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Nutritional Value Of Grazed Forages And How It Fits The Cow’S Requirement, Don C. Adams, Richard T. Clark, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Jerry D. Volesky

Range Beef Cow Symposium

The concept of matching nutrients available in grazed forages with nutrient requirements of the cow has been reviewed and recommended as a means to most efficiently utilize grazed forages (Valentine 1990, Vavra and Raleigh 1976). We further develop the principles and concepts necessary to improve the match between forage quality and the cow's nutrient needs and discuss potential impacts on management and production cost.

Dealing With A Down-Cycle In The Cattle Market, Tom Brink

Range Beef Cow Symposium

It’s no secret that the cattle market is in a down-cycle. Cattle numbers and beef supplies are on the rise. Cattle prices have declined significantly during the past two years, and will probably continue trending lower for another year or two.

Lower calf prices are creating a major cost/price squeeze for many producers in the cow/calf segment of the industry. Cattle-Fax estimates that less than 25% of U.S. cow/calf operations will be profitable in 1995. Over half of all producers will see significant red ink.

Real World Epd Considerations For Seedstock And Commercial Decision-Making, Doug L. Hixon

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Working with beef cattle producers over the past 15 plus years, I have become convinced that the genetic component of beef production systems does not receive the time and consideration it should relative to the economic benefit it can provide. Over the past several years we have seen the development of EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences). EPDs are available on various traits of economic importance. They are a tool that can be used to predict an animal’s genetic potential, in a relative sense, and provide the potential for directional change in these traits of economic importance.

Breed associations may differ slightly …

Management Factors To Improve Health In Newborn Calves, Franklyn B. Garry

Range Beef Cow Symposium

For most beef cow herds, the single most important means of increasing income is increasing the number of calves weaned and sold relative to the number of cows in the operation, or by definition, increasing reproductive efficiency. While certain production and carcass traits can be most directly influenced by genetic selection, reproductive performance is overwhelmingly influenced by management. Increasing the profitability of a ranch operation therefore relies very heavily on adjusting management practices to improve reproductive efficiency. In order to accomplish this, we first need to know what factors are most influential in reproductive performance. We specifically need to identify …

Management Factors To Decrease Health Problems In Weaned Calves, M. L. Galyean, G. C. Duff, K. J. Malcom-Callis

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Economic losses caused by morbidity and mortality from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in newly weaned/received cattle are one of the most significant problems facing the beef cattle industry. In small feedlots (100 to 1,000 animals marketed annually) throughout the United States (USDA-APHIS, 1994), death losses ranged from 1.5 to 2.7 per 100 animals marketed, with greater losses in western than in central regions of the US. Two-thirds to three-quarters of these deaths were attributed to respiratory disease (USDA-APHIS, 1994).

Two factors contribute to the high incidence of BRD in newly received, lightweight (e.g., < 400 to 500 lb) cattle. First, stresses associated with weaning and transportation negatively impact the immune system (Blecha et al., 1984) at a time when the animal is often exposed to a variety of infectious agents as a result of marketing procedures. Second, feed intake by stressed calves is typically low (Cole, 1995), averaging approximately 1.5% of BW during the first 2 wk after arrival of lightweight feeder cattle (Galyean and Hubbert, 1995). This low feed, and thereby nutrient, intake may further impair immune function (Cole, 1995). Older (e.g., yearling) cattle typically have greater intake than lightweight cattle subjected to shipping stress, although outbreaks of BRD can still be a problem in older cattle. Practices that have been used to offset these negative factors that impact the health of newly received cattle include preconditioning (Cole, 1993), on-ranch vaccination programs (Parker et al., 1993), nutritional management, and prophylactic medication. This review will emphasize nutritional and prophylactic medication approaches and their effects on performance and health of newly weaned/received beef cattle.

Time Of Weaning And Cow Condition, Jack C. Whittier

Range Beef Cow Symposium

The primary mission of a beef brood cow is to consistently produce calves. There are numerous management practices designed to assist cows in accomplishing this mission. Young cows frequently require more management attention to be reproductively successful than do older, mature cows.

