Bovine Science with BCI

This episode examines a 2026 study that evaluated a novel diagnostic approach for Johne’s disease using serum microRNA biomarkers and machine-learning algorithms. The researchers aimed to address one of the greatest challenges in Johne’s disease control: the long delay between infection and the point at which currently available tests can reliably identify infected animals. Instead of detecting the pathogen directly, the study focused on identifying specific microRNA signatures associated with i

This episode investigates a puzzling case in which 10 of 65 pregnant cows died after being moved to a higher, unflooded pasture ahead of a major storm. The move was intended to protect the herd from rising floodwaters, but shortly after the severe weather event, multiple cows were found dead with no obvious signs of disease. Initial necropsies revealed few significant lesions, making the diagnosis especially challenging and shifting suspicion toward a toxic or metabolic cause rather than an infe

This episode examines how beef producers can improve parasite control by using dewormers strategically rather than treating all cattle routinely. Drawing from a 2026 literature review authored by researchers at Mississippi State University, the discussion highlights how internal parasites can significantly affect cattle health and productivity, particularly in younger animals. Young calves, stockers, and developing heifers typically benefit the most from deworming because they carry heavier para

This episode examines whether feeding additional vitamin A to cows before calving can improve the vitamin A status of their calves. Reviewing two dairy research studies, the hosts explore how late-gestation supplementation affects vitamin A levels in colostrum, milk, and newborn calves. In the first study, cows received vitamin A at levels slightly above recommended requirements, but researchers found no increase in colostrum vitamin A content and no meaningful improvement in calf blood vitamin

This episode examines a 2026 study that explored whether pre-breeding behavior can predict which bulls will sire the most calves in multi-sire breeding pastures. Researchers fitted bulls with collars containing accelerometers and proximity sensors to objectively measure activity levels and social interactions before the breeding season. The goal was to determine whether behavioral traits such as activity, social connectedness, and interaction patterns were associated with a bull’s eventual sirin

This episode explores how vitamin A nutrition in late-gestation cows affects both maternal health and the vitamin A status of newborn calves. The discussion builds on previous conversations about calf vitamin A deficiencies, emphasizing that colostrum is the primary source of vitamin A for newborn calves and that deficiencies early in life can persist for weeks or months. The hosts review two research studies examining how vitamin A and its precursors are affected by rumen fermentation. The fir