Animal Sciences

Hannah Baker, Laura Bennett, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Lindsey Crum, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Kalan Royal, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, andJoão Vendramini

The UF/IFAS South Florida Beef Forage Program (SFBFP) in conjunction with the UF/IFAS Program Evaluation and Organizational Development unit created a survey in 1982 to evaluate ranch management practices and determine benchmarks in cattle production and pasture management. The survey is updated and distributed every five years to ranchers in 17 south Florida counties: Charlotte, Citrus, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Martin, Okeechobee, Pasco, Polk, St. Lucie, and Sarasota. This data serves Florida ranchers, their allied industries, and governmental and nongovernmental agencies making or advocating for policy that affects ranchers. Written by Hannah Baker, Laura Bennett, Lauren Butler, Sonja Crawford, Lindsey Crum, Christa Kirby, Colleen Larson, Philipe Moriel, Kalan Royal, Brent Sellers, Maria Silveira, Bridget Stice, and João Vendramini, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agronomy, August 2025.

Joel Brendemuhl andRobert Myer
Other Contacts: Christopher DeCubellis, Sarah Hensley, andChad Carr

C. Vasco, J. Dubeux, E. Santos, C. Wickens, and L. Warren

Rhizoma peanut hay has been demonstrated to benefit horses’ feeding behavior with reduced inactive time, which can result in lower risk for abnormal behaviors in stabled horses. This publication is intended to provide information to Extension agents, horse owners, and equine facility managers. Written by C. Vasco, J. Dubeux, E. Santos, C. Wickens, and L. Warren, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2023.

S. L. Bennett andAntonio Faciola

This report summarizes information on the usage of exogenous enzymes, such as their modes of action and effectiveness in lactating dairy cows. Written by S. L. Bennett and A. P. Faciola, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, March 2022.

Philipe Moriel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

R. O. Myer and Matt Hersom

Angela Gonella-Diaza, Oscar Alejandro Ojeda-Rojas, João H. Bittar, andMario Binelli

This publication analyzes the calf-crop and calving distribution data reported on NAHMS Beef 1997 and provides insights and practical recommendations. Written by Angela Gonella, Oscar Alejandro Ojeda-Rojas, João Bittar, and Mario Binelli, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.

Mario Binelli, João Bittar, and Angela Gonella

This paper discusses the use of breeding practices and reproductive technologies in cow-calf operations, and the ways they affect calf crop. Written by Mario Binelli, João Bittar, and Angela Gonella, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, December 2021.

João H. Bittar, Mario Binelli, andAngela Gonella-Diaza

This article aims to present and discuss the most common management practices related to bull use that can impact cow-calf production and to share relevant statistics of bull use based on the last USDA surveys. Written by João Bittar, Mario Binelli, and Angela Gonella, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, September 2022.

Laura Patterson-Rosa, Martha F. Mallicote, Robert J. MacKay, and Samantha A. Brooks

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Izabella Toledo

Understanding cows needs and their natural behaviors allows us to adjust facilities in order to optimize cow comfort and subsequent productivity and profitability. 

Michael A. Davis, Gary D. Butcher, and F. Ben Mather

J. P. Jacob, G. D. Butcher, F. B. Mather, and R. D. Miles

This document provides an overview of avian influenza in poultry, detailing its history, clinical signs, transmission, and prevention. Avian influenza is a viral disease affecting birds' respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems, with varying pathogenicity. Original publication date April 1998.

Matt Hersom

Matt Hersom, Max Irsik, and Todd Thrift

Isabell L. Revere, Colleen Larson, Ricky Telg, Benjamin D. Anderson, andC. Sanders

This publication provides a biosecurity plan template for livestock exhibitions. Due to the presence of large crowds in proximity to animals, these exhibitions can increase the risk of infectious disease outbreaks. This template is a framework specific to exhibitions, designed to assist exhibition organizers in creating a biosecurity plan for their event. Implementing the suggestions from this template during an exhibition will help reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. Written by Isabell L. Revere, Colleen C. Larson, Ricky W. Telg, Benjamin D. Anderson, and Cynthia B. Sanders, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2025.

Philipe Moriel, Vinicius Izquierdo, andJoão Vendramini

This publication was developed to help beef cattle producers understand the impacts of cow body condition score (BCS) before and after calving on cow and calf productive performance in Florida. Written by Philipe Moriel, Vinicius Izquierdo, and Joao Vendramini, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2025.

Mario Binelli, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Federico Tarnonsky, Sergio Roskopf, Owen Rae, Danny Driver, Nicolas DiLorenzo, Jose Dubeux, and David Thomas

This publication reviews the basic calculations of reproductive performance and reports the reproductive performance of two University of Florida beef herds. Written by Mario Binelli, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, Federico Tarnonsky, Sergio Roskopf, Owen Rae, Danny Driver, Nicolas DiLorenzo, Jose Dubeux, and David Thomas, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, May 2021.

