Bovine Science with BCI

This episode reviews a 2026 study investigating whether a modified-live Mycoplasma bovis vaccine can help protect young calves from one of the most frustrating respiratory disease pathogens in the cattle industry. The...

This episode focuses on some of the most challenging cases veterinarians encounter: cattle with vague signs such as weight loss, poor condition, or an unexplained death where no obvious cause is apparent. Dr. Scott...

This episode examines a 2025 study that investigated whether modified-live or killed viral vaccines influence bull breeding soundness exam (BSE) results. The research addressed a common practical question among...

This episode explores the role of vitamin A in beef cow-calf systems and examines why some calves develop low vitamin A levels and respiratory disease even while grazing alongside cows on green pasture. The discussion...

This episode reviews a 2026 Canadian study that evaluated whether vaccinating beef calves against bovine coronavirus could reduce pre-weaning respiratory disease in a commercial cow-calf herd with a history of...

This case study examines a tragic incident in which 14 open heifers died within hours of being separated from a larger group following pregnancy testing. The heifers had been placed in a familiar holding pasture with a...

This case study follows the investigation of a puzzling eye disease outbreak affecting approximately 10% of a group of 1,200 stocker cattle shortly after processing and placement on pasture. The affected animals...

This episode examines a study evaluating different nutritional strategies for developing replacement heifers and their impact on puberty attainment. Researchers compared traditional low-gain and high-gain feeding...

This episode examines a study investigating whether the physical size of dry lot pens affects the development of replacement heifers, even when animal density remains the same. Researchers compared heifers housed in a...

This case study examines a sudden and devastating loss in which five cows and two calves died shortly after being moved to a dry lot following the calving season. The affected group consisted of only six cow-calf pairs...

This episode examines research exploring why some cow-calf producers adopt written grazing management plans while others do not. The study was motivated in part by sustainability goals aimed at improving grazing land...

This episode explores a research study evaluating whether sterile saline can effectively replace phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for collecting samples used in Tritrichomonas PCR testing. The discussion highlights a...

This discussion explores the concept of systems thinking in beef cattle production and how it expands beyond traditional population medicine approaches. Systems thinking focuses on understanding how multiple...

This case study from a bovine science discussion examines a sudden and alarming incident in which 12 cows and 2 calves died within 12 hours of routine pre-weaning processing. Initially, the deaths raised concerns about...

In this episode of BCI Cattle Chat , the hosts explore what the future may hold for the beef industry, discussing trends in cattle size, production inputs, and market prices. They examine the realities of cow-herd...