In this episode, we explore two critical but often misunderstood cattle diseases—Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD) and Johne's Disease (Yoni's)—with veterinarian Dr. Alli O'Meara. Whether you're a seasoned producer or new to livestock, understanding these illnesses is key to herd management, biosecurity, and herd longevity.

Main Topics Covered:

• What is BVD, how it spreads, symptoms, and the significance of PI (Persistent Infection) carriers
• Testing protocols: ear notch vs. blood tests, and how to interpret results
• Vaccination strategies, including different vaccine types, timing, and efficacy
• The mechanisms of Johne's Disease transmission and why young calves are most vulnerable
• Testing and control measures for Johne's, including cull strategies and biosecurity
• The importance of herd hygiene, quarantine practices, and education to prevent disease spread
• The role of misinformation and the value of consulting with qualified large animal vets

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to herd health topics with Dr. Alli O’Meara

02:15 - Dr. Alli’s background and her farm life balancing family and veterinary practice

04:45 - Deep dive into BVD: what it is, symptoms, and the importance of PI animals

07:50 - How BVD infects in utero and results in PI calves that shed virus for life

10:20 - Transmission routes of BVD — bodily secretions, semen, and environment

12:00 - Recognizing clinical signs of BVD and the importance of herd testing

14:30 - Vaccination discussion: types, timing, and protocol considerations

16:45 - When and how often to test for BVD — best practices for herd management

20:00 - Quarantine procedures after introducing new cattle to prevent BVD spread

22:30 - Recognizing and testing for Johne’s Disease (Yoni’s): signs, testing methods, and control

25:30 - How Johne’s transmits predominantly through manure and environmental exposure

28:15 - The long incubation period of Johne’s and when to test for early detection

31:00 - Biosecurity tips, herd hygiene, and managing infected animals

34:00 - Differences between infectious diseases in dairy versus beef herds

36:00 - The importance of veterinarian relationships and accurate testing in disease control

40:00 - Final thoughts on proactive herd management, education, and next steps

Resources & Links:

• BVD Information & Testing Options
• Johne’s Disease Control Programs
• Vaccine Types: MLV vs. Killed

Remember: Regular herd testing, proper biosecurity, and consulting with your veterinarian are essential steps to safeguard your herd from these costly diseases. Don't hesitate to ask your vet questions—knowledge is your best tool in herd health management.

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Xbar6 Miniature Cattle

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Lil Hooves Podcast: What's Coming in 2026 – Exciting Updates for Miniature Cattle & Livestock Enthusiasts!

In this forward-looking episode of the Lil Hooves Podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochick share all the big plans and exciting developments lined up for 2026. Whether you're a new mini cow owner, seasoned rancher, or just passionate about miniature cattle and livestock, this episode is packed with ways to level up your knowledge and community involvement.

Episode Highlights:

• Training Videos & Hands-On Resources – We're rolling out new training videos to help you master everyday care, handling, and best practices for your miniature cattle.
• Webinars & Live Events – Get ready for interactive webinars and in-person (or virtual) live events designed to dive deeper into topics like breeding, health, and genetics.
• Memberships & Exclusive Content – Stay tuned for upcoming membership options that unlock premium content, early access, Q&A sessions, and more perks for dedicated listeners and mini cattle owners.
• More Incredible Guests – We've got an expanded lineup of expert guests bringing fresh perspectives, real ranch stories, and practical advice straight from the field.
• Veterinarian Series – A brand-new dedicated series featuring veterinarians specializing in miniature cattle and livestock health – perfect for answering your toughest questions on wellness, common issues, and preventive care.

2026 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet for supporting the miniature cattle community with education, connection, and fun!

Join the Conversation:

Have thoughts on what you'd like to see in our 2026 lineup? Drop us a line!

📧 Email: lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com

Connect with fellow mini cow lovers, share your stories, and get real-time updates in our growing community:

👉 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/422852116780287

Call to Action – Help Us Grow!

If you're enjoying the Lil Hooves Podcast and finding value in our tips on miniature cattle care, breeding, health, and ranch life, please:

• Follow or subscribe to the show on your favorite platform (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Acast, etc.) so you never miss an episode.
• Leave a review – even a quick 5-star rating and short comment means the world and helps new listeners discover us!

Thanks for being part of the Lil Hooves family – here's to healthy herds, happy mini cows, and an amazing 2026 ahead! 🐄🤠

#LilHoovesPodcast #MiniatureCattle #MiniCows #LivestockPodcast #MiniatureCattle2026 #MiniCowTraining #LivestockWebinars #VeterinarianSeries #RanchLife

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Keywords

Little Hooves, agriculture, ranching, miniature cattle, livestock, podcast, Kelly Anderson, Becky Kochik, farming, education

Summary

In this introductory episode of the Little Hooves podcast, hosts Kelly Anderson and Becky Kochik share their backgrounds in agriculture and ranching. They discuss their experiences with livestock, the purpose of their podcast, and their desire to educate others about miniature cattle and livestock management. The conversation highlights their friendship, the learning journey they are on, and their commitment to providing valuable information to both new and experienced livestock owners.

Takeaways

Kelly and Becky introduce themselves and the podcast.

Kelly has a rich background in agriculture and ranching.

Becky shares her journey into ranching and livestock.

The podcast aims to educate about miniature cattle.

Listeners can learn from both hosts' experiences.

The podcast has evolved beyond just miniature cattle.

