Beef Cattle Management Practices: Seasonal Checklists and Health Protocols

Beef cattle operations require coordinated decisions across nutrition, reproduction, herd health, and pasture management that shift with the calendar. This article provides a seasonal management framework for cow-calf, stocker, and backgrounding operations, with emphasis on measurable targets, record systems, and clear criteria for when to involve a veterinarian. The content applies to farmers, farm employees, veterinarians, advisers, students, and farm planners who need a practical reference for aligning management tasks with the production cycle.

At a Glance: Seasonal Management Priorities

The table below summarizes the primary management focus areas for each season. Use it as a planning reference when building your operation-specific calendar.

Core Principles of Seasonal Beef Cattle Management

Effective beef cattle management depends on understanding how stressors interact with production outcomes. Environmental extremes, nutritional deprivation, and routine management procedures all affect cattle performance and welfare. Thermal stress during the breeding season can disturb normal physiological responses in gestating cows and hinder reproductive efficiency, while adjusting the scheduling of breeding activities can minimize these losses. Suboptimal nutrition may negatively impact reproductive performance if management strategies such as modifying seasonal grazing practices are not implemented. As gestation progresses, nutrient requirements increase, and without appropriate dietary management, poor calf performance, loss of body condition, and reduced reproductive performance may result. Weaning is a common management procedure but represents a major stress within the production system, and strategies such as creep feeding or two-step weaning can mitigate weaning stress and maximize production efficiency. These findings come from a review of stressors inherent to beef cattle management in the United States and their impacts on production sustainability, published in Ruminants in 2024.

The seasonal approach to management recognizes that cattle have predictable physiological states throughout the year. A well-designed calendar aligns nutritional inputs with demand, health interventions with risk periods, and breeding activities with optimal conception windows. The FAO Animal Production and Health program provides international reference material on sustainable livestock production systems, while the USDA Agricultural Research Service Animal Production and Protection program supports research on production efficiency and animal health.

Winter Management: Calving Preparation and Herd Maintenance

Nutrition and Body Condition Management

Winter nutrition determines calving ease, colostrum quality, and rebreeding success. Body condition scoring should occur at weaning and again 60 to 90 days before calving to identify cows that need additional energy. Cows that calve in thin condition have higher nutritional demands during early lactation and may not resume estrous cycles promptly. The relationship between nutrition and reproduction is well established, and maintaining appropriate body condition before calving reduces the risk of poor calf performance and delayed rebreeding.

Forage testing is essential during winter because stored feed quality varies by harvest date, plant maturity, and storage method. Test hay and silage for crude protein, energy, and mineral content before feeding. Adjust supplementation based on test results instead of assumptions about feed quality. Protein supplements may be needed when forage protein falls below cow requirements, particularly for young cows and late-gestation cows with higher demands.

Calving Area Preparation

The calving area should provide clean, dry, and sheltered conditions. Mud increases calf mortality risk and contributes to environmental mastitis in cows. Design calving areas with good drainage, and consider windbreaks for cold climates. Temperature affects calf survival, and calves younger than 21 days have the highest mortality rates among all cattle age groups. A retrospective cohort study of German cattle mortality using national register data found that cattle aged less than 6 months contributed 50 percent of all on-site deaths, with the highest rates in calves 21 days or younger. The study also found that larger holdings and temperatures at or below 10 degrees Celsius were associated with higher mortality. These findings support the need for careful attention to calving area conditions during winter months.

Calving Protocols and Colostrum Management

A written calving protocol helps employees respond consistently to dystocia and newborn care. Observe cows frequently during the calving season, especially heifers and cows with a history of calving difficulty. Know the stages of labor and the criteria for intervention. When intervention is needed, follow hygienic procedures to reduce the risk of uterine infection.

Colostrum management begins at birth. Calves should receive colostrum within the first 6 to 12 hours of life. Colostrum quality varies by cow age, nutrition, and vaccination status. Have a colostrum replacement or supplement product on hand for calves that fail to nurse. Record colostrum administration in calf health records.

Winter Feeding Infrastructure

Feed storage and delivery systems require attention during winter. Protect hay from weather to minimize waste and maintain quality. Bunk space should allow all cows to access feed without excessive competition. Monitor feed intake and adjust amounts based on body condition, weather conditions, and forage quality. Cold stress increases energy requirements, and cows may need additional energy during severe weather events.

