Life Sciences Commons^™

Beefsd: An Integrated And Intensive Extension Curriculum For Beginning Beef Cattle Producers, Krista A. Ehlert, Amanda D. Blair, Stacy Hadrick, Ken Olson

The Journal of Extension

There is a strong need to increase the opportunities for and success of the next generation of beef cattle producers. South Dakota State University Extension provides a 2-year educational program called “beefSD;” the purpose is to provide producers with a holistic view of the beef industry, an appreciation for utilizing adaptive management to respond to challenges and opportunities, and skills to assess and manage factors that influence overall operation sustainability. The curriculum has four major components: 1) in person workshops, case studies, interactive webinars, and homework 2) out-of-state learning experiences, 3) ranch to rail program, and 4) networking and mentoring.

Use Of The Grazing Animal In Forage Breeding, J H. Bouton, C S. Hoveland, R N. Gates

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The objective of these studies was to determine, in the context of a forage breeding program, the effect of cattle grazing on survival of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.). Different cultivars of each species were compared in grazed and ungrazed areas. Results consistently demonstrated that grazing reduced plant stands when compared to ungrazed conditions for each species tested. In alfalfa, however, cultivars developed for grazing tolerance showed much better grazing survival. Infection with the fungal endophyte, Acremonium coenophialum Morgan-Jones & Gams, likewise substantially increased grazing survival in …

Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program Promotes Sustainable Beef Production, K. M. Mason, G. E. Bates, J. D. Rhinehart

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Tennessee is home to 1.75 million beef cattle as of January 2022 (USDA, 2022). The majority of cattle farms in Tennessee are cow-calf operations, with a few stocker-backgrounder operations across the state. Most of the cows in the state are maintained on tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort. pastures, with hay being fed in the winter months and sometimes during the summer. Maintenance of a strong cow herd and sufficient grazing land relies on utilization of sustainable production practices. With urban sprawl creating competition for land area, it is important to use production practices that are efficient and attainable …

Opportunities Of Grazing Personality Genetics For Steep And Rugged Rangelands, Moreno Garcia, T. M. R. Maxwell, R. Dynes, H. Zhou, J. Hickford

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Globally, extensive pastoral grazing systems are facing multiple pressures, including to address emerging public concerns about environmental impact and animal well-being. This may require new regulatory constraints to be met, while maintaining the economic viability of the systems. One novel approach to addressing these challenges is to capitalize on naturally occurring differences in livestock behaviors, specifically differences in grazing personalities, to assist the production systems deliver more effective and responsible use of rangelands. Herbivores may exhibit consistent grazing behaviors over time and across spatial contexts, which differ among individuals and between groups leading to distinctive grazing patterns known as grazing …

Extending The Grazing Season Through The Use Of Cover Crops, D. D. Harmon

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The use of cover crops in integrated crop-livestock systems is not a novel approach but has increased in popularity over the last few years due to the renewed interest in soil conservation, nutrient cycling, and water conservation. Moreover, cool-season annual forages have the ability to extend the grazing season, reduce the need for stored or bought supplemental feedstuffs, and as a result, lower winter-feeding costs. Small grain cover crops, legumes, forbes, and annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) vary in their growth distribution and can be planted alone in monocultures or planted in mixtures to take advantage of the individual …

Urochloa Brizantha Cv. Paiaguás Herbage Mass Production Under Continuous Grazing During The Rainy/Dry Transition Period In Brazilian Savanna, W. R. Da Silva, M. F. P. Carvalho, P. S. Ribeiro, R. A. De O. Rodrigues, T. A. Cavalcante

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

During the transition period between rainy and dry season, unfavorable climatic conditions such as limited water availability, temperature and light limit forage production and quality. Because of the seasonal pattern, it is essential to quantify forage mass for pasture management and planning purposes. The objective of this study was to evaluate Paiaguas herbage mass in pasture managed under continuous stocking with steers supplemented with protein concentrate offered in feed bunk and onground. The experiment was carried out in the Beef Cattle Facilities of Jatai Federal University (UFJ), from March to June 2020, in a completely randomized design, using 18 male …

