It's prolapse season.
Prolapses in Beef Cattle: Recognition, Risk Factors, and Management
Prolapses in beef cattle are an important reproductive and welfare concern seen most commonly around late gestation and the calving period. Although many cases can be corrected successfully with prompt intervention, outcomes and recurrence risk vary depending on the type of prolapse and underlying contributing factors. Understanding how to recognize, differentiate, and manage prolapses is essential for producers and veterinarians working together during the calving season.
Types of Prolapse
Vaginal (Pre-calving) Prolapse
Typically occurs in late gestation
Intermittent at first — visible when lying down, reducing when standing
Ranges from mild eversion of tissue to more extensive protrusion
Vaginal prolapse is considered heritable and frequently associated with:
Over-conditioning or obesity
Multiparity
Late-gestation estrogen influence
Increased intra-abdominal pressure (twins, full rumen)
Previous prolapse history
These cases are usually corrected with epidural anesthesia, cleaning, replacement, and retention sutures or devices until calving. Because recurrence is common, affected females — and often their daughters — are generally recommended for culling after weaning.
https://www.merckvetmanual.com/reproductive-system/prolapses-of-the-reproductive-tract/vaginal-and-cervical-prolapse-in-cattle-and-sheep
Uterine (Post-calving) Prolapse
Occurs after parturition, usually within hours of calving
Considered an emergency due to hemorrhage, shock, contamination, and hypocalcemia risk
Predisposing factors include:
Dystocia or prolonged traction
Hypocalcemia
Uterine atony
Retained placenta
Poor footing or excessive straining
Successful treatment depends on rapid correction with tissue protection, cleaning, careful replacement, analgesia, and supportive therapy. Unlike vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse is not considered hereditary and does not automatically require culling if recovery is complete.
https://www.uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-3102.pdf
Rectal and Perineal Prolapse
Less common in beef cows but may occur in animals with:
High-energy rations
Chronic coughing or diarrhea
Straining associated with vaginal prolapse
Management focuses on correcting the underlying cause and performing surgical repair when appropriate.
Complications to Watch For
Potential complications across prolapse types include:
Tissue swelling, drying, or contamination
Infection or necrosis
Hemorrhage or shock
Uterine rupture
Infertility or delayed rebreeding
Prompt veterinary care greatly improves outcomes.
Producer-Focused Action Tips
Here are practical steps producers can take during late gestation and calving:
Early Recognition & Immediate Response
Check late-gestation cows at least twice daily
If tissue is exposed, do not push it back without calling your veterinarian
Move the cow to a clean, well-bedded area and prevent standing or walking long distances
Protect prolapsed tissue with a clean, damp cloth to prevent drying or injury
Body Condition & Nutrition
Aim for a Body Condition Score (BCS) 5–6 going into calving
Avoid late-gestation over-conditioning
Ensure adequate mineral — especially calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals
Calving Environment & Handling
Provide secure footing in calving pens
Avoid excessive pulling or prolonged traction during delivery
Monitor cows closely following dystocia or retained placenta
Herd-Level Prevention
Record all prolapse cases
Plan to cull cows with vaginal prolapse after weaning
Use caution when retaining replacements out of affected families
Review nutrition, genetics, and calving management with your veterinarian
Early communication and a calm, controlled response at the ranch level can make a major difference in survival and future fertility.
Take-Home Message
Prolapses in beef cattle vary widely in severity, recurrence risk, and long-term impact depending on whether they occur before or after calving. Early recognition, rapid veterinary intervention, and strategic herd management are essential to protect animal welfare and reproductive performance.
If you have a prolapse emergency, want help developing herd-level prevention strategies, or would like case-specific management guidance, please contact Washington County Veterinary Service — we’re here to support you throughout calving season.
https://www.tristatevetsupply.com/our-services
Take Your Beef Farm to the Next Level with Washington County Veterinary Service
Southeastern U.S. Cattle Market Outlook for 2026
As we look ahead to 2026, cattle markets remain underpinned by some strong national fundamentals, but regional conditions — including herd dynamics, grazing opportunities, and local demand patterns — will shape how Southeastern producers experience prices and marketing opportunities.
1. Tight Supplies Support Prices — Including in the Southeast
Across the U.S., cattle inventories remain near historic lows, a carryover from years of herd contraction and drought-induced liquidation in key ranching states. National forecasts project tight cattle supplies and continued strong domestic beef demand into 2026 — factors that help keep prices elevated compared with historical averages.
Here in the Southeast, calf and feeder cattle prices have already reflected that trend, with local auction markets showing firm demand for well-conditioned calves and cull cows. For cow–calf producers and backgrounders in Tennessee, Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama, this points toward continued strength in feeder cattle markets, especially for uniform, preconditioned calves backed by good health and management records.
Where pasture conditions allow, some producers may benefit from retaining calves slightly longer to add weight — but that decision remains highly dependent on forage availability and feed costs.
2. National Prices Likely to Stay Strong, With Possible Moderation
While national forecasts suggest cattle prices in 2026 may ease slightly from the peaks of late 2025, most projections still place them above recent long-term averages. For Southeastern producers, the degree of moderation may depend on:
seasonal marketing windows
regional feed costs
local buyer competition
Because regional sale barn prices can move differently than national averages, producers should track both futures markets and local feeder price trends when planning marketing decisions.
3. Global & Trade Influences Still Matter Regionally
Even though most Southeastern calves ultimately enter domestic feedlot systems, export trends still influence regional price strength. Changes in global demand, currency values, or export policy can affect packer margins and downstream feeder bids.
Producers should keep global developments on their radar — even when markets feel local.
4. Weather, Forage & Stocking Decisions Play a Bigger Role in the Southeast
Weather patterns in the Southeast often drive short-term price behavior more than in many western regions.
Key factors to watch include:
winter forage and small-grain grazing conditions
drought-related sell-offs or retention decisions
pasture capacity for backgrounding or retained ownership
Good grazing conditions generally provide more marketing flexibility — while tight forage years may push more calves to market earlier and increase seasonal price pressure.
5. Regional Risk Management & Marketing Strategy
With strong but potentially volatile price levels ahead, Southeastern producers may benefit from:
timing calf sales to match stronger seasonal demand
grouping and preconditioning calves to capture value-added premiums
evaluating retained-ownership or backgrounding opportunities when forage is available
considering price-risk tools where appropriate
Even in strong markets, disciplined planning remains important.
Bottom Line for Southeastern Producers
Prices in 2026 are expected to remain historically favorable, even if slightly softer than late-2025 highs.
Well-managed, documented calves continue to command premium interest.
Regional forage conditions and marketing timing will strongly influence returns.
👉 For personalized guidance on herd-level marketing strategy, value-added programs, and market planning support for your operation, producers are encouraged to contact Washington County Veterinary Service an Tri State Vet Supply.
17455 Skyking Dr.
Abingdon, VA 24210
276-628-6861