Spring Management: Calving Completion and Breeding Preparation

Calving Season Completion

Spring calving herds should have a defined calving window, typically 60 to 90 days. A compact calving season improves labor efficiency, allows more uniform calf crops, and simplifies vaccination and weaning programs. Track calving dates and identify cows that calve late or fail to calve. Late-calving cows may be candidates for culling if they consistently calve outside the desired window.

Breeding Season Planning

Breeding decisions affect the entire production cycle. A study on optimal management of replacement heifers in beef herds, published in the Journal of Animal Science in 2014, developed a model that included decisions on feeding level during prepuberty, time of weaning, feeding level during the reproductive period, and time of breeding. The model found that heifers fed at an average daily gain of 810 grams per day and weaned after a maximum suckling period of 9 months should be bred at 13.2 months of age at a body weight constituting 55.6 percent of average mature weight. The study also found that 52 percent of heifers conceived from May to July and calved from February to April under the optimal strategy. This research demonstrates that heifer development targets should be based on percentage of mature body weight instead of age alone.

For mature cows, breeding season timing should align with forage availability and labor resources. Consider whether natural service or artificial insemination fits your operation. The heifer management model noted that natural service costs apply in outdoor seasons and artificial insemination costs apply in indoor seasons, reflecting the practical constraints of different breeding systems.

Bull Management

Bulls require evaluation before the breeding season. Breeding soundness examinations should occur 60 days before turnout to allow time for corrections or replacement. Assess foot structure, reproductive anatomy, and semen quality. Body condition of bulls affects fertility and libido. Overconditioned bulls may have reduced libido, while thin bulls may lack energy for breeding activity.

During the breeding season, monitor bull condition and observe breeding activity. Replace bulls that show injury, lameness, or reduced libido. Record bull turnout dates and breeding groups to support pregnancy diagnosis interpretation.

Spring Pasture Management

Spring pasture growth provides high-quality forage but requires careful management to avoid overgrazing and to maintain plant persistence. Rotational grazing systems allow forage recovery periods and improve utilization. The FAO Animal Production and Health program emphasizes sustainable pasture management as a component of livestock production systems.

Cool-season annual forages can extend the grazing season in some regions. A review of cool-season annual grasses and grass-clover management options for extending the fall-winter-early spring grazing season for beef cattle, published in The Professional Animal Scientist in 2018, found that small grains including cereal rye, wheat, oats, and triticale have bimodal forage dry matter production during autumn and early winter. These species can be grown in monocultures or mixtures with annual ryegrass and clovers. Fall forage production depends primarily on planting method, seeding date, soil fertility, and variety selection. Annual ryegrass and clovers provide minimal forage mass during fall but can extend grazing from late January through May in the southeastern United States.

Summer Management: Breeding Season and Calf Development

Heat Stress Management

Summer heat affects cattle reproduction and performance. Thermal stress during the breeding season can affect embryo development and cause decreased conception rates. Adjust breeding schedules to minimize heat stress impacts. Provide shade and adequate water to reduce heat load. Monitor cattle for signs of heat stress, including increased respiration rate, reduced feed intake, and crowding around water sources.

Water quality and availability are critical during summer. Cattle consume more water in hot weather, and inadequate water intake reduces feed intake and performance. Test water sources for quality and ensure flow rates meet herd demand. Clean water tanks regularly to prevent algae growth and contamination.

Fly Control and Parasite Management

Fly populations increase during summer and affect cattle comfort, weight gain, and disease transmission. Integrated fly control programs combine pasture management, biological control, and targeted insecticide use. Remove manure regularly from confined areas to reduce breeding sites. Consider fly traps and parasitic wasps as part of an integrated approach.

Internal parasite management requires knowledge of parasite cycles and treatment timing. A study on horses grazing with cattle, published in Animal in 2020, found that mixed grazing reduced strongyle egg counts in horses due to a dilution effect. The study noted that only 8 of 23 mixed breeders were aware that co-grazing with cattle could be used as part of strongyle control strategy. While this study focused on horses, the dilution effect concept applies to mixed-species grazing systems and can inform parasite management strategies.