Brachiaria Spp. (Syn. Urochloa Spp.) Cv. Mulato Ii (Convert Hd364) Mass Production Under Continuous Grazing In The Water/Dry Transition Period, A. L. A. Castro, A. C. Prado, M. C. Silva Júnior, M. S. Soares, M. V. Teixeira

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In the transition period between the rainy and dry seasons there is decreased water, temperature and luminosity, reducing forage production and quality. Because of this variability in forage mass production, it is essential to quantify forage mass for use in planning and decision making about pastures management. The objective was to evaluate Brachiaria spp. (Syn. Urochloa spp.) cv. Mulato II (Convert HD364) growth, biomass production managed under continuous grazing with steers fed with protein supplement feed in-trough and on-ground during the seasonal transition period. The experiment was carried out in the Beef Cattle Sector of Jatai Federal University …

Rotational Grazing Demonstration With Beef Cattle On Conservation Reserve Land In Adams County, Iowa, Usa, S. K. Barnhart, B. Peterson, C. O. Nelson, R. Bredahl, J. Klein, R. Sprague

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The United States Dept. of Agriculture's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers who will enroll erosive, marginally productive cropland for a 10 to 15 year period. In return, participants are provided annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish and maintain long- term, resource-conserving vegetative cover to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the inception of the CRP, policymakers, conservationists, farmers, and rural residents have been concerned about the likely fate of program land after the contracts expire. Most of the existing research, whether it relies on …

Sustaining Grass-Legume Pastures For Cow-Calf Herds: A Case Study, John L. Caddel, D. D. Redfearn, R. L. Woods

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

An on-going pasture demonstration study has been used since 1988 to demonstrate methods to improve pasture production for small beef cow-calf herds. Many cattle enterprises are not economically viable because poor management decisions lead to excessive stocking rate, ineffective fertilisation programmes etc., leading to a dependence on hay purchases. The initial objective, continued until 2001, was to maintain one cow- calf pair per ha without purchasing forage or grain produced off farm. More recently, reducing the dependence on harvested forage has been added as an objective.

Methane Of Animal Origin In Cattle Fed High Or Low Tannin Sorghum Silage, T. T. Berchielli, S. G. Oliveira, M. P. Pedreira, O. Primavesi, M. A. Lima, R. Frighetto

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

The harmful or beneficial effects associated with the presence of tannin in plants depends on its concentration and form. One of these beneficial effects is the reduction of the production of methane in the rumen (Woodward et al., 2001). This study financed by FAPESP aimed to evaluat the effect of diets containing low or high tannin sorghum silage supplements on dry matter intake (DMI) and methane production in cattle.

The Diet Of Free-Ranging Beef Cattle In A Semi-Arid Savanna Of Eastern Namibia, A. Rothauge, A. L. Abate, G. N. Smit

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Beef ranching is the most important agricultural enterprise in arid and semi-arid SW African countries. It earns foreign exchange via beef exports to the EU and very many rural people depend on cattle pastoralism for their livelihood. However there is no published information on what cattle eat in such extensive systems. Therefore, it is difficult to optimize grazing strategies and to prevent degradation of rangeland.

The Impact Of Tillage System For Small-Grain Pasture Establishment On The Performance Of Growing Beef Calves In Arkansas, P. Beck, S. Gunter, M. Anders, K. Lusby, D. Hubbell

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

In the United States, governmental regulations mandate the improvement of farming practices to improve environmental quality. There is a requirement to reduce the siltation of waterways, soil carbon losses, and nutrient runoff along the Mississippi River Delta. The use of small-grain forages by grazing cattle offers real opportunities to produce high-quality forage for cattle production during the winter and spring months. No-till and reduced tillage practices developed primarily for grain production may offer environmental and economic solutions for both grain farmers and cattle producers. Producers are slow to adopt conservation tillage practices because of a perceived risk of reduced production. …

Herbage Quality Of Dwarf Napier Grass Under A Rotational Cattle Grazing System Two Years After Establishment, Yasuyuki Ishii, A. A. Sunusi, M. M. Mukhtar, Sachiko Idota, Kiichi Fukuyama

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Dwarf Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach) of a late-heading type (dwarf-late, DL), introduced by the Dairy Promotion Organization, Thailand, has a high over-wintering ability and is suitable for grazing. The objective of this study was to examine the digestibility and crude protein (CP) concentration of DL Napier grass both before and after rotational grazing in relation to the daily liveweight gain of cattle 2 years after establishment in the lowland area of Kyushu, Japan.

