Life Sciences Commons^™

G89-952 Estrus (Heat) Detection Guidelines, Jeffrey F. Keown, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Ways to spot cows in heat are covered in this NebGuide.

Several factors are essential in maintaining a herd's reproductive health. Among the most important are: (1) maintaining accurate records, (2) knowing the visual signs of estrus (heat), (3) using proper heat detection aids, and (4) maintaining a herd health program.

By taking the four basic steps listed above, the expected calving interval for dairy animals will be close to the recommended 12 to 13 months. Beef producers need to strive for a 12-month calving interval to maintain a profitable enterprise.

This 12- to 13-month calving interval returns the most …

G89-919 Quality Laboratory Samples Necessary For Accurate Disease Diagnosis, Duane Rice, Douglas G. Rogers

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the importance of submitting proper specimens to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory as an aid in diagnosing infectious diseases, feed imbalance, or animal poisoning.

To comprehend the reasons for failures in disease diagnosis at veterinary diagnostic laboratories, it is important to understand what disease is, what causes disease, how the animal resists disease (becomes immune), and what happens to the animal if disease develops and the animal does not become immune.

According to Stedmans Dictionary, disease is an interruption, cessation or disorder of body functions, systems or organs. Some diseases may be obvious to the untrained eye, …

G89-929 Consequences Teach Responsibility, Herbert G. Lingren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes how to discipline children by letting them experience the consequences of their behavior, and by using "time-outs" and "reverse time-outs."

There are many ways to discipline children. Parents can choose ways that suit them as individuals and that fit their beliefs and values. Letting children suffer the consequences for their behavior is just one of many discipline methods.

Letting children suffer the consequences is a "hassle-free" way to discipline them. Children learn from experiences, just like adults. We call it "learning the hard way." The child learns that every act has a consequence. And, they learn to …

G89-928 Parent Checklist For Choosing Day Care, Herbert G. Lingren

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Choosing appropriate child care can be confusing. Here are some things to consider in selecting the best care for your child.

What Is Good Day Care?

Good day care requires three important things: a caregiver who provides your child with care and guidance and who works with you and your family to made sure your child grows and learns in the best way possible; a setting that keeps your child safe and healthy; activities suited to your child's stage of growth that help the child develop mentally, physically, socially and emotionally.

Farming Systems Research/Extension And The Concepts Of Sustainability, Charles A. Francis, Peter E. Hildebrand

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Farming Systems Research and Extension (FSR/E) has strongly influenced the direction of agricultural development over the past two decades. Involving farmers, change agents and researchers, this participatory approach to technological improvement has evolved as an efficient means to develop individual components and more integrated systems that are uniquely suited to specific biophysical and socioeconomic conditions. Farmers with similar conditions and for whom specific recommendations are appropriate are grouped, in FSR/E, into identifiable Recommendation Domains. The technologies recommended conform with the biophysical and socioeconomic constraints that create environments within the domains, based on the philosophy that new technologies must conform with …

G89-925 'Helminthosporium' Leaf Spot And Melting Out Diseases Of Turfgrass (Revised December 1995), John E. Watkins, Roch E. Gaussoin, Terrance P. Riordan

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Symptoms and controls for "Helminthosporium" leaf spot and melting out are discussed.

Leaf spot and melting out are two fungal diseases of turfgrass within the "Helminthosporium" leaf, crown and root disease complex. They are the most common and serious groups of cool season turfgrass diseases in North America.

G89-933 Supplemental Pastures For Sheep, Ted Doane, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Efficient and effective ways to pasture sheep are covered here.

Feed costs account for approximately 80 percent of all costs in many dry lot feeding programs for sheep. These costs can be reduced to 50 percent in the total cost with effective pasture programs.

Sheep can be efficient at converting forage into meat and wool. The following pasture alternatives and combinations allow the development of a pasture program where sheep can be on pasture for approximately 10 months of the year, if weather permits.

G89-901 Understand Your Soil Test: Sulfur, K.D. Frank, Delno Knudsen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors leading to sulfur deficiency, soil and water tests, soil test interpretation and fertilizer materials that contain sulfur are covered here.

Sulfur, one of the macro-nutrients, may be deficient in some sandy soils but usually is plentiful in other soils of the state. The amounts contained by healthy crops are on the same order as phosphorus, ranging from 0.2 percent to .5 percent sulfur. It is a component of certain amino acids, and so is part of several proteins essential for plants and animals.

G88-892 Mixing Quality Pig Feed (Revised July 1992), Duane Reese, Mike Brumm

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Pig feed quality problems and mixing recommendations are covered here. Feed ingredients represent over 60 percent of the total cost of farrow-finish pork production and 65-70 percent of the variable expenses. Attention to quality preparation, in addition to purchasing decisions, is a component of feed ingredient cost management. Errors in formulation, misuse of feed mixing equipment, use of poor quality feed ingredients or lack of a quality assurance program can have costly consequences.