Calf Vaccination Programs

Summer is the time for calf vaccinations in spring-calving herds. Work with your veterinarian to develop a vaccination protocol based on local disease risks and management system. Common vaccine targets include respiratory pathogens, clostridial diseases, and reproductive diseases. A survey of South Dakota beef producers published in PLOS ONE in 2026 found that 94 percent of respondents regularly vaccinate their cattle with established vaccines. The study found no association between personal COVID-19 vaccination decisions and use of established cattle vaccines, but did find a positive association between COVID-19 vaccine uptake and likelihood of using a new cattle vaccine for highly pathogenic avian influenza. This research suggests that producers who are hesitant about new vaccines may delay adoption, which has implications for future vaccine introduction.

Creep Feeding Considerations

Creep feeding provides supplemental feed to nursing calves and can improve weaning weights, particularly when forage quality or quantity is limited. The stressor review published in Ruminants in 2024 identified creep feeding as a strategy to mitigate weaning stress and maximize production efficiency. However, creep feeding economics vary with feed costs, calf prices, and forage conditions. Calculate expected return before implementing a creep feeding program.

Fall Management: Weaning and Reproductive Evaluation

Weaning Strategies

Weaning is a major stress event in the beef production cycle. The stressor review identified weaning as a significant stressor and noted that strategies such as creep feeding or two-step weaning can mitigate weaning stress. Two-step weaning involves temporarily preventing calves from nursing while allowing nose-to-nose contact with dams, followed by complete separation. This approach reduces behavioral stress compared to abrupt weaning.

Weaning facilities should be secure, well-ventilated, and provide access to clean water and high-quality feed. Monitor weaned calves closely for signs of respiratory disease, which is a primary health concern during the post-weaning period.

Pregnancy Diagnosis and Culling Decisions

Fall pregnancy diagnosis provides the information needed for culling and replacement decisions. Pregnancy diagnosis can be performed by rectal palpation, ultrasound, or blood testing. The timing of pregnancy diagnosis should allow for culling decisions before winter feeding costs accumulate.

A study of smallholder beef cattle heifers in South Africa, published in Tropical Animal Health and Production in 2026, measured pregnancy rates and fetal and calf loss in 538 heifer records from 40 herds. The study found an average pregnancy rate of 47 percent and fetal and calf loss of 11 percent, with achievable levels of 60 percent pregnancy rate and 0.9 percent fetal and calf loss. Management factors including breed type, breeding season, body condition score, frame size, and heifer selection significantly affected pregnancy rate and fetal and calf loss. The study concluded that optimizing pregnancy rate and fetal and calf loss in heifers depends on improving selection practices before breeding, maintaining optimum body condition score, and breeding during favorable environmental conditions.

Replacement Heifer Selection

Select replacement heifers based on performance records, structural soundness, and reproductive potential. Heifer selection should occur before breeding, not after. The South Africa study emphasized that selection practices prior to breeding influence pregnancy rates. Consider expected progeny differences for growth, maternal traits, and calving ease when selecting sires for heifer matings.

Forage Testing and Winter Feed Planning

Fall forage testing guides winter supplementation decisions. Test all stored forages and balance rations for the upcoming winter period. Calculate feed inventory against expected herd demand. Purchase supplemental feed early to secure supply and manage costs.

Records and Measurements for Seasonal Management

Essential Records

A functional record system supports seasonal management decisions. Maintain the following records:

• Calving records with calf identification, birth date, birth weight, calving ease score, and dam identification
• Breeding records with bull exposure dates, artificial insemination dates, and pregnancy diagnosis results
• Health records with vaccination dates, treatment dates, and withdrawal periods
• Body condition scores at defined intervals
• Weaning weights and frame scores
• Pasture and forage records including grazing dates, stocking rates, and forage test results
• Financial records including feed costs, veterinary expenses, and cattle sales

Body Condition Scoring

Body condition scoring provides a practical tool for assessing nutritional status. Use a 1 to 9 scale with 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese. Target body condition scores vary by production stage. Cows should calve at a body condition score of 5 to 6. Thin cows at calving have higher nutritional demands and may have delayed rebreeding.