In recent years attention has been focused on altering time of weaning to manipulate cow body condition as a method of maintaining high reproductive rates while also reducing winter feed requirements. If cows nurse their calves for a longer or shorter period of time than is traditional, a corresponding decrease or increase in body condition may result due …

Reducing Calving Difficulty By Heifer And Sire Selection And Management, Gene H. Deutscher

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Calf deaths caused by dystocia (calving difficulty) result in a $600 million annual loss to U.S. beef producers (Bellows and Short, 1994). Therefore, methods to reduce dystocia must be investigated, understood, and utilized to decrease the incidence and degree of calving difficulty. A review of early research was presented at the 1989 Range Beef Cow Symposium at Rapid City (Deutscher, 1989) indicating the major cause of dystocia in first calf heifers was a disproportion between the size of calf at birth (birth weight) and the cow's birth canal (pelvic area). A pelvic area/ birth weight ratio developed in Nebraska was …

Developing Specified And Predictable Replacement Heifers, Richard (Dick) Kjerstad

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Thank you for the invitation to participate in the Range Beef Cow Symposium XIV. I have attended some of the Symposia over the years and have found them all to be very informative and educational. I congratulate the staff of the four Universities for the contribution they give to the Beef Industry.

My family has a grain and livestock operation in western South Dakota. My wife and I have four sons, who are all involved in our operation.

Developing a cow herd that will produce specific, predictable and on-time off-spring, has always been a challenge for most ranchers.

Buying feeder …

What Does The Cattle Buyer Look For In Feeder Cattle?, Robbi H. Pritchard

Range Beef Cow Symposium

This subject is steeped with opinion, prejudice and fact in a recipe similar to politics. Some issues are understood, definable and reflected in market prices. We all are aware of body weight, fill, frame, and flesh influences on price and value. Unfortunately, these four factors are inadequate for identifying as much of the profit potential differences between feeder cattle as we would like. As the industry pushes to find sources of profitable cattle, a much broader range of issues is being addressed. The motives and rationales behind these promotions deserve serious scrutiny. We need to distinguish between opinion, prejudice and …

Understanding Basic Mineral And Vitamin Nutrition, Larry Corah

Range Beef Cow Symposium

In a typical cow-calf operation in the Great Plains, the nutritional focus is on supplying protein and energy to the cows. That focus is appropriate since these two nutrients comprise the major portion of the annual feed cost of maintaining the cow herd. Recent concerns regarding trace mineral deficiencies has resulted in more producers now asking questions about the mineral and vitamin portion of the cow herd nutrition program.

The common sense approach to supplying minerals and vitamins to beef cows should be very similar to the one used in supplying energy and protein to the cows. In other words, …

Improving Cattle Health Through Trace Mineral Supplementation, Jerry W. Spears

Range Beef Cow Symposium

A number of trace minerals are required by beef cattle. Feeds consumed by cattle may supply most trace minerals in adequate amounts. However, some minerals may be severely or at least marginally deficient in beef cattle diets. Even marginal mineral deficiencies can reduce growth, reproduction and/or health of cattle showing few if any clinical signs of deficiency. Other trace minerals such as iron and molybdenum may be naturally present in feeds in levels high enough to reduce animal productivity.

Certain trace minerals affect immunity and may affect disease susceptibility in cattle. Selenium, copper, zinc, cobalt and iron have been shown …

Improving Re-Breeding Through Protein Supplementation, M. K. Petersen, D. E. Hawkins, I. Tovar, L. A. Appeddu

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Research conducted at Fort Robinson in 1960 and following studies have demonstrated that good body condition supports successful reproduction in both young and older cows. The recommendations from these studies have emphasized the feeding of energy to assist thin cows back into condition. However, in the extensive range conditions of the West, the ranch is intended to supply dietary energy through the range vegetation. When we look at the costs associated with calf production many ranchers have production costs above the national average. Many of these high cost producers have higher than average purchased feed costs. It would be advantageous …

The Latest Methods To Determine When To Supplement, Ted Mccollum Iii

Range Beef Cow Symposium

Because feed accounts for a significant portion of operating costs, cattlemen are always interested in getting the most out of the supplemental feed dollar. Two unwanted costs are the costs of overfeeding and the lost opportunities resulting from underfeeding.

