Speaker Biography

Jerry Rusch

DVM

Dr. Rusch

Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Beef Cattle

Lectures

  • Friday, October 30, 2026 10:45 - 11:35 a.m. Oak

    Trace Minerals in Cattle-Importance & Diagnostics Farm Animal

    This lecture will focus on the role of trace minerals in immunity and reproduction discussing the importance of the on-farm liver biopsy procedure to assess trace mineral status.

     Learning Objectives

    • Understand trace mineral requirements, functions & metabolization.
    • Understand antagonists and nutritional challenges of trace mineral supplementation.
    • Understand the reasons to biopsy and the liver biopsy procedure
  • Friday, October 30, 2026 11:45 - 12:35 p.m. Oak

    The Rumen Biome and Its Effect on Cattle Health Farm Animal

    This lecture will discuss the rumen biome including the importance of Megasphaera elsdenii on cattle health.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand rumen anatomy, physiology, and microbial environment
    • Understand rumen microflora and microbial fermentation
    • Understand the effect of microbial fermentation and ruminal acidosis on cattle health and production
    • Understand the role and utilization of Megasphaera elsdenii
  • Friday, October 30, 2026 2:45 - 3:35 p.m. Oak

    Designing and Implementing an Effective Beef Herd Health Vaccination Program Farm Animal

    This lecture will explain the steps and importance of designing an effective beef vaccination program for overall herd health.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand the different types of vaccines
    • Understand the steps to designing an effective vaccination program
    • Understand the economically important diseases that can be included in a vaccination program
  • Friday, October 30, 2026 3:45 - 4:35 p.m. Oak

    Improving Beef Calf Performance from Birth to the Feedlot Farm Animal

    This lecture will explain how early events in beef calf development impact performance even in the feedlot.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand the benefits of early calf health on later performance
    • Understand the role of rumen development in young calves
    • Understand the role of trace minerals to improve the overall health of beef calves