Growth and Performance Monitoring

Regular weighing supports management decisions. Automated weighing systems and image-based liveweight estimation allow higher-frequency growth monitoring with low single-digit percentage error in representative studies, according to a review of smart feedlot technologies published in Animals in 2026. The review noted that precision livestock farming technologies enable continuous, individual-animal monitoring and more proactive management in intensive beef production systems. While these technologies are more common in feedlots, the principles of regular weight monitoring apply to all production systems.

Mortality and Morbidity Records

Accurate mortality and morbidity records identify problem areas and support management changes. The German cattle mortality study found that beef breeds had the lowest mortality rates compared to intensive and less intensive milk breeds. Males exhibited higher mortality than females from birth to 2 years. These findings provide benchmarks for evaluating herd health.

Biosecurity and Disease Prevention

Farm-Level Biosecurity Measures

Biosecurity protects herd health and supports food safety. A scoping review of farm-level biosecurity measure effectiveness against foot-and-mouth disease, published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2026, found that foot-and-mouth disease virus can be transmitted via aerosols, droplets, and fomites including humans. The review identified biosecurity measures applied to livestock and their products, personnel and visitors, vehicles and fomites, and disinfection from field reports and observational studies. However, no biosecurity measures that appeared in more than one report were identified as being consistently effective. This finding highlights the need for comprehensive biosecurity programs instead of reliance on single measures.

The World Organisation for Animal Health Animal Health and Welfare program provides international standards for disease prevention and control. The USDA National Agricultural Library Animal Health and Welfare resource provides access to research and educational materials on animal health topics.

Vaccination Programs

Vaccination programs should be developed with veterinary input and tailored to local disease risks. The scoping review of bovine respiratory disease risk factors, published in Animals in 2026, found that management-related factors such as vaccination were more commonly emphasized in cow-calf operations, while transportation stress and commingling were most frequently studied in stocker and feedlot systems. The review identified 23 major risk factors for bovine respiratory disease and found that the evidence base was heavily skewed toward feedlot populations at 62 percent, with limited focus on cow-calf at 13 percent and stocker at 7 percent systems. The review highlighted critical gaps in early-life and cross-stage risk assessment and called for longitudinal, cross-stage cohort studies and standardized surveillance frameworks.

Reproductive Disease Prevention

Infectious causes of pregnancy loss represent a significant economic problem in cattle farming. A review of infectious causes of pregnancy loss in cattle, published in Animal Reproduction in 2026, found that up to half of pregnancy losses can be associated with infectious diseases. The main etiological agents identified were Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, bovine herpesvirus type 1, Leptospira species, and Campylobacter fetus. Neospora caninum was the main agent associated with pregnancy losses, with abortions reported between the third and ninth months of gestation. Most pregnancy losses occurred between the second and third thirds of gestation. The review reinforced the need for continuous reproductive monitoring, especially with the use of pregnancy diagnosis.

Antimicrobial Stewardship

Antimicrobial use requires careful management to preserve efficacy and comply with regulations. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Animal and Veterinary program provides regulatory oversight of animal drugs and feed additives. Work with your veterinarian to develop treatment protocols that specify drug selection, dosage, duration, and withdrawal periods. Maintain treatment records to support food safety and antimicrobial stewardship.

Welfare Considerations in Beef Cattle Management

Handling and Temperament

Cattle handling practices affect welfare and performance. A review of early handling experiences on the welfare of beef stocker cattle, published in Veterinary Clinics of North America in 2026, found that the stocker phase represents a critical period in beef cattle development during which young animals exhibit heightened reactivity to handling and environmental stressors. Handler skill should be considered alongside facility design and management protocols as a key determinant of behavioral development. Acclimation involving positive human contact reduces physiologic stress indicators, improves temperament, and can positively impact performance.

Low-stress handling techniques reduce fear responses and improve safety for both cattle and handlers. Design facilities with proper sight lines, non-slip flooring, and adequate space to allow cattle to move calmly. Train all employees in low-stress handling principles.

Pain Management for Management Procedures

Castration is a common management procedure that causes pain and stress. A study of analgesic interventions in surgically castrated beef calves, published in Tropical Animal Health and Production in 2026, evaluated different analgesic protocols under tropical conditions in Colombia. The study found no significant differences among protocols for physiological stress markers or growth performance, but observed significant temporal effects with cortisol decreasing at 48 hours, haptoglobin peaking at 48 to 72 hours, and infrared thermography values increasing between 24 and 48 hours post-castration. The study concluded that time after castration, instead of the analgesic protocol, was the primary driver of physiological responses. These findings support the use of pain management for castration while recognizing that physiological responses to the procedure occur regardless of analgesic protocol.

