications this could have on the beef industry. Article Discussed: Differences in pain and trauma caused by common sampling devices used in the United States for  Tritrichomonas foetus  testing...

On this episode of Bovine Science Phillip Lancaster and Brad White discuss a recent research paper from UC Davis which looks at a bromoform based feed additive. They discuss the paper’s findings as well as it’s possible implications. Article Discussed: The effect of Rumin8 Investigational Veterinary Product—a bromoform based feed additive—on enteric methane emissions, animal production...

In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss keeping records. They go through surveys which analyzed which records are more important to producers. They also discuss tips on finding the right record system for you. Articles Discussed: Information management in beef cow-calf operations: Data priorities, recording, and sharing Survey of U.S. cow-calf producer methods...

For this unique episode of Tox Talk Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz walk through how to collect samples to send into toxicology. They will discuss the important samples to collect depending on the situation. Toxicology Sample Collection Guide KSVDL Toxicology:  https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/ The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in par...

On this episode of After the Abstract, Dr. Todd Gunderson brings a research article which looks at income and job satisfaction among bovine practitioners. Dr. Brad White and Dr. Gunderson go through the article and discuss the issues this study addressed as well as the potential affects of this research. Article discussed: Incomes and satisfaction among bovine focused veterinary practitioners in t...

Over a couple of weeks 8 cows die in a 200 cow herd. The only clue is a nodule on the liver. What cause the death? Dr. Scott Fritz explains on this episode of Bovine Science. KSVDL Toxicology:  https://ksvdl.org/laboratories/toxicology/ The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley...

After a big thunderstorm some calves are found dead and some found sick. What caused it and why were the cows not affected? Dr. Brad White and Dr. Scott Fritz will find out in this episode of Bovine Science. The toxicology website and Bovine Sciences with BCI podcasts have been sponsored in part through a veterinary services grant that Dr. Scott Fritz, Dr. Steve Ensley and Dr. Bob Larson have rece...

In this episode of Bovine Science, Dr. Bob Larson and Dr. Brad White discuss the risk factors associated with BRD in preweaned calves. They discuss past research over the subject and options to mitigate the risk. Articles Discussed: BRD in preweaned calves: What’s new in risk factors? Strategies for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) Diagnosis and Prognosis: A Comprehensive Overview