Christopher DeCubellis

Provides basic overview of the care of chicks, brooder requirements, space requirements, what to do when chicks arrive, feeding, and keeping chicks healthy.

Edward L. Johnson, Kylee Jo Dubersteen, andMark Shuffitt
Other Contacts: Carissa Wickens

Tracy Scheffler, Jason Scheffler, and Chad Carr

This publication discusses certified beef programs and carcass quality specifications. Written by Tracy Scheffler, Jason Scheffler, and Chad Carr, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

Chalise Brown, Diwakar Vyas, and Jason M. Scheffler

Taylor Langford, Morgan McKinney, Chad Carr, and Jason M. Scheffler

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Food Systems

Jessica Brown, Ashley Cavallo, Lindsay Zombek, Carli Brown, Arianna Minnie, Mindi Dennis, Gabrielle Allen, and Jason M. Scheffler

This publication aims to provide a list of common hazards to consider when manufacturing poultry feeds. Written by Jessica Brown, Ashley Cavallo, Lindsay Zombek, Carli Brown, Arianna Minnie, Mindi Dennis, Gabrielle Allen, and Jason M. Scheffler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

G. D. Butcher, J. P. Jacob, and F. B. Mather

This document is about common diseases affecting poultry, with a focus on respiratory and non-respiratory conditions. It outlines the symptoms, transmission methods, treatment options, and prevention strategies for a wide range of illnesses that impact various bird species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, and game birds. The information is intended to support poultry health management and biosecurity practices. Original publication date May, 1999.

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

Martha Thomas and Matt Hersom

Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Tim Wilson, C. Sanders, Mark Warren, Matt Hersom, andCurt Lacy

This report aims to provide guidance to producers on practical aspects for moving from a system with no defined breeding season to a system with a defined season. Written by Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Tim Wilson, Cindy Sanders, Mark Warren, Matt Hersom, and Curt Lacy, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, revised January 2023.

Bob Myer and Matt Hersom

Mary E. Henry, Jessica M. Ryals, Alicia Halbritter y Derek L. Barber. Traducido por Jonael Bosques y Francisco Rivera

Los recursos informativos para vender huevos o producir a gran escala también son provistos en esta publicación. Este documento es el AN239-Span, uno de una serie del Departamento de Ciencias Animales, UF/IFAS Extension. Publicación original de septiembre de 2023.

Bob Myer, Gary Hill, and Matt Hersom

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

Chad Carr andLarry F. Eubanks

Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons y Angela Gonella

Este documento está dirigido a productores de ganado de carne, trabajadores del campo y agentes de Extensión con el propósito de brindar información sobre los métodos de detección y diagnóstico de preñez disponibles en la actualidad. Este documento es AN394-Span, una publicación del Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Fecha original de la publicación: enero 2025.

Bob Myer, Travis Maddock, and Matt Hersom

Trey Warnock, Matt Hersom, and Todd Thrift

Albert De Vries, Haile Dechassa, andHenk Hogeveen

What is the optimal number of dairy cows in a pen after their transition period? This document discusses the economically optimal stocking density for lactating dairy cows, measured as maximum profit per stall. It also introduces a spreadsheet that can be used to calculate the effects of various inputs on the economically optimal stocking density. 

Fernanda Ferreira, Geoffrey Dahl, andAlbert De Vries

The negative effects of heat stress in lactating cows are well known, but only recent studies have explored those effects along with the full benefits of cooling dry cows. Recent work at the University of Florida has demonstrated the benefits of dry cow cooling on calf performance and cow health in the next lactation. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the economic losses from milk production due to heat stress, investment, utilities, maintenance, and feasibility analysis.

Albert De Vries

Attempts to calculate the economic value of semen have been made since at least the 1970s. The basic calculations have since become available. This fact sheet reviews these calculations, adds a few other considerations, and offers estimates of the worth of the genetics of dairy semen.

Travis Arp, Chad Carr, andWarren Beeler

This article discusses the ongoing importance of junior livestock shows for the educational value and leadership opportunities they provide, and the challenges that need to be considered for continuing relevance.

Amie Imler, Todd Thrift, Matt Hersom, and Joel Yelich

Izabella M. Toledo, José P. Santos, andGeoffrey Dahl

In Florida, the birth of dairy cows during the coolest months of the year is associated with increases in the number of cows that stay in the herd for more than 5 lactations. Birth season also affects the number of cows sold and dead. Producers may benefit from this data by making birth season management adjustments to possibly increase cow longevity in dairy herds. Written by Izabella M. Toledo, José Eduardo Portela Santos, and Geoffrey E. Dahl, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2026.