Environmental Enrichment and Grazing Behavior

Grazing provides natural behavior opportunities for cattle. A study of socio-cultural motives driving free-range livestock farming in Estonia, published in the Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine in 2026, found that 74 percent of respondents reported the desire to maintain aesthetically pleasing landscapes around their homes through grazing as the most frequently reported emotional motive. Additionally, 56 percent of respondents indicated that grazing is the most effective management practice for their farmland. The study noted that nearly one-third of respondents reported continuing a family tradition of livestock keeping, while 62 percent had no prior experience in agriculture before starting their activities. The most commonly cited constraints preventing herd expansion were the lack of additional pastures and the inability to manage larger herds.

Environmental Management and Sustainability

Manure Management

Manure management affects environmental quality and nutrient cycling. Ammonia emissions from beef cattle feedyards primarily come from urinary urea in cattle manure. A review of ammonia emissions from beef cattle feedyards, published in Frontiers in Animal Science in 2025, found that average ammonia emissions from a beef cattle feedyard were approximately 119 grams per head per day with a range of 24 to 318 grams per head per day. The review noted that precision diet feeding to meet but not exceed protein requirements appeared to be the most practical way to reduce ammonia emissions over the feeding period.

A study of seasonal ammonia emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in Victoria, Australia, published in the Journal of Environmental Management in 2023, found that emission rates varied by season with summer emissions highest at 167.4 micrograms per square meter per second from cattle pens. The study found that ammonia emissions represented a loss of 47.5 to 64.6 percent of fed nitrogen. Seasonal variations in emissions were related to air temperature, and slight changes in crude protein content of the cattle diet may also have impacted seasonal variability.

Pasture and Forage Management

Pasture management affects forage production, soil health, and cattle performance. White clover is the main legume component in temperate perennial pasture swards in New Zealand. A study of white clover cultivars under sheep and beef cattle grazing management, published in the Journal of New Zealand Grasslands in 2022, found significant genotype-by-environment interactions for seasonal growth and leaf size. The study demonstrated the importance of conducting multi-location and year evaluation trials under cattle and sheep grazing management methods. Among 16 cultivars evaluated, Legacy showed above average performance across all three locations.

Soil and Water Contamination Risks

Land application of biosolids can introduce contaminants into agricultural systems. A study of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorodecanoic acid at a North American beef cattle farm with a history of biosolids land application, published in Toxics in 2025, found that historical application of wastewater treatment sludge introduced per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances into agricultural systems and led to contamination of crops and livestock. The study demonstrated that understanding farm exposures and collecting site-specific data were integral to model performance. With modifications to management practices, the study suggested it is feasible for the farm to reduce contamination.

Common Failure Patterns in Seasonal Management

Nutrition-Related Failures

Nutritional failures often result from inadequate forage testing, incorrect body condition assessment, or failure to adjust feeding during weather extremes. Cows that lose excessive body condition during winter may have reduced conception rates and produce calves with lower weaning weights. Overconditioned cows may have calving difficulty and metabolic problems.

Reproductive Failures

Reproductive failures commonly result from poor bull fertility, missed estrus detection, or inadequate heifer development. The heifer management study found that breeding at 55.6 percent of average mature weight was optimal, suggesting that heifers bred too light have reduced pregnancy rates. The South Africa heifer study found that most heifers conceived between ages four and five years, with a median age for first calving of four years, indicating delayed reproduction in that system.

Health Program Failures

Health program failures often result from improper vaccine handling, incorrect administration, or failure to complete protocols. Vaccines that are frozen, overheated, or exposed to sunlight lose efficacy. Parasite control programs that rely on a single treatment may fail due to resistance or reinfection.

Record System Failures

Record system failures occur when data collection is inconsistent or when records are not used for decision-making. Records that are collected but never analyzed provide no value. Schedule regular record reviews to identify trends and problem areas.

