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 …

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.

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 …

G97-1313 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 …

Mp68 1996-98 Dairy Report

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Annual Report of University of Nebraska-Lincoln Dairy Research for 1997-1998. Topics include:

Time of Initiating Dietary Fat Supplementaion on Lactation and Reproduction

A Soyhull:Soy Lecithin Soapstock Mixture for Early Lactation Dairy Cows

Nonenzymatically Browned Soybeans for Dairy Cattle

Feather and Blood Meal Combination for Lactating Dairy Cows

Impact of Nonfiber Carbohydrate Concentration on Forage Fiber Digestion

Sulfite Liquor-Treated Meat and Bone Meal for Dairy Cows

The OTHER Causes of Infectious Diseases

Test Day Genetic Evaluations

Income and Herdlife

Maternal Genetic and Cytoplasmic Effects in Dairy Cattle

Financial and Management Survey of Nebraska Dairy Producers

Free-Stall Design and Maintenance

Horizontal Silos …

G95-1262 Feeding The Beef Cow Herd--Part Ii Managing The Feeding Program, Richard J. Rasby, Ivan G. Rush, Don C. Adams

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Feed costs are the cow/calf producer's greatest expense in producing a weaned calf. To remain competitive, cow/calf operators must use economical feeding programs. It is important to match the available feed resources with the nutrient requirements of the first-calf-heifer and cow. Both over- and underfeeding the cow herd can lead to high production costs.

Nutrient requirements for heifers calving as 2-year-olds and cows calving as 3-year-olds and older are shown in Table I. Beef cows are seldom fed complete rations where ingredients are weighed daily. Generally, most of a cow's ration is forages such as: 1) summer and winter range, …

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.

Ec95-137 Producing And Marketing Proso Millet In The High Plains, D. D. Baltensperger, Drew J. Lyon, R. Anderson, Tom Holman, C. Stymieste, J. Shanahan, Lenis Alton Nelson, Karen L. Deboer, Gary L. Hein, J. Krall

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Proso millet, Panicum miliaceum (L.), is a warm season grass capable of producing seed 60 to 90 days after planting. It has been called millet, hog millet, and yellow hog. It has been grown in many countries of the world including China, the former Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Romania, Turkey, and India.

Historically, proso production in the High Plains has been quite variable, depending on the survival of the winter wheat crop, government programs, and market price.

Proso can be used in several ways. Proso millet grain is used as bird and livestock feed in the United States and for livestock …

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 …

Ec95-745 Managing Livestock Odors: Principles, Assessment And Planning, Richard K. Koelsch

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Odors associated with livestock manure represent a growing challenge for livestock producers. Livestock production trends such as more animals per farm and expanded reliance upon manure storage have added to the odor muisance. Implementing other environmentally friendly practices such as manure nutrient management and maintenance of surface crop residues for soil conservation also have resulted in additional odor challenges.

Odors originating from livestock wastes are a common source of irritation between producers and neighbors. Confrontations may lead to more stringent local zoning regulations, greater scrutiny of other farm environmental issues, and litigation.

This publication summarizes the underlying causes of livestock …

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.

G95-1236 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.

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 …

G94-1204 Face Fly Control Guide, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The face fly congregates about the eyes and nose of animals, causing annoyance and possible disease transmission. This NebGuide discusses face fly breeding and effective controls.

The face fly closely resembles the house fly except it is slightly larger and darker. Other differentiating characteristics include: 1) the abdomen of the male face fly is orange and the female has an orange stripe; the abdomen of the house fly is white or light grey and 2) the compound eyes of male face flies nearly touch but are separated in the house flies.

The persistence and habit of congregating about the eyes …

G94-1229 Importance Of Grain Quality, Nutrient Composition And Processing For Dairy Cattle, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses grain quality and proper grain processing for most effective use by dairy cattle.

Grain Quality Considerations for Dairy Cattle

Controlling the quality of grain is extremely important for dairy cattle because even small degrees of variability can lead to significant changes in performance.

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 …

G93-1148 Common Infectious Diseases That Cause Abortions In Cattle, Duane N. Rice, Douglas Rogers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide briefly discusses the common infectious diseases that cause abortions in cattle. "Abortion" is the expulsion of the fetus prior to the end of the normal gestation period. Many abortions occur very early after conception and the embryos or fetuses are so small that they may not be seen. Other abortions may occur near normal calving time and it is difficult to determine whether the cow has aborted or whether a premature birth has occurred. Abortions have many causes which may include physiological problems (such as hormonal imbalances), metabolic problems, toxicoses and/or infectious diseases caused by protozoa, bacteria or …

G93-1168 Moisture Testing Of Grain, Hay And Silage, Bruce Anderson, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide offers methods to help producers test moisture content of grain, hay, silage and other feeds.

Knowing the moisture and dry matter (DM) content of feeds is important to farmers for several reasons:

1. Livestock performance depends on DM consumed; thus, DM content must be known to accurately formulate rations.

2. Knowledge of moisture content is needed for harvest decisions during haying and silage chopping and for safe storage of grains, hay, and silage.

