Education Commons^™

2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report Summaries, Dennis R. Brink

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide briefly summarizes recent beef research reported on in the 2007 Beef Cattle Report.

2006 Beef Report Summaries, James Gosey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Reports on recent beef research are briefly summarized in this publication. Summaries of the research featured in the 2006 Beef Report appear here. Topics include cow-calf, growing, finishing and beef products.

Ec05-883 Crop And Livestock Prices For Nebraska Producers, 1960-2005, Darrell R. Mark, Dillon Feuz, Brad Heinrichs

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This report contains historical price data for the major crops and livestock commodities produced in Nebraska. Prices received by producers are reported for 1960-2005 for most of the commodities.

The data was compiled from Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service and Agricultural Prices, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA; Oil Crops Situation and Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; Cotton and Wool Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; and Livestock and Grain Market News, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. Sources of prices for each commodity are indicated on the tables.

Ec03-883 Crop And Livestock Prices For Nebraska Producers, 1960-2003, Darrell R. Mark, Dillon Feuz, Roger Selley, Tina N. Barrett

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This report contains historical price data for the major crops and livestock commodities produced in Nebraska. Prices received by producers are reported for 1960-2002 for most of the commodities.

The data was compiled from Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Services and Agricultural Prices, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA; Oil Crops Situation and Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; Cotton and Wool Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; and Livestock and Grain Market News, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. Sources of prices for each commodity are indicated on the tables.

Ec01-158 Integrating Management Objectives And Grazing Strategies On Semi-Arid Rangeland, Patrick E. Reece, Jerry D. Volesky, Walter H. Schacht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Rangelands account for about half of Nebraska's total land area or about 24 million acres. Much of these expansive natural resource areas are in the semi-arid climatic region of Nebraska where grazing management decisions have a profound effect on ranch survival.

The educational object of this circular is to explain management practices that optimize the sustainability of rangeland-based enterprises. Additionally a decision-support tool is provided for selecting grazing systems best suited to livestock production and natural resource management objectives.

Ec00-281 Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows: A Tool For Managing The Nutrition Program For Beef Herds, Richard J. Rasby, James A. Gosey, Don C. Adams

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Body condition scores (BCS) describe the relative fatness of a cow through the use of a nine-point scale and is an effective management tool to evaluate nutrition status of the herd.

This extension circular describes the nine-point body condition scoring system, relationship between body condition and productivity of the cow herd, and use of body condition as a management tool to develop and monitor nutritional programs. Incorporation of body condition scoring as a management tool can increase the profit potential of the cow/calf enterprise.

Nf99-405 Processing Corn Grain For Dairy Cows, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact offers suggestions for processing forn for lactating cows.

G98-1358 Feeding To Maximize Protein And Fat, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding guidelines to increase milk fat and protein production.

Proper feeding management of dairy herds can both improve the economy of production and provide a healthier cow. To achieve these goals, producers must feed to increase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein.

Milk solids components include fat, protein, lactose and minerals. Normal values for milk fat range from 3.7 percent (Holstein) to 4.9 percent (Jersey); milk protein ranges from 3.1 percent (Holstein) to 3.8 percent (Jersey). Lactose is usually 4.6–4.8 percent for all breeds; minerals (ash) average .74 percent. Because current milk …

Nf97-317 Managing Dairy Cows To Avoid Abomasal Displacement, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses feeding strategies to reduce the incidence of displaced abomasum in your dairy herd.

G97-1314 Medication Withdrawal In Beef Cattle, Dicky D. Griffin, Dale Grotelueschen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide lists the current withdrawal times for medications used in beef cattle.

Using proper livestock medications is very important. Proper use not only ensures maximal benefits from the medication but minimizes the chances of an unwanted residue. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has worked hard to develop a premiere quality assurance program. In conjunction with other national and state beef and veterinary associations, the Beef Quality Assurance program now extends to almost every state in the nation. As a result, the safety and quality of beef has never been better. The outstanding record includes having an extremely low rate …

G97-1320 Feeding To Maximize Milk Solids, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding guidelines to increase production of solids-corrected milk.

Proper feeding management of the dairy herd can improve the economy of production and provide for a healthier cow. Feeding to increase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein is essential for achieving these benefits.

Milk solid components include fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Normal values for milk fat range from 3.7 percent (Holstein) to 4.9 percent (Jersey); milk protein ranges from 3.1 percent (Holstein) to 3.8 percent (Jersey). Lactose is usually 4.6 to 4.8 percent for all breeds and minerals (ash) average .74 percent. …

Nf96-252 Controlling Feed Costs On Your Dairy Farm, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses ways to control feed costs on dairy farms.

G96-1298 Milk Urea Nitrogen Testing, Rick J. Grant, Dennis Drudik, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains how to properly test for MUN and interpret the results.

Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) analyses can be used as a signal, or "red flag", to point out potential problems in your feeding program. In particular, high MUN values reflect excessive dietary crude protein or low rumen degradable nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC). The NFC fraction, usually composed of starch and other sugars, can be low when insufficient grain is fed, or grain is improperly processed. Appropriate MUN testing over a period of several months to fine tune a feeding management program can result in:

1. precisely meeting nutritional requirements, …

G95-1244 Ventilation Fans: Efficiency And Maintenance, David P. Shelton, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes efficiency and design factors to consider when selecting a ventilation fan. Basic maintenance procedures needed for efficient operation are also discussed.

An energy efficient ventilation system requires good design and good equipment. Selecting efficient ventilation fans and keeping them in good working condition will keep operating costs down.

G95-1243 Ventilation Fans: Types And Sizes, Gerald R. Bodman, David P. Shelton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes the most common types of ventilation fans and compares their physical and performance characteristics.

Two general types of ventilation fans are commonly used for agricultural applications. Each type has many different blade diameters, materials, blade shapes, speeds, and motor horsepowers available. The desired airflow rate and the resistance to airflow through the ventilation system, or static pressure capabilities, are the two primary considerations when selecting a ventilation fan. Other considerations include maintenance requirements, noise levels, and energy efficiency.

G95-1238 1995 Usda Sire Evaluation Changes, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication discusses the 1995 USDA Sire Evaluation Report and its impact for dairy producers.

The January 1995 USDA Sire Evaluation Report incorporates changes that will not only increase the accuracy of prediction for cow and sire evaluations, but also includes a base change. Major changes included:

1. new Mature Equivalent Factors,

2. adjustments incorporated for days open,

3. and the genetic base year changed to 1990.

Let's discuss each change and look at how these changes will effect the 1995 proofs.

G94-1198 Switchgrass And Big Bluestem For Grazing And Hay, Robert B. Mitchell, Lowell E. Moser, Bruce Anderson, Steven S. Waller

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The grazing management and cultural practices discussed in this NebGuide can make switchgrass and big bluestem high quality summer forage. Switchgrass and big bluestem are native warm-season grasses that can provide abundant, high-quality forage during summer. Switchgrass and big bluestem produce 70 to 80 percent of their growth after June 1 in Nebraska, while more than 75 percent of cool-season grass growth, such as bromegrass and bluegrass, occurs before June 1. Therefore, switchgrass and big bluestem can provide forage to graze after cool-season pastures have been utilized. However, switchgrass and big bluestem must be managed differently than cool-season grasses. Poor …

G94-1192 Feeding Dairy Cows With Limited High Quality Forage, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

During excessively wet or dry years, there is a wide range of forage quality with most dairy producers forced to feed at least some moderate to poor quality forage. This NebGuide discusses basic alterations in the feeding strategy to help cope with minimal reductions in milk yield.

During excessively wet or dry years, there is a wide range of forage quality with most dairy producers forced to feed at least some moderate to poor quality forage. This NebGuide discusses basic alterations in the feeding strategy to help cope with minimal reductions in milk yield.

G94-1234 Should You Consider Expanding Your Dairy Herd?, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses both the benefits and possible drawbacks from expanding an existing dairy operation.

Nebraska's dairy industry is going through a transition. Producers are beginning to ask the question, "Should I expand, and if so, how large should my herd become?" Before considering this issue, the producer should first ask, "Do I really want to expand?" Expansion can be, and in many cases is, a traumatic experience, not only to the producer, but also to the producer's family. Every segment of the dairy enterprise should be consulted before making a decision. Call a family gathering and discuss this question …

G93-1180 Horn Fly Control On Cattle, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide identifies ways to control horn flies on cattle.

The horn fly is a blood-feeder that feeds 20 to 30 times per day. A population of several thousand horn flies may be present on one animal. When large numbers of these flies are on cattle, the cattle bunch and expend considerable effort fighting the flies. They will often stand in water or seek shade trying to get relief from the flies. When they do this, they fail to graze normally.

Studies in the United States and Canada show that during the grazing season yearling cattle free from horn flies …

G91-1032 Dairy Cow Health And Metabolic Disease Relative To Nutritional Factors, Duane N. Rice, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the various implications and effects of dairy cow metabolic problems, their causes, and management recommendations for prevention.

Nutritional imbalances, deficiencies, or erratic management of feeding programs for dairy cows can create large numbers and various types of health problems generally categorized as metabolic diseases.

Compounding the problem are the ever-changing nutritional needs of the cow, her lactation/dry period needs, feed quality changes, and producer personal management practices.