Professional Escalation Criteria

When to Contact a Veterinarian

Contact a veterinarian when you observe:

• Abortion storms or multiple pregnancy losses
• Unexplained deaths, especially in calves
• Signs of infectious disease such as respiratory distress, diarrhea, or neurological signs
• Calving difficulty that you cannot resolve with available equipment and training
• Poor conception rates despite apparently adequate management
• Suspected foreign animal disease, which requires immediate reporting to animal health authorities

When to Contact an Extension Specialist or Consultant

Contact an extension specialist or consultant when you need assistance with:

• Forage testing interpretation and ration balancing
• Pasture and grazing system design
• Economic analysis of management changes
• Facility design and renovation
• Record system implementation

When to Contact Regulatory Authorities

Contact regulatory authorities when you suspect:

• Foreign animal disease
• Chemical or contaminant exposure
• Food safety issues
• Reportable disease conditions

The World Organisation for Animal Health Animal Health and Welfare program provides information on notifiable diseases and international reporting requirements. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Animal and Veterinary program provides information on drug residues and food safety regulations.

Food Safety Considerations

On-Farm Food Safety Practices

On-farm practices affect the safety of beef products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Animal and Veterinary program oversees the safety of animal drugs and feed additives. Follow label directions for all medications and observe withdrawal periods before marketing cattle.

Carcass Hygiene

Carcass hygiene begins on the farm. A study of routine beef carcass Escherichia coli monitoring data in Australian export-registered abattoirs, published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology in 2006, found that plants with a large incoming problem with livestock plus poor processes had higher than average E. coli prevalence. Plants with hot water decontamination systems had low E. coli prevalence even when there was a substantial incoming problem with livestock. The study concluded that contamination on incoming livestock and the plant's ability to deal with such contamination both influence carcass hygiene.

Traceability and Records

Traceability systems support food safety and market access. Maintain identification records that link animals to their origin, health treatments, and movement history. The USDA National Agricultural Library Animal Health and Welfare resource provides information on animal identification and traceability programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I pregnancy check my beef cows?

Pregnancy diagnosis should occur after the breeding season ends but before culling decisions are made. For spring-calving herds with a 60 to 90 day breeding season, pregnancy checking in the fall allows culling decisions before winter feeding costs accumulate. The South Africa heifer study demonstrated that pregnancy diagnosis is essential for measuring reproductive performance and identifying management factors that influence pregnancy rates.

What body condition score should cows have at calving?

Cows should calve at a body condition score of 5 to 6 on a 1 to 9 scale. Cows that calve in thin condition have higher nutritional demands during early lactation and may have delayed rebreeding. The stressor review published in Ruminants in 2024 noted that without appropriate dietary management as gestation progresses, poor calf performance, loss of body condition, and reduced reproductive performance may result.

How do I determine the right breeding season for my herd?

Breeding season timing should align with forage availability, labor resources, and market goals. The heifer management study found that 52 percent of heifers conceived from May to July and calved from February to April under the optimal strategy. Consider when you want calves born, what forage will be available for lactating cows, and when you want to wean calves.

What vaccinations should beef calves receive?

Vaccination programs should be developed with your veterinarian based on local disease risks and management system. Common vaccine targets include respiratory pathogens, clostridial diseases, and reproductive diseases. The bovine respiratory disease scoping review found that vaccination was more commonly emphasized in cow-calf operations, while transportation stress and commingling were most frequently studied in stocker and feedlot systems.

How can I reduce stress at weaning?

Two-step weaning and creep feeding are strategies to reduce weaning stress. The stressor review identified these approaches as efficient strategies to mitigate weaning stress and maximize production efficiency. Two-step weaning involves preventing calves from nursing while allowing nose-to-nose contact with dams, followed by complete separation.

What records should I keep for my beef herd?

Maintain calving records, breeding records, health records, body condition scores, weaning weights, pasture records, and financial records. Records support culling decisions, genetic improvement, and regulatory compliance. The USDA National Agricultural Library Animal Health and Welfare resource provides information on record systems for livestock operations.

How do I know if my heifers are developed enough for breeding?

Heifer development should be based on percentage of mature body weight instead of age alone. The heifer management study found that heifers should be bred at 55.6 percent of average mature weight. The South Africa heifer study found that body condition score, frame size, and heifer selection significantly affected pregnancy rates.