Family support plays a significant role in their podcasting journey.

They encourage questions from listeners to foster learning.

The hosts emphasize the importance of sharing knowledge.

The podcast is for everyone, from beginners to seasoned ranchers.

Titles

Welcome to Little Hooves Podcast

Meet Your Hosts: Kelly and Becky

Sound bites

"I want one of these."

"I got sucked in."

"You're the perfect person."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Little Hooves Podcast

04:42 Kelly's Journey in Agriculture

08:11 Becky's Background and Ranching Experience

10:22 The Purpose of the Podcast

12:11 Learning and Growing Together

Get to know your hosts of the new show all about little cows. Where are they from and how did they meet.

Join our Facebook group :https://www.facebook.com/groups/lilhoovespodcast

Email us at lilhoovespodcast@gmail.com

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Today on the Lil Hooves Podcast, we’re diving into the science behind those mysterious DNA reports — but don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun and rancher-friendly! 🧬

We’re joined by Dr. Stefanie Oppenheim from the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) to talk about the most common genetic tests used in miniature cattle — and what they really mean.

We cover:

• How the Mc1R color and dilution genes shape coat color
• What happens during the testing process, from pulling tail hair to reading results
• The difference between microsatellite vs. SNP testing
• Why parent verification builds trust and integrity in breeding programs

Plus, we tackle a few common myths floating around social media and explain how to interpret your reports without needing a genetics degree.

We have created a step by step sheet for our listeners VGL Check List on our website https://xbar6minicattle.com/cracking-the-code-mini-cow-genetics/

Learn more about us!! www.xbarr6minicattle.com

🔗 Learn more or order your own tests at UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory

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This episode is a precursor to our conversation with Gara Webb from Webb Cattle Company. After that interview, we realized many listeners still had questions about the AI process, so we’re breaking it down even further.

👉 You’ll learn:

• What are the steps to get started with Artificial Insemination.
• Why semen straws can’t just be kept in your household freezer.
• How liquid nitrogen tanks (sometimes called Dewars) preserve semen at –320 degrees.
• Why should you AI.
• What beginners should know before exploring cattle breeding through AI.

⚠️ Listener Advisory: This episode is not kid-friendly. We mix in some innuendo and lighthearted humor about semen and breeding.

Whether you’re raising miniature cattle, managing a beef herd, or just curious about livestock reproduction, this episode will give you a clear, simple foundation to build from.

So grab your coffee and join us as we talk about the birds, the bees, and –200 degrees — and how science, straws, and cold tanks can change the future of your herd.

🔗 Resources & More:

• Catch our full conversation with Gara Webb from Webb Cattle Company .
• Explore our blog for more guides on miniature cattle, breeding, and herd care.
• Follow us on Instagram @Xbar6MiniCattle for ranch updates and daily mini cow cuteness.
• Cattle Synchronization Chart

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In this episode, we’re breaking down livestock lingo the everyday words and phrases that seasoned breeders use, but that can sometimes leave newcomers scratching their heads. Whether you’re brand new to the cattle world or just want to feel more confident when talking with breeders, this episode is your go-to guide.

We’ll cover:

• The difference between a cow, bull, steer, and heifer
• What breeders mean by terms like weaning, halter broke, and calving window
• How learning this language helps you ask better questions and avoid misunderstandings when buying your first mini

Our goal is to give you the vocabulary you need to join the conversation with confidence. By the end of this episode, you’ll be able to follow breeder discussions without feeling lost — and you might even impress them with your new knowledge!

👉 Don’t forget to follow along on Facebook and Instagram and check out our blog for more resources as you start your miniature cattle journey.

Here is the link to our Polled vs Horned Episode:

Livestock Lingo Printable definitions

Scours in calves pictures

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In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of Artificial Insemination (AI) and Embryo Transfer (ET) with special guest Gara Webb from Webb Cattle Company. Gara shares her and her family's share their inspiring journey of getting started with AI and ET, the challenges they faced along the way, and the valuable lessons learned through trial and error.

Together, we discuss:

• How the Webb family began their AI and ET journey in the miniature cattle world
• The bumps and hurdles they encountered when learning these techniques
• Why persistence and patience matter when working with advanced breeding methods
• Gara’s generosity and the many ways she supports and guides the miniature cow community

AI and ET can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to miniature cattle breeding. However, Gara’s approachable advice and open heart prove that with the right resources and community, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone.

Whether you’re curious about improving your herd genetics or simply want to learn more about what AI and ET really involve, this conversation will give you insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways.

👉 Don’t forget to Follow our show! and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram and follow along for more behind-the-scenes ranch life and upcoming podcast episodes!

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Join Kelly Anderson and her daughter Carley as they delve into the intricate dynamics of miniature cattle ownership. This episode explores the fine line between breeder and buyer responsibilities, highlighting the importance of genetics, training, and communication. With insights from experienced breeders and personal anecdotes, Kelly and Carley provide a comprehensive guide to understanding naughty cow behavior and how to manage it effectively.

The role of genetics and training in cattle behavior. The importance of establishing dominance and consistency in training. Real-life stories and lessons from breeders and buyers. The impact of social media on perceptions of cattle behavior.

Special Guest: Carley Ervin, sharing her experiences as a new mini cow owner.

#MiniCattle #BreederResponsibility #CattleTraining #AnimalBehavior

Stay tuned for upcoming interviews and insights into the world of miniature cattle. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review!

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