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Nebline, February 1993

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

On-the-Grow: Horticulture News

Ag Update: Agricultural News & Events

Home Extension News

Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) News

Home Extension Club News

The Cloverline: 4-H News & Events

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Ard News February 1993

Agricultural Research Division: News and Annual Reports

CONTENTS:
COMMENTS FROM THE DEAN
106TH ANNUAL REPORT FOR ARD
FORM FOR RECORDING ALLOCATION OF PROGRAM RESOURCES
NEW OR REVISED PROJECTS
GRANTS & CONTRACTS RECEIVED DECEMBER 1992 AND JANUARY 1993
PROPOSALS SUBMITTED FOR FEDERAL GRANTS
ESCOP RESEARCH INITIATIVES
DISTRIBUTION OF FEDERAL "BASIC" RESEARCH FUNDS BY PROGRAM AREA
COMPARISON OF INVESTMENTS IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
PROGRAM SIZE AND FY 1991 RESEARCH EXPENDITURES OF SELECTED AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIONS
COMPARISON OF SAES FUNDING SOURCES FY 1991
SAES LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COURSE
COMPARISON OF PROGRAM SIZE – FY 1991

Review Of Rivers Of Change: Essays On Early Agriculture In Eastern North America By Bruce D. Smith, Karl J. Reinhard

Great Plains Research: A Journal of Natural and Social Sciences (through 2013)

Between 1970 and 1990 there was a burst of paleoethnobotanical research into prehistoric Native American subsistence practices across North America which has resulted recently in numerous regional syntheses. No synthesis is more salient or cogent than that presented for eastern North America by Bruce D. Smith who has been a key researcher in the area of prehistoric subsistence.

Differential Allocation Of Resources Underlies The Dispersal-Reproduction Trade-Off In The Wing-Dimorphic Cricket, Gryllus Rubens, Simon Mole, Anthony J. Zera

Anthony Zera Publications

The cricket, Gryllus rubens (Orthoptera, Gryllidae), exists in natural populations as either a fully-winged (LW), flight-capable morph or as a short-winged (SW) morph that cannot fly. The SW morph is substantially more fecund than the LW morph. In this study we report on the physiological basis of this trade-off between flight capability and fecundity. Results from gravimetric feeding trials indicate that LW and SW morphs are equivalent in their consumption and digestion of food. However, during the adult stage, the LW morph is less efficient in converting assimilated nutrients into biomass. This may be a consequence of the respired loss …

Characterizing Stress In Feeder Cattle, G. Leroy Hahn, John A. Nienaber

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

During the period August 6 to 10, 1992, a heat wave moved through central and eastern Nebraska. Maximum air temperatures were in the 90 to 95°F range, generally not considered to be extreme during the summer season. However, during this particular episode, the accompanying humidity was higher than normal (50 to 70% during the hottest portions of the day), with light to moderate winds except on August 8 when the wind was fairly strong. The relatively cool preceding summer weather had not adequately conditioned livestock to high levels of heat stress. As a result, several hundred feedlot cattle died in …

Fiber Degrading Microorganisms From Bison, Cattle-Bison Hybrids And Cattle., Vincent H. Varel, Burk A. Dehority

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The limiting factor in forage plants which prevents more complete degradation by ruminants is the fiber component. Sometimes called lignocellulose, this fraction is primarily composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Forages are normally high in lignocellulose when compared to cereal grains, therefore they are lower in digestibility, which in turn results in reduced efficiency of animal production. Studies have shown that a small increase in forage digestibility, such as 7 to 12%, can result in increases of 30 to 40% in animal gain. These numbers provide a substantial incentive to further study the factors which limit the degradation of forage …

Genotype-Environment Interactions For Reproduction And Maternal Performance Of Bos Indicus And Bos Taurus Crosses In Nebraska And Florida, Larry V. Cundiff, Timothy A. Olsen, K. Euclides Filho, M. Kroger, W. T. Butts, Keith E. Gregory

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

In the U.S., cattle of diverse breeds and crosses are maintained in diverse climatic environments ranging from the temperate-continental conditions of the North Central region, characterized by wide fluctuations in temperate from winter to summer, to subtropical conditions of the Southeastern region, characterized by relatively moderate winter temperatures but high temperatures and humidity in the summer mo. The genetic range is spanned by Bos indicus (humped cattle) breeds, that originally evolved under tropical conditions of India and Pakistan, and by Bos taurus (nonhumped) breeds, that originally evolved under temperate conditions of continental Europe and the British Isles. The present experiment …

Omasal And Duodenal Nutrient Flow In Steers., Kelly K. Kreikemeier, Gary P. Rupp, Louis J. Perino

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Feedstuffs are degraded in the rumen, providing energy and nutrients for microbial growth. Volatile fatty acids produced during this process are absorbed and used as an energy source by the animal. The bacteria that are produced and unfermented feed residue flow out of the rumen to the small intestine where further digestion and absorption occurs. Of the total protein flowing to the small intestine, 50 to 90% is microbial protein. It is of high quality, well digested and well used by the animal.