What should I do if I suspect a foreign animal disease?

Contact your veterinarian and animal health authorities immediately if you suspect a foreign animal disease. The World Organisation for Animal Health Animal Health and Welfare program provides information on notifiable diseases and reporting requirements. Early reporting is critical for disease control and protecting the national herd.

Related Farming Guides

• Beef Cattle Artificial Insemination: Protocols, Timing, and Success Factors
• Dairy Cattle Farming: Nutrition, Housing, Health Signals, and Herd Management
• Beef Cattle Farming: Forage, Reproduction, Calving, Health Signals, and Herd Management
• Beef Cattle Mud Management
• Beef Cattle Quarantine Management

References and Further Reading

• FAO Animal Production and Health. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Animal Health and Welfare. USDA National Agricultural Library.
• Animal and Veterinary Resources. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
• Animal Health and Welfare. World Organisation for Animal Health.
• Animal Production and Protection. USDA Agricultural Research Service.
• Optimal management of replacement heifers in a beef herd: a model for simultaneous optimization of rearing and breeding decisions.. Journal of animal science, 2014.
• Socio-cultural motives drive free-range livestock farming in Estonia.. Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine, 2026.
• Horses grazing with cattle have reduced strongyle egg count due to the dilution effect and increased reliance on macrocyclic lactones in mixed farms.. Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience, 2020.
• Standardized analysis of German cattle mortality using national register data.. Preventive veterinary medicine, 2015.
• UK bovine carcass meat consumed as burgers, sausages and other meat products: by birth cohort and gender.. Journal of cancer epidemiology and prevention, 2002.
• Use of routine beef carcase Escherichia coli monitoring data to investigate the relationship between hygiene status of incoming stock and processing efficacy.. International journal of food microbiology, 2006.
• The relationship among current management systems, production, disease and drug usage on Ontario dairy farms.. Canadian journal of veterinary research = Revue canadienne de recherche veterinaire, 1986.
• Mapping Variability in Bovine Respiratory Disease Risk Factors in Beef Production Systems: A Scoping Review.. 2026.
• The Role of Early Handling Experiences on the Welfare of Beef Stocker Cattle.. 2026.
• The relationship between personal COVID-19 vaccination decisions and cattle vaccination practices: Evidence from a survey of South Dakota beef producers.. 2026.
• Infectious causes of pregnancy loss in cattle: a review of loss intensity and major reproductive pathogens involved.. 2026.
• A scoping review of farm-level biosecurity measure effectiveness against foot-and-mouth disease to inform planning and preparedness efforts in the United States.. 2026.
• Analgesic interventions in surgically castrated beef calves: impacts on biomarkers, thermography, and growth performance under tropical conditions.. 2026.
• Modernizing Livestock Operations: Smart Feedlot Technologies and Their Impact.. 2026.
• Stressors Inherent to Beef Cattle Management in the United States of America and the Resulting Impacts on Production Sustainability: A Review. Ruminants, 2024.
• Seasonal ammonia emissions from an intensive beef cattle feedlot in Victoria Australia.. Journal of Environmental Management, 2023.
• Measurement of pregnancy rate and foetal loss, and their associations with management practices on reproductive performance of smallholder beef cattle heifers in South Africa. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2026.
• Ammonia emissions from beef cattle feedyards: a review. Frontiers in Animal Science, 2025.
• Application of a Dynamic Exposure Population Toxicokinetic Model for Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) and Extension to Perfluorodecanoic Acid (PFDA) at a North American Beef Cattle Farm with a History of Biosolids Land Application. Toxics, 2025.
• Response of white clover cultivars to sheep and beef cattle grazing management across three pastoral environments in New Zealand.. Journal of New Zealand Grasslands, 2022.
• Review: Cool-season annual grasses or grass-clover management options for extending the fall-winter-early spring grazing season for beef cattle. The Professional Animal Scientist, 2018.
• Production cost on beef cattle in the dynamic cost vision: The case of Fazenda Arural. Custos E Agronegocio, 2012.
• The relationship among current management systems, production, disease and drug usage on Ontario dairy farms.. Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research Revue Canadienne De Recherche Veterinaire, 1986.

This article is educational and is not a substitute for veterinary diagnosis, treatment, public-health guidance, or regulatory reporting.