3. Moisture content is a major factor related to the value, or price, of forages and grain.

Every producer should be able to test for …

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 …

G93-1172 Starting Cattle, Dicky D. Griffin, Louis Perino, Don Hudson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide gives guidelines to help feedlot operators prepare and establish a plan for starting new cattle on feed that minimizes stress, reduces morbidity (sickness) and improves performance.

An animal's first few weeks in a feedlot can influence performance throughout the entire feeding period. The cattle are adapting to a new environment and may be exposed to disease, some for the first time. It is vitally important to prevent and deal with health problems at this time to prevent loss of performance.

Cattle entering the feedlot encounter a range of problems that arise from several sources, including health and nutritional …

G93-1138 Water Quality And Requirements For Dairy Cattle, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide stresses the importance to the dairy cow of water, an essential but often overlooked nutrient.

Providing insufficient water or water of poor quality to dairy cattle can limit milk production and growth, and can cause health problems. An adequate supply of clean water promotes normal rumen function, high feed intake, digestion and nutrient absorption. Water also maintains blood volume, supplies tissue needs, and makes up about 87 percent of the milk secreted by the cow. The following sections discuss water intake and requirements, water quality and guidelines for proper use of cattle waterers.

G93-1143 How To Use The National Genetic Evaluations For Somatic Cell Scores, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide will help dairy producers use information from the National Genetic Evaluations for Somatic Cell Scores in selecting sires.

New genetic evaluations for Somatic Cell Scores (SCS) will be published in July 1993. This evaluation system will allow producers, for the first time, to select sires genetically for SCS. This system will use national data and will be analyzed by USDA, Beltsville, MD. The procedures used will be exactly the same as the current evaluation system for milk, fat and protein.

Rp92-217 No. 6 Delivering On A Live Cattle Futures Contract, Al Wellman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

A producer who hedges with a live cattle futures contract normally will offset the futures position by buying a futures contract and selling the cattle on the cash market. However, there may be a time when it is advantageous to make delivery of the cattle against the contract. In fact, the potential or alternative for delivery is an important necessary contract feature.

Live cattle futures follow a Certificate of Delivery procedure, the details are covered later in this Fact Sheet. Mid-America Exchange delivery units equal one-half the size and have the same delivery conditions as the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) …

G92-1111 Mineral And Vitamin Nutrition Of Dairy Cattle, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide focuses on the best sources of minerals and vitamins, current requirements for production, and feeding practices to best meet these requirements and promote health and productivity of dairy cattle. Dairy cattle require at least 17 minerals and three vitamins in their diet for optimal milk production, reproductive performance, and herd health. Although classical mineral or vitamin deficiency symptoms are rare, in many cases under- and overfeeding of certain minerals and vitamins does occur. Even small imbalances or deficiencies can develop into reproductive, health, and milk production problems. As herd milk production averages in Nebraska climb, it will become …

G92-1070 Feeding Dairy Cattle For Proper Body Condition Score, Rick Grant, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding and management practices that allow the producer to control body condition throughout lactation and the dry period.

Body condition score is a critical measure of a dairy feeding system's effectiveness. Adequate body fat reserves promote milk production, reproductive efficiency, and herd longevity. Excessively fat cows or overly thin cows run much greater risks of metabolic problems, lower milk yield, poor conception rates, and dystocia (difficult calving). Failure to attain proper body condition or rapid changes in body condition score during early lactation may indicate problems in herd health or feeding management.

Ec91-123 Drought Management On Range And Pastureland: A Handbook For Nebraska And South Dakota, Patrick E. Reece, Jack D. Alexander, James R. Johnson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Drought is generally defined as a prolonged period during which annual precipitation is less than 75 percent of average. Based upon this definition, drought has occurred in 21 percent of the years in the northern Great Plains since 1940. Poor distribution of precipitation in a single year or less than average precipitation in successive years can also cause drought conditions.

This extension circulation discusses the following: how plants respond to drought, management preparation for drought, herd management, animal response to drought, predicting forage production and stocking rates, drought management plans, rangeland resource inventory, grazing management, and plant recovery after drought.

G90-977 Johne's Disease (Paratuberculosis), Duane N. Rice, Douglas G. Rogers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses paratuberculosis (a costly disease) of cattle, sheep and goats, its causes, clinical signs, transmission, diagnosis and control measures.

Johne's Disease, or paratuberculosis, is a chronic wasting disease that causes considerable production losses in adult cattle, sheep and goats. The disease is caused by Mycobacterium paratuberculosis, a bacterium related to the tuberculosis bacterium Mycobacterium bovis.

This bacterium causes an enteritis (inflamed intestinal tract) that results in severe weight loss and diarrhea. Some animals may be so emaciated (thin, dehydrated) that they are condemned at slaughter; others may suffer from reduced productivity long before clinical (visible) signs …

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, …