An Evaluation Of The Inclusion Of Alternative Forages With Grass Silage-Based Diets On Carcass Composition And Meat Quality Of Beef Cattle Offered Two Contrasting Grass Silages, T. W. J. Keady, F. O. Lively, D. J. Kilpatrick, B. W. Moss

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Recent studies have shown that the inclusion of some alternative forages with grass silage-based diets can increase animal performance of beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of including either maize or whole crop wheat (WCW) silages with grass silage-based diets on meat quality of beef cattle offered two levels of concentrate.

Blood Meal As A Source Of Histidine For Cattle Fed Grass Silage And Barley, R. Berthiaume, C. Lafrenière

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Previous research has shown that cattle fed grass silage are responsive to protected amino acids (Veira et al., 1991). Methionine and lysine were suggested as the most limiting amino acids for grass silage diets. Recently, Korhonen et al. (2000) have shown that histidine is the first limiting amino acids for dairy cows fed grass silage and barley-based concentrates. However, histidine is not available in a rumen protected form and needs to be provided through dietary ingredients. Blood meal is rich in histidine. This trial was designed to determine the effect of increasing histidine supply through blood meal on …

Recent Developments In Feeding Beef Cattle On Grass Silage-Based Diets, M. Mcgee

IGC Proceedings (1997-2023)

Key points:

1. High digestibility grass silage with moderate concentrate supplementation can sustain a large proportion of the cattle performance achieved on high concentrate diets.
2. Increasing concentrate supplementation reduces the importance of grass silage nutritional value.
3. Subsequent compensatory growth diminishes the advantage of concentrate supplementation of young cattle.
4. Meat quality and fatty acid composition can be influenced by grass silage-based diets.

Mosaic Agriculture: A Guide To Irrigated Crop And Forage Production In Northern Wa, Geoff A. Moore Mr, Clinton K. Revell Dr, Christopher Schelfhout Dr, Christopher Ham Mr, Samuel Crouch Mr

Bulletins 4000 -

The Bulletin is a comprehensive guide for pastoralists, agronomists, agribusiness and the broader community on the growing of irrigated crops and pastures within a rangeland pastoral setting.

Dispersed irrigation developments on stations throughout the northern rangelands (sometimes referred to as mosaic agriculture) has created opportunities for the introduction of more productive forage species and pastoralists can now grow high quality forage for 12 months of the year. This can help to overcome the key constraint of traditional pastoral systems, the low quality of the feed over the dry season that typically results in stock losing condition.

Optimal Calving Time For Beef Cows In Southwest Missouri, Briana Rose Verploeg

MSU Graduate Theses

The purpose of this study is to determine if a optimal time of year exists for beef producers to have cows give birth in southwest Missouri for maximal net returns from calf sales and increased cow reproductive performance. To make this determination, data were collected which included year-round forage nutritive value, calf pre-weaning growth, cow energy efficiency and reproductive performance, and income and cost values. Cow and calf field data were gathered for the 2014-2018 production years at Missouri State University’s Leo Journagan Ranch. Monthly forage samples were collected from study cow pastures from 2016 through 2018. Calf, cull cow, …

Alternative Feeding Strategies For Growing Cattle Grazing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue During The Summer, Kerri A. Johnson

MSU Graduate Theses

Two experiments were conducted to determine animal performance of alternative feeding strategies to heifers grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue during summer months. In Experiment 1, 40 Limousin heifers (261± 40kg initial BW) were stratified by weight and assigned to either a spring harvested tall fescue silage diet or grazing endophyte-infected tall fescue pasture with grain supplement having either natural or artificial shade for 80 days. In Experiment 2, 40 Limousin heifers (277 ± 44kg initial BW) were stratified by weight and assigned to either a traditional grain supplement or feather-meal supplement (rumen bypass arginine supplement) with natural or artificial shade while …

Evaluating The Effect Maturity On The Intake And Digestibility Of Switchgrass Hay Consumed By Beef Steers, David H. Davis

