Updated Beef Quality Assurance National Manual Now Available

Dec 30, 2024

NCBA, a contractor to the beef checkoff, has announced the release of the updated Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) National Manual. The manual is a resource for science-based cattle production information and is available here.

“BQA empowers beef producers to maximize their potential to make the most efficient and responsible use of natural resources by effectively producing one of the world’s most nutritious and flavorful sources of protein,” said Clay Mathis, BQA Advisory Group chair and head of the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. “This manual helps drive improvement across the supply chain through adherence to best management practices.”

The publication aims to provide technical information to help producers raise high-quality cattle that produce the wholesome beef consumers demand. It was developed to set production standards for beef quality and safety that are appropriate to an operation and that producers realistically can meet or exceed. In addition to being available online, the manual also is shared at the grassroots level through BQA state coordinators.

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Video: Genetic Resistance to Post-Weaning Diarrhea - Dr. Vahab Farzan

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Vahab Farzan from the University of Guelph explains why post-weaning diarrhea remains a major challenge for swine production. He discusses genetics, gut microorganisms, immunity, diagnostics, and targeted vaccination strategies to improve disease prevention. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Some pigs are genetically resistant to pathogenic E. coli because they lack the specific receptors required for bacterial attachment.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Vahab Farzan / vahab-farzan-b076445 is a Research Scientist, Adjunct Professor, and Associated Graduate Faculty at the University of Guelph. With a DVM, MSc, and PhD, Dr. Farzan's research focuses on infectious diseases in swine, including bacterial pathogens, gut microorganisms, epidemiology, and strategies to improve animal health. Learn more from Dr. Vahab Farzan on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.