Currently, estimates of the amount of microbial protein synthesized in the rumen vary considerably. We do not …

Beef Research Program Progress Report (1993) No. 4 (Part 1): Table Of Contents

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

ROMAN L. HRUSKA U.S. MEAT ANIMAL RESEARCH CENTER, D.B. Laster .... v

General Interest

Beef facilities and management at U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: W. Gordon Hays and Gary S. Ross .... 1

Genetics and Breeding

Cycle V of the germplasm evaluation (GPE) program in beef cattle: Larry V. Cundiff, Keith E. Gregory, and Robert M. Koch .... 3

Contributions of ovum cytoplasm and uterine environment and postnatal environment to maternal effects in beef cattle: Keith E. Gregory, and Ralph R. Maurer .... 6

Germplasm utilization in beef cattle: Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch, and Donald …

Postpartum Interval Is Influenced By Nutritional Environment And Biological Type, Russell A. Nugent Iii, Thomas G. Jenkins, Andrew J. Roberts, John M. Klindt

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Reproduction is a major component of production efficiency for a cow-calf system. Failure of a cow to conceive is the most important factor reducing net calf crop. The interval from parturition to estrus, or postpartum interval, greatly influences the chances of a cow becoming pregnant during a restricted breeding season. Breeds can differ in length of postpartum interval and further, postpartum interval is influenced by numerous environmental factors including nutritional value of available feedstuffs. Inadequate energy availabilityincreases postpartum interval in suckled beef cows, but energy requirements differamong biological types. The level at which energy begins to limitreproductive performance may not …

6. Cba: An Assessment Of Its Current Status And Prognosis For Its Future, Mark R. Shinn, Roland H. Good Iii

Curriculum-Based Measurement

The very fact that curriculum-based assessment (CBA) forms the basis of a topic-driven conference at the center of American educational and psychological measurement (i.e., the Buros Institute) is testimony that the strategies are receiving a substantial amount of professional attention. Although debate continues regarding to whom and when the term curriculum-based assessment should be ascribed (Coulter, 1988), without question, its prominence has grown considerably in the last 10 years. Within the last 5 years, school psychology and special education have seen their flagship journals, School Psychology Review and Exceptional Children, devote special volumes to CBA. National organizations such as …

Ec93-220-A 1993 Dairy Report

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Extension circular 93-220-A: This circular is a compilation of articles regarding the Dairy Industry published in 1993. Some of the articles in this circular include “Effect of Intrauterine Infusions of Blood Serum and Colostrum on Conception Rate in Repeat Breeder Dairy Cows,” “Replacing Forage Fiber with Soyhulls,” “Corrective Mating,” “Mastitis Research,” and many more.

G93-1177 Feeding And Managing Holstein Steers, Rick J. Grant, Rick Stock, Terry L. Mader

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses feeding and management practices to maximize feedlot performance, carcass quality, and profitability of Holstein steers. Holstein Steers vs Conventional Breeds Holstein steers usually are placed in the feedlot either as light-weight (250 to 350 pounds) calves or as feeders (600 to 800 pounds). The growth of Holstein feeder steers is generally more consistent than for conventional beef breeds.

Ec93-2309-B Nutritional And Ingredient Labeling Summary Fda/Usda Regulations 1993 : A Guide For Food Processors, Steve L. Taylor

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Extension Circular 93-2309-B isa guide for Food processors and a summary of Nutritional and ingredient labeling from FDA/USDA regulations.

Ec93-447 Documents For Decision Making: Living Wills And Medical Durable Powers Of Attorney, Georgia L. Stevens

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Every person has a unique belief system including personal values based on family traditions, life experience, spiritual and religious beliefs, and knowledge. Medical decisions that we make for ourselves are based on those beliefs and values that matter most to us. Most of us are aware of the court battles that have raged over "right to die" cases.