Three keys to more efficient supplementation are (1) identifying the most appropriate supplement, (2) determining the proper amount of feed, and (3) identifying the window of opportunity for achieving the desired changes with the minimal feed input. In order to adjust a feeding program, one needs to have an estimate of the nutrient value for the forage being consumed, current cattle …

Simple Concepts For Long-Term Ranch Success, Patrick E. Reese

Range Beef Cow Symposium

In today’s fast-moving world of information, ranchers frequently suffer from technology overload. There can be enormous temptations to invest excessive amounts of resources on inconsequential activity. Understanding the responsibility of management for long-term success will help ranchers select appropriate technology. Focus on primary objectives will allow ranchers to develop simple and cost effective management strategies. Long-term survival of range livestock enterprises depends on (1) surviving or avoiding environmental extremes, (2) balancing livestock requirements with forage resources, and (3) recovering investments.

Achieving Cow/Calf Profitability Through Low-Cost Production, R. E. Taylor, T. G. Field

Range Beef Cow Symposium

A few years ago a NCA task force committee made the following statement:

"Low-cost producers (in all segments of the production chain) will survive in this system of competitive markets. Others [high-cost producers] will eventually be unable to compete and will exit the business."

Initially, this pointed summary statement fell on deaf ears as cattle prices were relatively good and many producers said they couldn't reduce costs as each year their costs were increasing. Currently, the high-cost producers are exiting the cattle business or depleting assets. Other cow/calf producers have positioned or are positioning themselves as low-cost producers. An increased …

A Rancher’S Focus On Cost Effective Management, Connie R. Quinn

Range Beef Cow Symposium

This paper focuses on profitability points which apply to the cow/calf producer. This is a challenging task and, at best, will be a restatement of the practices that are employed by any good beef producer. In today’s environment, if one has the boldness to put these points in print, it is only to reinforce the good management already being implemented and to offer ideas for other management practices that could also be employed. The merit of this exercise is to exchange ideas that can be mixed and matched with what is already being done on the ranch. The result will …

Nebline, December 1995

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Horticulture

Rural $ense

Family Living

4-H & Youth

Environmental Focus

Community & Leadership Development

Extension Calendar

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Nebraska Association for Family and Community Education News

and other extension news and event

Ard News December 1995

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:

SEASON'S GREETINGS
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS RECEIVED OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER, 1995
PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR FEDERAL GRANTS
NEW OR REVISED PROJECTS
"GENERIC" DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST FORM
CONTACTS WITH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND THE LEGISLATURE
FY 1997 PRIORITIES OF THE JOINT COUNCIL
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES ON GRANT PROPOSALS
PROJECTED FEDERAL R&D FUNDING FOR FY 1996
IANR FACILITIES ACTIVITY
ARD LAUNCHES WEB PAGE
FY 1996 CSREES BUDGET
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS PROGRAM CHARGES

Legislation And Education As Strategies To Reduce Behavioral Health Risk Factors In The State Of Nebraska, Kimberly M. Poindexter

Community and Regional Planning Program: Theses

In the interest of improving health care planning and practice, this paper exami~es legislation and educational strategies designed to reduce behavioral health risk factors in the state of Nebraska and the United States. The growing problem of modifying health behavior in the nation and Nebraska is reviewed, including trends in seat belt use, drinking and driving, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. Nebraska's rate of death associated with these risk factors is higher than the national average. Several of the strategies which Nebraska and the United States have implemented are reviewed.