Theses and Dissertations--Plant and Soil Sciences

There has been increased interest in utilizing switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) as biomass. There are several challenges to developing this industry, and these have led to the potential use of switchgrass as hay for feeding beef cattle in Kentucky. The effect of increasing maturity on crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and nutritive values of switchgrass hay has been well documented, but few in vivo intake and digestibility trials have been conducted to assess this effect on animal performance when feeding beef cattle. Two in vivo intake and digestibility trials were conducted in 2011 …

Opportunities And Challenges From The Use Of Genomic Selection For Beef Cattle Breeding In Latin America, Hugo H. Montaldo, Eduardo Casas, José Bento Sterman Ferraz, Vicente E. Vega-Murillo, Sergio Iván Román-Ponce

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

In 2009, Latin American countries had approximately 401 million cattle (29% of the world’s total cattle population) and produced 8.2 million tonnes of beef, equivalent to 29% of the world’s total production (FAO, 2011). Beef in Latin American countries is produced under widely differing climates (ranging from tropical to temperate), resources available (vegetation, food), types of markets, and genetic backgrounds of the animals. The main production systems are classified as beef and dual-purpose cattle. The genetic backgrounds of animals vary from purebred European (Bos taurus taurus) or Zebu (Bos taurus indicus) to crossbreeds (Figures 1 and …

Evaluation Of Beef Cattle Operations Utilizing Different Seasons Of Calving, Weaning Strategies, Postweaning Management, And Retained Ownership, R. E. Kruse, M. W. Tess, E. E. Grings, R. E. Short, R. K. Heitschmidt, W. A. Phillips, H. S. Mayeux

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Data from a 3-yr study in Montana were utilized to evaluate impacts of season of calving, weaning strategy, and retained ownership of steer calves on enterprise profitability. Calving seasons were late winter (LW), early spring (ES), or late spring (LS). Each season had 2 weaning times: 190 (LW190, ES190) or 240 (LW240, ES240) d for LW and ES, and 140 (LS140) or 190 (LS190) d for LS. Backgrounding options included shipping steers to Oklahoma (OK1), or backgrounding in Montana to a constant age (MT2) or weight (MT3). Steers from OK1 and MT2 were finished in Oklahoma in confinement or via …

Post-Weaning Performance Of Steers From Varying Calving And Weaning Strategies In Montana, E. E. Grings, W. A. Phillips, R. E. Short, H. Mayeux, R. K. Heitschmidt

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

The impact of varied calving and weaning times on post-weaning production of steer calves was evaluated in a 3- yr study. Steers (approximately 12 steers per calving-weaning treatment per year) born in late winter or early spring were weaned at 190 or 240 d of age, and steers born in late spring were weaned at 140 or 190 d of age after grazing with their dams on native range. Steers were pen-fed a growing diet until approximately 375 kg BW. They were then moved to an individual feeding facility and fed a higher-energy diet. Steers were allotted to harvest dates …

Levels And Changes Of Soil Phosphorus In Subtropical Beef Cattle Pastures, Gilbert C. Sigua, Mary J. Williams, Samuel W. Coleman

United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service / University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Faculty Publications

Long-term pasture management is believed to change soil chemical properties, but little is known about whether pasture management, such as fertilizer application, grazing, or haying can initiate such change in sandy and well-drained subtropical beef pastures. The objective of this study was to investigate the long term effect of pasture management (grazing+haying, GZ+HY) on soil phosphorus (P) dynamics (levels and changes) in subtropical beef cattle pastures with bahiagrass (BG, Paspalum notatum) and rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata) with (WP) or without (WNP) P fertilization in Brooksville, FL from 1988 to 2000. Soil P dynamics in Subtropical Agricultural Research …

Bulletin No. 377 - Performance Testing Studies With Beef Cattle, James A. Bennett, Doyle J. Matthews

UAES Bulletins

The goal in beef cattle breeding is the production of animals that make rapid and efficient gains and have desirable conformation. Performance testing has recently been advanced as a means of identifying individuals possessing superior productive qualities and as a means of evaluating sires for transmitting these qualities to their offspring. This report gives the results of performance tests conducted with Hereford and Shorthorn calves fed over a constant time period as well as the results of a supplemental study undertaken to gain information that might add refinement to the evaluation of gains in beef cattle.