Michael A. Davis, Gary D. Butcher y F. Ben Mather

Las personas que interactúen con aves ya sea como mascotas o como animales de producción, deben informarse sobre ciertas enfermedades aviares zoonóticas. Este tipo de enfermedades pueden transmitirse de animales a humanos. Los humanos rara vez contraen enfermedades aviares y no deben desanimarse de criar aves porque estas enfermedades no representan una amenaza grave para la mayoría de las personas. Sin embargo, los propietarios de aves deben estar informados sobre enfermedades zoonóticas y buscar asistencia médica si sospechan que pueden haber contraído una enfermedad de un ave. Este documento es PS23-Span, una publicación del Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Fecha original de publicación: abril 2025.

Daniella C. Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, andKalyn Waters

This publication is intended for producers interested in improving the reproductive efficiency and performance of their cows. This publication explains the process of estrus synchronization and the protocols that can be used for natural service synchronization. Written by Daniella Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, and Kalyn Waters, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, February 2025.

Jacqueline P. Jacob, Henry R. Wilson, Richard D. Miles, Gary D. Butcher, and F. Ben Mather

This document is about the various factors that influence egg production in backyard chicken flocks. It outlines both noninfectious and infectious causes of reduced productivity, including nutritional deficiencies, environmental stressors, parasites, diseases, and management practices. The guide provides practical insights for identifying and addressing issues that may lead to a decline in egg output, helping poultry keepers maintain healthy and productive flocks. Original publication date April 1998.

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

J. D. Crosswhite, N. B. Myers, A. T. Adesogan, J. H. Brendemuhl, D. D. Johnson, and C. C. Carr

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

L. T. Casarotto, J. Laporta, and G. E. Dahl

This publication describes the financial implications of ignoring heat stress in dry cows to assist dairy producers in decisions about installation of heat abatement measures and cooling cows in that stage of the production cycle. Written by L. T. Casarotto, J. Laporta, and G. E. Dahl, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.

Karen Hamilton, Chris Decubellis, Chris Holcomb, and Sarah Hensley

Chris Decubellis

Matt Hersom, Max Irsik, andTodd A. Thrift
Other Contacts: John Arthington

This section includes pages 11–36 of the complete handbook.

Matt Hersom, Max Irsik, andTodd A. Thrift
Other Contacts: John Arthington

Max Irsik, Todd A. Thrift, andMatt Hersom

This section includes pages 43–73 of the complete handbook.

Max Irsik, Todd A. Thrift, andMatt Hersom

This section includes pages 37–42 of the complete handbook: Best Management Practices—Animal Treatment Records; Best Management Practices—Feed Records; Best Management Practices—Chemical Records

Laura Patterson Rosa, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks

Laura Patterson Rosa, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha A. Brooks

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Animal Systems

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Matt Hersom and William E. Kunkle

Bethany Dado-Senn, Geoffrey E. Dahl, and Jimena Laporta

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Izabella Toledo y Geoffrey Dahl

Izabella Toledo, Kevin Korus, Cassidy Dossin, Lizzie Whitehead, and Caetano Sales

The management of gastrointestinal parasites is one of the primary concerns of small ruminant producers. It is best practice for producers to understand and monitor for signs of illness in their herd or flock and use appropriate methods to identify parasite infection. This publication discusses symptoms of parasite infection, identifying animals for testing, managing anthelmintic resistance, and more. Written by Izabella Toledo, Kevin Korus, Cassidy Dossin, Lizzie Whitehead, and Caetano Sales, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2025.

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

S. L. Bennett andAntonio Faciola

This report summarizes the information relating to the usage of direct-fed microbials, such as their modes of action and effectiveness in lactating dairy cows. Written by S. L. Bennett and A. P. Faciola, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, December 2021.

Kaitlyn Sarlo Davila, Heather Hamblen, Serdal Dikmen, Peter Hansen, Todd Thrift, and Raluca Mateescu

Incorporating Brahman genetics into the cow herd alleviates heat stress. This publication discusses Brahman adaptation, challenges and benefits, and recommended Brahman incorporation. Written by Kaitlyn Sarlo Davila, Heather Hamblen, Serdal Dikmen, Peter Hansen, Todd Thrift, and Raluca Mateescu, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

Gary D. Butcher, David P. Shapiro, and Richard D. Miles

Rosanna Marsella, Nicky Craig, Carissa Wickens, and Samantha Brooks

Insect bite hypersensitivity, an allergy to the bites of such insects as mosquitoes, biting flies, and Culicoides species (biting midges or "no-see-ums") is one of the most common allergies in horses. This article describes allergic skin disease in horses and its management, and provides steps for insect bite sensitivity in particular to control the itching, treat secondary infections, and prevent further bites.