Legislation to reduce the prevalence of seat belt nonuse, …

Assessment Of Gnawing Behavior Of Three Rodent Species On Automatic Speed Control Mechanism Diaphragms From Gm Automobiles, Glenn R. Dudderar, Ren-Rong Hou, Scott R. Winterstein

Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference: 7th (1995)

General Motors and the A C. Rochester Company, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), has found that the robber diaphragms on automatic speed control mechanisms (servos) were gnawed by unknown rodents. House mice (Mus musculus), Peromyscus spp., and eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) were used to test gnawing behavior on 4 kinds of diaphragms. Diaphragms with or without a rodent proof cure formula, which are used by GM, did not influence the gnawing of all test rodent species. Diaphragms with a lubricant (Paricin) were more attractive to gnawing by house mice than diaphragms without a lubricant. Five …

A Strategy For Integrating Principles And Concepts Of Wildlife Damage Control Into The School Curriculum, Thomas A. Eddy

Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference: 7th (1995)

This paper reports an approach to educating today's youth concerning the importance of regulating numbers of wildlife species that threaten property, products and health. The emphases are on preparing teachers to integrate principles and concepts into the existing curricular materials, justifying control measures with ecological understandings and economic is information and dealing effectively with sensitive animal rights issues. Opportunities for integration of specific wildlife damage control topics are suggested for lessons in the life sciences, social sciences, health, language arts and mathematics. Examples of conflict between groups of different opinions about the seriousness of a pest's activities or appropriateness of …

Rodent Damage Control In No-Till Corn And Soybean Production, Ron Hikes

Eastern Wildlife Damage Management Conference: 7th (1995)

In recent years the primary cause of reduced plant stands in no-till crops planted into heavy residue has been small eared rodents called voles (Microtus spp.). Past research has indicated that severe stand reductions (80 to 100 percent) can occur if vole populations in the field exceed 75 per hectare (30 per acre) at planting time. This vole population should be considered intense. If field scouting about 30 days prior to planting reveals at least 12 active vole colonies per hectare (five per acre) an intense population can develop, and damage control measures should be planned. Of all …

Nebline, November 1995

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Horticulture

Rural $ense

Family Living

4-H & Youth

Environmental Focus

Community & Leadership Development

Extension Calendar

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Nebraska Association for Family and Community Education News

and other extension news and event

Obituary: Francis Hollis Fay, 1927-1994, Robert L. Rausch

Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology: Faculty Publications

An obituary of mammalogist Francis Hollis Fay, 1927-1994.

A Vision For 2020: Communities Of Learning For Food Systems Education In Nebraska, Nn21 Project Team

Nebraska Network 21: Publications

What do we want Nebraska's communities, educational institutions, and programs of study to look like in the year 2020? What is the ideal vision of food systems and food systems education in Nebraska for the twenty-first century? In 1994, with the support of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation and with leadership from the University of Nebraska, we initiated a process in Nebraska to discover our individual and collective dreams and aspirations for the future.

Over 800 Nebraskans attended workshops in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Grand Island, Norfolk, Omaha, and Lincoln. Business people, educators, producers, and students--people of diverse ages, ethnicity, and …

Nebline, October 1995

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Horticulture

Rural $ense

Family Living

4-H & Youth

Environmental Focus

Community & Leadership Development

Extension Calendar

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Nebraska Association for Family and Community Education News

and other extension news and events

Ard News October 1995

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
COMMENTS FROM THE DEAN
OFFICE STAFF OBJECTIVES
ARD "SERVICE OBJECTIVES"
ADMINISTRATOR OBJECTIVES
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - COPYRIGHTS
NEW OR REVISED PROJECTS
GRANTS AND CONTRACTS RECEIVED AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER, 1995
PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE COMMODITY BOARDS JULY 1, 1995 - JULY 30, 1996
FY 1996 CSREES BUDGET OUTLOOK
UNL MODEL FOR SHARING INDIRECT COST RECOVERY FUNDS
INDIRECT COST RECOVERY BY ARD UNITS DURING FY 1995

Nebline, September 1995

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Horticulture

Rural $ense

Family Living

4-H & Youth

Environmental Focus

Community & Leadership Development

Extension Calendar

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP)

Nebraska Association for Family and Community Education News

and other extension news and events

Acuta Enews August 1995, Vol. 24, No. 8

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From the President

ISDN at MSU

Disaster Recovery

From ACUTA Headquarters: Emeritus Membership Status approved

Author Index

National Wildlife Research Center Repellents Conference 1995

Author Index