This publication helps a person understand the meaning of the living will and medical durable powers of attorney.

Estimates Of Mature Weights And Maturing Rates For Breed Crosses, Thomas G. Jenkins, Miroslav Kaps, Larry V. Cundiff, Calvin L. Ferrell

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Recent attempts to increase weight of product marketed for a cow herd have emphasized increasing the weights of progeny that are to be sold. Previous investigations have identified sufficient variation between and within breeds of cattle to enable the producer to set the desired level of genetic potential for size in the cow herd and rate of growth in the progeny. The assumption has been that a positive relationship exists between mature size and productivity. Researchers are beginning to question if this assumption is correct. It has been reported that mature size is negatively related to productivity. However, higher productivity …

Characterization Of Lactation Curves For Nine Breeds Of Cattle Fed Differing Rations, Thomas G. Jenkins, Calvin L. Ferrell

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Genetic merit for milk production influences the weight of calf marketed by producers. Higher preweaning weight gains are made by calves from cows that produce high levels of milk. Lactational productivity can influence future levels of herd calf output if the expression of higher genetic potentials for milk production exceeds the nutrient availability for the production environment. For example, if the lactating female energy requirements exceed the available energy resources, then the ability to reinstall the estrous cycle may be delayed. For producers, this delay may result in younger, lighter calves in the following production cycle. Producers using restricted breeding …

Influence Of Controlled Energy Intake On Body Composition Of Beef Steers, John W. Keele, Calvin L. Ferrell, Ralph N. Arnold, Michael E. Dikeman, Melvin C. Hunt

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Decreasing the amount of fat in beef decreases loss due to trim and the number of calories in a serving. Differences in fat content of cattle are caused by differences in genotype, gender, chemical agents and energy intake relative to functional requirements. An increase in energy intake increases both fat content and body weight. Based on this fact, differences in energy intake cause an association between fat content and body weight. This fact has led some scientists to suggest the hypothesis that fat content of animals of similar genotype and gender can be predicted from body weight even if there …

Computer Simulation Of Body Composition In Growing And Finishing Beef Cattle, Charles B. Williams, John W. Keele, Gary L. Bennett

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The National Institute of Health Consensus Development Conference in 1985 recommended that Americans eat a diet with no more that 30% of the calories coming from fat, to reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Beef with a low-fat content could compose a greater portion of this recommended diet than beef with a high-fat content. There is a large base of experimental results on the effects of various factors such as genetics, feeding level, sex condition, exogenous biological growth stimulants, time on feed, and postweaning management on growth, composition and palatability of beef carcasses. Systems analysis through the use …

Differences Among Parental Breeds In Germplasm Utilizationproject, Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch, Donald D. Lunstra

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Large differences exist among breeds for most bioeconomic traits. These differences are the result of different selection goals in different breeds. Thus, over time, large genetic differences have accumulated among breeds. Results from the Germplasm Evaluation Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center provide evidence that genetic variation between breeds is of similar magnitude to genetic variation within breeds for many bioeconomic traits. However, the heritability of breed differences approaches 100%, whereas, the heritability of differences within breeds for major bioeconomic traits varies from less than 10% to about 50% depending on the trait. Heritability of breed differences approaches …

Energy Expenditures Of Mature Cows During The Production Cycle, Calvin L. Ferrell, Tom G. Jenkins

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The cow uses about 65% of the feed energy used in the production of beef cattle. Of that, about 74% is used for maintenance of the maternal body, 18% for lactation and 8% for pregnancy in the mature, producing beef cow. The growing- finishing animal uses about 35% of the total feed energy used for beef production. In the growing-finishing animal, maintenance costs may vary from 30 to 100% of the total feed energy consumed, with the lower proportion being at high intakes and rates of gain. Typically, in feedlot cattle this value ranges from 30 to 40%, whereas in …

Identification Of Twin Pregnancies In Cattle By Ultrasonography, Sherrill E. Echternkamp, Keith E. Gregory

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The increased twinning frequency (Le., approximately 25%) in the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center twinning project has resulted in additional management requirements to achieve survival of twin calves and timely rebreeding of their dams. Previously, neonatal survival of twin calves (Le., within 24 hr after calving) was about 82% compared to 97% survival for singleborn calves. Although twin calves are smaller at birth than single-born calves (34.3 vs 44.8 kg), the incidence of calving difficulty (dystocia) is increased in twin pregnancies (35% vs 23% for twins vs singles, respectively) due to abnormal positioning of the calves within the uterus. The …

