Bacterial culture and susceptibility of samples taken from septic foot lesions of adult beef cattle.

Background: Lameness is an economically important and common disease of cattle, and foot disease is the most common cause of lameness in cattle. Limited data is available regarding lameness in cow-calf operations.

Objectives: Describe the bacteria most commonly isolated from septic lesions of the feet of adult beef cattle and the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the isolated bacteria.

Effects of spring- versus fall-calving on perinatal nutrient availability and neonatal vigor in beef cattle.

To determine the effect of calving season on perinatal nutrient availability and neonatal beef calf vigor, data were collected from 4 spring- (average calving date: February 14; = 203 total) and 4 fall- (average calving date: September 20; = 179 total) calving experiments. Time to stand was determined as minutes from birth to standing for 5 s. After birth, calf weight and size (length, heart and abdominal girth, and cannon circumference) were recorded.

Fundamentals of Systems Thinking.

A system is a set of interconnected elements that are organized in such a way to achieve a purpose. Structure and feedback are fundamental properties of all systems and determine system behavior-whether successful or failed. Systems thinking is a methodology used to create structural explanations for why things are happening so we are in a better position to identify long-term strategies that will fundamentally improve system performance.

Incorporating reproductive management of beef heifers into a veterinary practice.

Veterinarians play an important role in reproductive management of dairy herds across the United States; however, in many cases, their involvement in reproductive management of beef herds has been limited. The reasons for this vary; however, there are ways for veterinarians to become more actively involved in reproductive management of US beef herds. Veterinarians can have an impact on producers' profits by implementing their skills and knowledge to beef heifer development programs.

Setting the stage for long-term reproductive health.

This article discusses some of the aspects of heifer development that contribute to long-term health and productivity, such as disease prevention and control. Nutrition is also an important component of long-term health, and body condition score is discussed as a way to determine whether the nutrient demands of heifers are being met.