Education Commons^™

G98-1352 Issues To Consider When Selling Cattle On A Grid Or Formula, Dillon M. Feuz

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses issues and problems associated with matching cattle to the appropriate market.

Recently there has been a much greater emphasis on improving the quality and consistency of beef. Cattle producers, breed associations, feed suppliers and beef packers have initiated value based pricing methods. Grid pricing, formula pricing, and strategic alliances are examples of these new value based pricing methods. While these pricing methods may differ substantially in the carcass and management traits they seek to reward or penalize, they all have one common feature: price is established on each individual animal.

The goals of the new pricing methods …

G98-1374 Escherichia Coli: Testing For Process Control Verification: Beef Carcass Sampling, Mindy Brashears, Dianne Peters

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In July 1996, the U.S.D.A. published the Final Rule on Pathogen Reduction for meat and poultry processing facilities. Its goal is to reduce the occurrence of food-borne pathogens in meat and poultry products. The rule requires carcass sampling for "generic" E. coli in meat and poultry slaughter operations. The U.S.D.A. has developed guidelines for acceptable, marginal and unacceptable amounts of E. coli to be used by the processor to determine if their process is controlling microbial hazards. If E. coli testing indicates that the process is not in control of the microbial hazards, then the processors may have to make …

Ec98-278 Grazing Crop Residues, Richard J. Rasby, Roger Selley, Terry Klopfenstein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Nebraska has an abundance of crop residue available for late fall and winter grazing. However, several factors prevent the grazing of many fields, including the location of fields in relation to the cattle, the lack of shelter or appropriate fencing and water availability. Despite these limitations, residue grazing is an important resource to many cattle operations, primarily as either a winter feed resource for maintaining the breeding herd or putting weight on cull cows. Calves weaned in the fall can also be wintered on cornstalks if appropriate supplementation is used.

Nf98-360 Cooking With Bison Meat, Berdine Maginnis, Linda S. Boeckner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact provides information about bison as an alternate meat source.

Understanding Bull Breeding Soundness Exams, Clell Bagley, Craig Burrell

All Current Publications

Controversy still exists about Breeding Soundness Examinations (BSE) and what they can and cannot do. At times they are not used because of a lack of understanding of their value while at other times they are used with unrealistic expectations. First, BSE is performed to identify bulls with reduced fertility not just to find those which are sterile. Very few bulls are sterile but a significant percent have reduced fertility.

Preventing Calf Losses, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Many beef producers and practicing veterinarians noted there were higher than normal calf death losses during the 1993 calving season. We were especially aware of the increased losses here in the western states, but there were also heavy losses in the midwest and east, so the problem was very widespread.

Clinical Trials With Copper Supplementation, Clell Bagley, Norris Stenquist, Dennis Worwood

All Current Publications

Copper deficiency has been diagnosed in beef cattle herds in many areas of the intermountain west. Copper supplements are not widely used, even though several products are available. It is difficult to correct a deficiency because too much copper can result in copper toxicity or poisoning. Toxicity is less a hazard with cattle than with sheep, but it is still a problem to guard against. Periodic monitoring of the herd’s copper status is essential for proper supplementation.

Toxic Contaminants In Harvested Forage, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Harvested forages are vitally important and commonly used for beef production. But contamination can occur which results in reduced forage quality and palatability or may even result in animal illness and death. Outlined below are some of the common problems that should be considered.

Preparing Bulls For The Breeding Season, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

With proper care prior to and during the breeding season, cattlemen can increase the breeding capacity of bulls. Breeding soundness evaluations and trichomoniasis testing are tools which can aid a herd manager as he makes critical decisions for next year’s calf crop.

Copper Deficiency In Utah, Clell Bagley, Norris Stenquist, Dennis Worwood

All Current Publications

Copper deficiency has been diagnosed in a number of Utah cattle herds, yet few producers use copper supplements. Cattle deficient in the element can suffer significant production losses. Producers need to balance both the effects and the costs of copper supplements. Too much copper can cause copper toxicity or poisoning. And adding copper may not be economical if animals are only marginally deficient. Further, the deficiency may occur only on specific feeds or pastures, correcting itself when cattle are moved.

Health Programs Which Improve The Marketability Of Calves, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

The “winds of change” have the potential to drastically change the marketing of beef calves in the next few years. Economic pressures may force greater conformity in the way cow-calf producers manage and prepare their calves for market. Those who are slow to conform may be at a disadvantage for marketing.