G91-1027 Protein And Carbohydrate Nutrition Of High Producing Dairy Cows, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the protein and carbohydrate requirements for milk production by dairy cows, and feeding guidelines to meet those requirements.

Crude protein makes up 14 to 19 percent, and carbohydrates 65 to 75 percent of the total ration dry matter in common dairy cow diets. As milk production per cow increases above 19,000 to 20,000 pounds per year, understanding how these nutrients are used by the dairy cow for milk production allows the formulation of diets that optimize solids-corrected milk production.

G90-978 Byproduct Feedstuffs For Beef And Dairy Cattle, Don J. Kubik, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide details the type of byproduct feedstuffs available for beef and dairy cattle, a description of their characteristics and discussion of their nutrient value. Byproduct feeds have become a stabilizing factor in the economic success of many beef and dairy operations. Byproduct feeds are the residue that remains after feeds have been processed. The processing of soybeans into soybean meal results in a large supply of soybean hulls. Processing corn into high fructose syrup provides corn gluten feed and corn bran. Converting corn starch into ethanol provides distillers grains. Hominy, a byproduct of processing corn starch for human consumption, …

G89-989 How To Interpret The New Animal Model For Dairy Sire Evaluation, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In question and answer format this NebGuide addresses changes in genetic evaluations of both dairy cows and sores.

Why is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changing the dairy sire and cow evaluation system?

The answer is simple. The Animal Model for genetic evaluations is more accurate than the old Modified Contemporary Comparison Method (M.C.C.). Previously the major limiting factors to implementing the Animal Model were computing costs and memory requirements. With the advent of new Super Computers, the computations are feasible on a national scale.

What is the Animal Model?

The Animal Model simultaneously evaluates cows and sires …

G89-952 Estrus (Heat) Detection Guidelines, Jeffrey F. Keown, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to spot cows in heat are covered in this NebGuide.

Several factors are essential in maintaining a herd's reproductive health. Among the most important are: (1) maintaining accurate records, (2) knowing the visual signs of estrus (heat), (3) using proper heat detection aids, and (4) maintaining a herd health program.

By taking the four basic steps listed above, the expected calving interval for dairy animals will be close to the recommended 12 to 13 months. Beef producers need to strive for a 12-month calving interval to maintain a profitable enterprise.

This 12- to 13-month calving interval returns the most …

G86-783 Complete Rations -- Should You Feed Them?, Foster G. Owen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the advantages and disadvantages of feeding complete rations to dairy herds.

Using the complete ration system for feeding dairy cows has become increasingly popular. Nutritionists generally consider it the ideal method of feeding dairy cattle. Milk production per cow can be maximized, and feed and labor costs minimized, with this system. However, the necessary equipment is expensive and may be excessive for loose-housed herds of less than 100 cows.

G86-778 Do You Practice Good Milking Procedures?, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide outlines good milking procedures to follow to assure high quality milk production while minimizing mastitis and other health problems.

Milking, or harvesting the milk crop, is a critical step between planting crops, building facilities, and paying bills on a dairy farm. While highly productive cows and a properly functioning milking system are essential, how the cows are handled and the milking system is used are equally important. Proper milking procedures are necessary to assure a bountiful harvest of high quality milk.

The nature of milk-secreting tissue and the anatomy of the udder make harvesting the milk crop impossible …

G86-820 How To Maximize Income By Managing Days Dry, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses the benefits of maintaining the optimum calving interval and offers suggestions for accomplishing this reproductive management technique.

Most dairy producers are aware that an optimum calving interval is 365 days. This is a normal lactation length of 305 days with a dry period of 60 days. This interval is often looked at as a goal to strive toward rather than a goal that must be reached to maximize income from the sale of milk.

G86-799 Health Management And Recommended Vaccinations For Dairy Replacements, Duane Rice, R. Gene White

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the importance of having a good vaccination schedule, and provides recommendations on which vaccinations to give, depending on variables. Correct management decisions are necessary to realize maximum returns on investments in any dairy operation. Dairymen sometimes assume there is a quick remedy for health problems, but the prevention of disease is by far less expensive. Preventing health problems in the dairy herd goes much further than using a veterinarian to treat individual animals with emergency problems. A veterinarian with experience and a genuine interest in dairy cattle is essential to assist the dairyman with herd health problems. …

G85-741 Estrous Synchronization For Beef Cattle, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the potential benefits of estrous synchronization, how the products and programs work, and the results and costs involved. Estrous (heat) synchronization can help beef producers improve production efficiency and economic returns. Controlling estrus and ovulation in cycling females means breeding is completed in a short period of time. Instead of females being bred over a 21-day period, synchronization can shorten the breeding period to less than 5 days, depending on the program selected. The use of synchronization has great potential for improving beef production, but it requires good management for success. Producers should understand the advantages, as …