The Beef Podcast Show

In subtropical regions, cattle production requires careful attention to forage management, considering it is a crucial resource for productivity, but the areas typically experience hot and humid conditions. With such challenges presented by the climate to beef cattle producers, a comprehensive forage management system is crucial for providing adequate nutrition to cattle, optimizing their performa...

In this episode, Dr. DiLorenzo and I discuss significant breakthroughs in greenhouse gas reduction: the potential of algae as inhibitors of methane emissions. Although not all algae possess this capacity, some do have that potential and as such, it is important to discuss the challenges and opportunities of scaling up algae production and the potential role of the ocean in expanding agricultural a...

Liver abscesses significantly affect animal performance, reducing their feed intake, weight gain, and carcass yield. In this episode, Dr. T.G. Nagaraja, an expert on the field, goes into the subject and sheds light on the intricate world of liver abscesses in cattle. He provides valuable insights into the causes and impacts of this condition, as well as ongoing research on it. Also, Dr. Nagaraja t...

Taking a holistic perspective and understanding technological advancements are crucial to manage animal health and improve risk categorization in today's beef industry. In this episode, Dr. Krehbiel emphasizes that interdisciplinary collaboration approaches are key to addressing grand challenges in ruminant nutrition. Also, he highlights that connecting people with the sources of their food an...

Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) is a disease that suppresses the immune system and exacerbates other existing problems in the herd, thus greatly impacting various segments of the beef industry. In this episode, Dr. Bob Larson provides a lot of valuable information on the use of diagnostic tests to detect BVD in persistently infected (PI) calves, since they are the major contributors to the spread of t...

In today's episode,   we delve into the world of beef as we explore its nutritional value, convenience options, and market expansion with John Crowder, a marketing expert in the industry. Mr. Crowder goes into the essential vitamins and minerals present in beef, JBS's investments to enhance the variety and convenience of the meat, and the importance of educating consumers about the actual...

Understanding the molecular mechanisms behind the interactions between a host and their microbials is crucial for comprehending the complex relationship between cattle and their gut microbiota. Shedding light on how microbes contribute to the overall health and well-being of cattle is a major topic of interest, since several important traits in beef can be influenced by gut microbial ecology and h...

Having beef production as a family business has many benefits. It strengthens the connections among family members, instills values like hard work and collaboration, ensures the perpetuation and growth of the practice through the transfer of knowledge and skills across generations, and contributes to rural economic development. However, how do things work in day-to-day life? How can parenting and...

Environment challenges pose significant concerns to beef cattle producers, since weather conditions and heat stress greatly influence the well-being and productivity of these animals. Therefore, producers must know how to manage these factors to maintain the health and performance of their herds by creating optimal conditions for their cattle in a changing climate. In this episode, Dr. Warren Rusc...

In today's episode, Dr. Pedro Fontes – a researcher and professor of beef cattle production and management – discusses the importance of reproductive technologies for improving the efficiency and productivity of the beef industry. He highlights the benefits of estrus synchronization programs, pre-synchronization protocols, and Doppler ultrasounds for early pregnancy diagnosis, along with the i...

In nowaday's beef industry, producing climate-friendly beef must marry with maintaining carcass quality and value. However challenging that may be, Dr. Zach Smith – an expert in animal science – believes that it is feasible through thoughtful planning and research. In this episode, he discusses the economic and environmental benefits of limit-feeding and accuracy in cattle feed, along with the...

A technology revolution is taking place across the livestock industry. So in order to keep improving our performance, it is necessary to improve the access, communication, and implementation of such technologies. In this episode, Dr. Yijie Xiong explains how agricultural engineering and precision livestock management can play important roles within academia as well as bridge the gap between techno...

In today's episode, Dr. Allison Meyer – an Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Missouri – discusses various topics related to cow-calf development. She talks about the pros and cons of calving during spring and fall, the impact of nutrient restriction on heifer development, the challenges of holistically studying cow-calf development, the current lack o...

Extensionists play a crucial role in the development of beef cattle production. This episode features one of the best: Travis Meteer – a beef cattle extension specialist – shares his journey and insights. He emphasizes the importance of personalized decision-making that considers the specific context of each operation before introducing management changes, as well as explains the benefits and draw...

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 pr...

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 leade...

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 an...

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 c...

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 compro...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 repr...

The combination of teaching, research, and extension makes the beef industry more efficient, profitable, and sustainable. That is because those three pillars provide farmers, ranchers, and students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed – and take the industry with them. In this episode, Dr. Karl Hoppe discusses his experience working with beef production as a professor, researcher, and...