Calf Scours Simplified, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Virtually stacks of material have been written about calf scours and yet it remains as one of the major problems for beef calves. Enough is now known that we should be able to prevent or at least control the great majority of scours outbreak problems.

Infectious Cattle Diseases And Vaccines, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Vaccines are available for 20 to 30 infectious diseases of cattle. With the various brand names and different combinations available, the choice of vaccines can become very complicated. Calves vaccinated under 6 months of age should generally be re-vaccinated again after that age to provide a longer lasting immunity.

Weak Calf Syndrome Or Bvd Fetal Infection, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

A serious health problem of newborn calves was recognized 20 years ago and termed “weak calf syndrome”(WCS). The Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD) virus was often isolated from affected calves and from these herds. In recent years, veterinarians have again been looking at the effects of the BVD virus on the fetus.

Management For Weaning Healthy, Marketable Calves, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Weaning is an extremely stressful time for beef calves and involves the potential for severe economic loss. The most common problems usually involve respiratory and/or digestive diseases. Weaned calves should be retained for 3–6 weeks after weaning.

Drug Use In Food Animals, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Producers should be aware that there are four ways to legally obtain and use antibiotics and other drugs in food animals. The first, and most common source, is over the counter (OTC) drugs, labeled for specific uses.

Ec97-277 Minerals And Vitamins For Beef Cows, Richard J. Rasby, Dennis R. Brink, Ivan G. Rush, Don C. Adams

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Introduction

Mineral supplementation programs range from elaborate, cafeteria-style delivery systems to simple white salt blocks put out periodically by producers. The reason for this diversity: little applicable research available for producers to evaluate mineral supplement programs. There is a need of information regarding mineral composition and availability from various feedstuffs (i.e. pasture grasses, hays, by-products, etc.) and the possible interactions between minerals in the digestive system. Also lacking is a data base to establish accurate estimates of mineral requirements for beef cattle.

Assessing the consequence of mineral deficiencies in the cow, calf or stocker animal is difficult because slightly lowered …

G97-1342 Feeding Value Of Alfalfa Hay And Alfalfa Silage, Terry L. Mader, Todd Milton, Ivan G. Rush, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the feeding value of alfalfa under different harvesting, storage and feeding methods, as compared to other protein sources.

In Nebraska, alfalfa is used primarily as a protein source. However, for cow-calf producers it can sometimes be an economical energy source, depending on the prevailing price of feed grains and other sources of energy.

Alfalfa is generally harvested as dry hay or as silage (65 percent moisture). Ensiling at 45 to 55 percent moisture is also common, particularly if the alfalfa is stored in an upright oxygen-limiting structure. Regardless of harvesting and storage methods, some dry matter and …

G97-1315 Composting Manure And Other Organic Residues, Bahman Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Composting is becoming more common in Nebraska because of the many advantages it offers. This NebGuide provides information on the composting process and its management and related issues.

The Composting Process

Composting is the aerobic decomposition of manure or other organic materials in the thermophilic temperature range (104-149°F). The composted material is odorless, fine-textured, and low-moisture and can be bagged and sold for use in gardens, or nurseries or used as fertilizer on cropland with little odor or fly breeding potential. Composting improves the handling characteristics of any organic residue by reducing its volume and weight. Composting can kill pathogens …

G97-1313 Designing Preventive Health Management Programs For Cattle Producers, Dicky D. Griffin, Louis Perino, Gary Rupp, Eddie Hamilton

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The NebGuide details recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program.

This NebGuide presents two flow sheets which detail the recommendations for a beef cattle herd immunization program: the Calf through Weaning Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet and the Heifers, Cows and Bulls Preventive Health Management Flow Sheet. While this NebGuide emphasizes the procedures conducted on cattle at each cattle handling opportunity, it is very important to note the role a high quality nutritional program plays in building a total herd health program. You are encouraged to work with a qualified beef cattle nutritionist and your veterinarian when developing your …

Nf96-270 Handling Feed Moisture In Ration Formulation And Inventory Control, Richard J. Rasby, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact has information on livestock feed moisture.

G96-1293 Feedlot Abandonment Recommended Procedures, Richard K. Koelsch, Gerald R. Bodman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

An abandoned animal feeding facility is a significant threat to the environment. Procedures to minimize the risk are discussed.

Feedlot abandonment occurs for various reasons, including economic and social changes, environmental concerns, consolidation for more cost effective management and operation, and modification of personal goals. Whether a feedlot is abandoned for a short time until some crisis passes, or permanently, steps are necessary to minimize the risk of environmental degradation.