Gary D. Butcher and Michael A. Davis

Brian Estevez, Chad Carr, and Larry Eubanks

Kalyn Waters andGraham Cliff Lamb

Izabella Toledo and Justina Dacey

Mastitis often reduces animal performance and productivity as well as farm profitability. The purpose of this article is to help small ruminant producers to identify, treat, control, and prevent mastitis in small ruminants. Written by Izabella Toledo and Justina Dacey, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, September 2021.

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Izabella Toledo

The purpose of this article is to help producers and herd managers improve milking management and produce high-quality milk. The article may be used as a training tool for new and existing employees. Written by Izabella Toledo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

Gary D. Butcher

This document is about Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), which remains a persistent challenge in the commercial poultry industry worldwide, despite eradication efforts in grandparent stock and turkeys. The organism, fragile outside the host, causes long-term respiratory infections in chickens, complicating control in multi-age flocks. Original publication date May 2002.

Jeffrey N. Carter and Matthew J. Hersom

Philipe Moriel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Philipe Moriel andLuiz Ferraretto

This fact sheet summarizes some of the research conducted in calf nutrition and nutrition’s impact on the growth and reproductive performance of dairy calves. Written by Philipe Moriel and Fernanda Batistel, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, revised November 2021.

Matt Hersom and Todd Thrift

Matt Hersom

Matt Hersom

R. O. Myer, L. R. McDowell, and M. J. Hersom

Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, John Arthington, Kalyn Waters, Vitor Mercadante, Philipe Moriel, andAngela Gonella-Diaza

This publication aims to discuss the use of ultrasound to assist with beef cattle reproduction, which includes evaluation of the pre-service status of heifers and cows, diagnosis of pregnancy, determination of fetal age and sex, and evaluation of reproductive fitness of embryo recipients. Written by Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, John Arthington, Kalyn Waters, Vitor Mercadante, Philipe Moriel, and Angela Gonella-Diaza, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, revised April 2023.

Carla D. Sanford andGraham Cliff Lamb
Other Contacts: Kalyn Waters andJohn Arthington

Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich

Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella

This publication is directed to beef producers, farmworkers, and Extension agents with the purpose of providing information regarding current pregnancy diagnosis methods for beef cattle. Written by Maria Camila Lopez Duarte, Kalyn Waters, Nick Simmons, and Angela Gonella and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, May 2024.

Izabella Toledo

This brochure shows steps to improve milk quality and efficiency when milking cows. Written by Izabella Toledo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

Izabella Toledo

Esta publicación esta destinada al personal de trabajo encargado de las labores diarias de la producción en establecimientos de producción de leche. Written by Izabella Toledo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.

Izabella M. Toledo

These brochures illustrate steps to optimize milking efficiency and milk quality as well as the importance of environmental management in barns and milking parlors. Written by Izabella Toledo, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, November 2021.

Izabella Toledo and Chris Decubellis

This article aims to help small dairy producers learn how to properly clean portable milking machines so they can improve milk quality and prolong the life of milking equipment. This publication is accompanied by one brochure that aims to summarize the steps for proper cleaning of portable milking units. Written by Izabella Toledo and Chris Decubellis, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, April 2024.

Daniella C. Heredia, Angela Gonella-Diaza, andKalyn Waters

Las operaciones de cría de ganado dependen de la eficiencia reproductiva. Existen diferentes tecnologías reproductivas que pueden ayudar a incrementar la productividad de las operaciones de cría. El uso de tecnologías para manejo reproductivo permitirá a los productores concentrar la concepción al inicio de la temporada de monta. Como consecuencia, los partos se concentrarán al inicio de la temporada de parición y se producirá un grupo más homogéneo de terneros. Esta publicación está dirigida a productores que estén interesados en mejorar la eficiencia reproductiva y el desempeño de sus vacas. Aquí se explica el proceso de sincronización del celo y los protocolos que se pueden utilizar para el servicio natural en los Estados Unidos. Tenga en cuenta que, si usted se encuentra radicado en otro país, es posible que los protocolos de sincronización y las hormonas disponibles en su región no sean los mismos que se describen en esta publicación.

Mary E. Henry, Jessica M. Ryals, Alicia Halbritter, and Derek L. Barber

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

Izabelle Toledo and Geoffrey Dahl

Matt Hersom

Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, João Bittar, Philipe Moriel, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Lauren Butler, and Cindy Sanders

This publication explains the RTS methodology and suggests how it can be implemented in a cow-calf operation. Written by Mario Binelli, Thiago Martins, Cecilia C. Rocha, Felipe A. C. C. Silva, João Bittar, Philipe Moriel, Angela M. Gonella-Diaza, Lauren Butler, and Cindy Sanders, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, October 2021.