Germplasm Utilization In Beef Cattle, Keith E. Gregory, Larry V. Cundiff, Robert M. Koch, Donald D. Lunstra

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Heterosis achieved through continuous crossbreeding can be used to increase weight of calf weaned per cow exposed to breeding by 20%. Comprehensive programs of breed characterization have revealed large differences among breeds for most bioeconomic traits. About 55% of the U.S. beef breeding population involving 93% of the farmers and ranchers who produce beef cattle are in production units of 100 or fewer cows. Optimum crossbreeding systems are difficult to adapt in herds that use fewer than four bulls. Further, fluctuation in breed composition between generations in rotational crossbreeding systems can result in considerable variation among both cows and calves …

The Relationship Of Metabolic Hormones, Nutrition, And Postpartum Anestrus In Different Biological Types Of Cattle, Andrew J. Roberts, Russell A. Nugent Iii, Thomas G. Jenkins, John M. Klindt

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

Restricted energy intake can suppress the overall productivity of cattle. Restricted energy intake can decrease overall productivity of beef cows through, among other traits, decreased milk production, calf performance, and reproduction. However, failure of a cow to conceive is the major component affecting the overall production efficiency of the cow herd. In a companion report included in this publication ("Postpartum Interval Is Influenced by Nutritional Environment and Biological Type"), we demonstrated that the postpartum intervals for breeds of cattle with different genetic potentials for growth and milk production were differentially affected by restricted energy availability. This report, along with numerous …

G93-1139 Using The Dairy Herd Analyzer Program To Troubleshoot Management Problems, Jeffrey F. Keown, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Here's a logical approach to solving your herd's reproductive, nutritional, genetic and milk quality problems using the Dairy Herd Analyzer program.

The Dairy Herd Analyzer program was developed at Kansas State University. The program uses information on the DHIA-202 form to aid a producer in identifying areas that need to be addressed to improve productivity and overall herd management. The analysis specifically targets four management areas: reproduction, milk quality, nutrition and genetics.

Ec93-219-A 1994 Nebraska Swine Report

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Extension Circular 93-219-A contains the 1994 Nebraska Swine Report.

Chapter 6 Planning For Drought: A Methodology, Donald A. Wilhite

National Drought Mitigation Center: Faculty Publications

Developing a national or provincial drought policy and plan is a complicated but essential first step toward a reduction of societal vulnerability. Until recently, nations had devoted little effort toward drought planning, preferring instead the crisis management approach. Presently, an increasing number of nations are pursuing a more proactive approach that emphasizes the principles of risk management and sustainable development. Because of the multitude of impacts associated with drought and the numerous governmental agen-cies that have responsibility for some aspect of monitoring, assessment, mitigation, and planning, developing a policy and plan must be an integrated process within and between levels …

G93-1126 Crambe Production, Lenis Alton Nelson, Alan Grombacher, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This is a complete guide to the specifics of crambe production, from seedbed preparation to harvesting, storage and marketing. Crambe (Crambe abyssinica) is an oil crop from the mustard family. The seed contains 30 to 35 percent oil with 40 to 60 percent erucic acid in the oil. The erucic acid oil content of crambe is 8-9 percent more than that of rapeseed.

G93-1184 Bovine Ocular Neoplasia, L. J. Perino, D. D. Griffin, D. G. Rogers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide will aid in the early identification and proper management of bovine ocular neoplasia, commonly known as cancer eye, including appropriate veterniary care. The common name for bovine ocular neoplasia, also known as ocular squamous cell tumors, is cancer eye. The term cancer eye is not entirely accurate and carries negative connotations. As we will explain in this NebGuide not all of these growths are cancerous. The scientific term for a cow is "bovine," the medical term for the eye is "ocular," and the medical term for these new and abnormal growths is "neoplasia." Thus, the term bovine ocular …

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (1993): Overview, D. B. Laster

Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center: Reports

The Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (U.S. Meat Animal Research Center) is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. U.S. Meat Animal Research Center was authorized by Congress on June 16, 1964, thereby creating a single facility that provides an unusual opportunity for making contributions to the solution of problems facing the U.S. livestock industry. The 35,000-acre facility and the otficelaboratory buildings provide a physical plant for about 80 scientists and about 200 support personnel. In addition, the University of Nebraska's Great Plains Veterinary Educational Center (GPVEC) provides a facility for four university faculty …