Under both scenarios, an abandoned feedlot poses an immediate threat to surface and groundwater quality. The unused facility is also a potential nuisance and source of health problems for humans …

Ec95-141 Nebraska's Manure Resource, D. H. Sander, J.E. Power, B. Eghball

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Manure is a valuable resource that is sometimes perceived as a liability. For centuries, manure has provided needed nutrients which increased and stabilized food production. With the advent of inorganic chemical fertilizers, the value of manure as a nutrient source decreased because hauling and spreading costs were higher than the cost of chemical feritlizers. In addition, the water content of manure is high and even when the water is removed, its nutrient content is low compared to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, manure has often been viewed in American agriculture as a "waste" to be disposed of rather than a resource to …

Nf95-220 Cull Sow Price Patterns At Omaha, Al Wellman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact examines the market values of cull cow slaughter over a twenty-year time span.

G95-1235 Growth Implants On Beef Heifer Reproduction, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This guide discusses the benefits and concerns in the use of growth implants with beef heifers. Growth promoting implants are used extensively in beef cattle finishing programs and in suckling and growing steer programs. Implants are one of the most economical means of improving performance. However, producers are concerned with implanting suckling and growing heifers because of the possible negative effects on subsequent reproduction of heifers selected as replacements. Replacement heifers need to grow rapidly, reach puberty early, conceive early, and increase in skeletal structure to reduce calving difficulty. If implants could be used to increase growth and skeletal structure …

G95-1236 Developing Beef Quality Assurance, Dicky D. Griffin, Louis Perino, Don Hudson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This Neb-Guide gives guidelines for developing a feedlot beef quality assurance program.

The displacement of people from agriculture into other areas of employment has broken the relationship between most consumers and producers. The consumer's lack of knowledge about agricultural production coupled with concern for misuse of technological advances in agriculture has created great concern for the safety of their food supply. Consumers are worried that their food will be contaminated by antibiotics, hormones, and agricultural chemicals. Recently, bacterial contamination of beef has been added to their fears. These concerns, combined with diet and health concerns for eating red meat and …

G94-1231 Harvesting Corn And Sorghum For Silage, Rick Grant, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This publication describes how to make high-quality corn and sorghum silage.

Quality Silage

Silage feeding quality is determined by 1) the nutrient content of the crop stored, 2) the stage of maturity and moisture content when harvested and 3) the effectiveness of silage preservation.

Ec94-1766 Windbreaks For Livestock Operations, James R. Brandle, Vernon Quam, Ladon Johnson, Bruce Wight

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Windbreaks play an important role in the protection of livestock, particularly in young animals and in areas with cold northerly winds during the winter and early spring. Properly placed windbreaks can provide benefits to feedlots, livestock pastures, and calving areas. Reducing wind speed in winter lowers animal stress, improves animal health, and increases feeding efficiency. Livestock windbreaks provide significant amounts of wildlife habitat, protect the working environment in and around the livestock area, and screen noise and odors associated with livestock operations.

Specific needs of animals dictate that special attention be given to access, snow storage, and drainage when planning …

Ec94-1772 Windbreaks In Sustainable Agricultural Systems, James R. Brandle, Teresa Boes, Vernon Quam, John Gardner

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Sustainable agriculture is a system of whole-farm resource use balanced with whole-farm productivity. The overall level of productivity achieved is dependent upon the ability to coordinate and manage simultaneously the soil, water, plant, and animal resources within climatic and economic limits. Both the kind and amount of plants and animals supported by the system are important and play significant roles, both individually and collectively in maintaining a healthy farm environment. In the future, integrated systems will help reduce human impact on resources while providing sufficient supplies of high quality food and fiber.

Windbreaks provide protection for people, animals, buildings, crops, …

G4-1228 Wintering And Backgrounding Beef Calves, Richard J. Rasby, Ivan G. Rush, Rick Stock

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses feeding and management practices and possible feeding rations for summer grazing programs or for calves that are weaned and backgrounded before entering a feedlot for finishing.

Reasons for Backgrounding Calves

Backgrounding programs allow calves to grow and develop bone and muscle without becoming fleshy. Reasons for backgrounding weaned calves include:

Calves can be retained rather than sold at weaning when prices are typically low.

Developing replacement heifers.

Allows producers to use inexpensive home-grown feeds, crop residues, and/or pasture to put weight on calves economically.

Can add weight on small to medium framed calves or lightweight calves born …