56 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN August 2026 When temperatures drop and forage quality declines, a cow’s nutritional demands rise sharply. The stress of cold weather, wind, and late gestation can take a toll on body condition and overall herd health. OLS Tubs offers a simple, cost effective solution to meet those seasonal challenges. Formulated with high quality ingredients for consistent intake and backed by one of the best cost per head per day values in the industry, OLS Tubs help herds maintain condition, support reproductive performance, and stay on track through the toughest winter conditions. 1-877-OLS-TUBS WWW.OLSTUBS.COM AT EVERY STAGE OF PRODUCTION. MEETING YOUR HERD’S NEEDS o THAT’S THE STANDARD AT OLS TUBS. At OLS Tubs, we offer a comprehensive line of tubs specifically formulated to MAXIMIZE PERFORMANCE and HERD HEALTH at every stage of production. We strive to be the industry leader in the low moisture tub business. No other tub company offers the livestock producer so much, for so little. Our customers say that these tubs MORE THAN PAY FOR THEMSELVES. OLS is “SIMPLY THE BEST” tub line available today. With chelated trace minerals and pre and probiotics for better gut health and forage utilization, our tubs have more in them, so your livestock get more out of them. and 12.7 gallons of water each day. As a general rule during periods of heat stress, cattle will drink about one gallon of water for every pound of dry matter they consume. Providing additional water tanks during hot weather can help ensure adequate access and reduce competition at the water source. Another key management factor in limiting stress is choosing when and how to process calves. It is well documented that processing protocols such as castration and dehorning cause significant increases in stress, increasing disease susceptibility and decreasing animal performance. These procedures should be completed at least three weeks prior to weaning. The first day in the feedyard should focus on helping calves settle into their new environment rather than adding unnecessary stress. Follow low-stress handling techniques and avoid processing cattle immediately upon arrival. Delaying vaccinations, implants and tagging for 24 to 36 hours gives calves time to locate feed and water, rest and become familiar with their pen and pen mates. Before cattle arrive, work with your veterinarian to develop a herd health plan that is appropriate for the source, health status and expected risk of each group of calves. Even when following best management practices, some calves will become sick. Early identification is critical to successful treatment. Common signs of illness include decreased appetite, reduced activity, drooping ears and isolation from pen mates. A rectal temperature higher than 103.5°F is considered elevated and may indicate illness. Work with your veterinarian to develop treatment protocols before calves arrive so employees know when to treat and ensure the necessary animal health products are readily available. A valid veterinary-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is required to obtain prescription medications. Early weaning can be an effective management strategy during drought, but success depends on preparing calves for the transition and minimizing stress during the receiving period. Providing easy access to feed and water, following low-stress handling practices, delaying unnecessary processing and closely monitoring calf health can help calves adapt to their new environment and maintain performance. For questions about early weaning or Beef Quality Assurance best management practices, contact Nebraska BQA at NebraskaBQA@ unl.edu or visit bqa.unl.edu. ~NC~ BQA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52 EXL increased average daily gain, live weight, carcass weight and feed efficiency expressed as live weight gain per unit of dry matter consumed. EXL increased marbling scores and fat thickness and, thus, may serve as a means to partially offset the effect of Experior on marbling. Experior did not affect dry matter intake but resulted in increased average daily gain and improved feed efficiency. No interaction was detected between EXL and beta modulator status for dry matter intake, average daily gain or feed efficiency. That is, the effects of EXL and Experior on growth performance were additive. Consistent with the live weight gain effects of EXL and Experior, hot carcass weight was increased by EXL (3 percent) and Experior (2.7 percent). Ribeye area was larger for carcasses of steers fed Experior than carcasses of steers fed Optaflexx, whose ribeyes were larger than those of controls (14.3, 14.0 and 13.6, respectively). Experior and Optaflexx had similar negative impacts on tenderness. Work is underway to determine the mechanism(s) responsible for the effects of the beta modulators on beef tenderness. ~NC~ Disclaimer: The use of trade, firm or corporation names in this publication (or page) is for the information and convenience of the reader. Such use does not constitute an official endorsement or approval by the United States Department of Agriculture or the Agricultural Research Service of any product or service to the exclusion of others that may be suitable. USMARC CONTINUED FROM PAGE 54
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