G89-922 Stain Removal For Washable Fabrics (Revised April 1999), Rose Marie Tondl

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Spaghetti sauce, ink and chewing gum are just a few of the things that can leave their mark on clothing. This NebGuide has suggestions for removing stains from washable fabrics.

Home stain removal done quickly and cautiously can decrease family clothing care costs. Clothing expenditures are reduced by minimizing the replacement of damaged clothing. The following instructions and techniques use normal home laundry products and readily available stain-removal agents. These procedures apply only to washable items and not to garments labeled dry clean only. Always check the care label for recommended laundering procedures and follow the instructions.

G89-899 Weed Control In No-Till Corn, Grain Sorghum And Soybean Production, R.S. Moomaw, Alex Martin, R.N. Stougaard, Fred Roeth, G.A. Wicks, Robert N. Klein, Paul J. Jasa

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Tips for successful no-till weed control, weed control principles for no-till row crop production, and no-till row crops planted into legume or small grain residues are covered here. Soil erosion by wind and water is a strong societal concern in our state and nation. Current estimates are that more than 100 million tons of topsoil are eroded annually in Nebraska, with 75 percent of that coming from row crop areas. Nebraska farmers have been implementing changes in their crop production practices to reduce soil erosion.

G89-905 Weed Control On Crp Acres (Revised July 1997), Robert N. Klein, Gail A. Wicks, John E. Watkins, Jerry D. Volesky

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Establishing perennial grasses on former cropland presents a challenge. Weed control can be accomplished with herbicides, tillage, burning, mowing, and crop competition. The key to weed control is timeliness. Weeds should be controlled on CRP acres to reduce the risk of seeding failure and eliminate possible reseeding costs. Soil moisture must be available for seed germination, seedling emergence, and establishment to be successful in getting stands of grasses and/or legumes. Weeds can quickly and thoroughly consume soil water throughout the upper soil profile and must be controlled to allow grass and legume seedlings to germinate and emerge. In addition, rapid-growing, …

Ec89-263 Nebraska Breeding And Calving Record Book

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This Breeding-Calving Record Book will serve as a useful aid in keeping complete and accurate beef performance records. Performance records have long been recognized as a valuable tool in the selection of genetically superior cattle; in addition, performance records are now being used to eliminate much of the "guesswork" from herd management decisions.

G89-955 Nozzles — Selection And Sizing (Revised February 2003), Robert N. Klein, William P. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The proper selection of a nozzle type and size is essential for proper pesticide application. The nozzle is a major factor in determining the amount of spray applied to an area, the uniformity of application, the coverage obtained on the target surface, and the amount of potential drift. This NebGuide covers nozzle description, recommended uses and orifice sizing for sprayers.

Ec89-119 Hail Damage Assessment And Replant Decisions, Charles A. Shapiro, Timothy A. Powell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Hail is one of the many hazards that can damage a growing crop. Early in the growing season a producer has the option to replant a field seriously damaged by hail. The question is, how do you decide if it is worthwhile to replant, and what information do you need to make an informed decision? Factors to consider when deciding to replant are the expected yield reduction due to hail, the cost of replanting, and the yield potential of the replanted crop. Other information needed to make a rational decision is included in this publication, and several examples are given.

G89-953 Soybean Chlorosis Management, Edwin J. Penas, Richard A. Wiese

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Four management ideas that make it possible to grow soybeans on alkaline soils are covered here.

Chlorosis (yellowing) in soybeans can be a problem wherever soybeans are grown on alkaline soils in Nebraska. Serious chlorosis is likely to occur when the pH of these alkaline soils is 7.5 or higher. Soybean chlorosis problems occur in the Platte and Elkhorn River Valleys and, to a lesser extent, in the Republican and Loup River Valleys, and on high lime soils in central and western Nebraska. Not all high pH soils cause chlorosis of soybeans even though they are alkaline.

Soil tests of …

G89-924 Fertilizing Proso Millet (Revised December 2002), Jurg M. Blumenthal, David D. Baltensperger

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Soil testing and fertilization of proso millet with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients is discussed. Management practices that provide an adequate, but not excessive, supply of plant nutrients are essential for top yields of proso millet in the High Plains.

G89-947 Buying Meat By The Serving, Dennis E. Burson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Buying meat by the serving rather than by the pound can save you money. Determining cost per serving is covered here.

Smart shoppers use cost per serving rather than price per pound in making meat selection decisions. Price per pound can be misleading because all cuts will not yield the same number of servings per pound.

Although some boneless cuts may cost more on a per pound basis, they may be more economical due to less waste. The amount of bone and waste fat determines the number of servings of cooked meat a cut will yield. Cost of the edible …

G89-923 Windbreak Maintenance And Renovation, Jon Wilson, Mike Kuhns

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

What are you doing to maintain your windbreak? Is renovation necessary? This NebGuide can help you decide.

Windbreaks are integral parts of many Nebraska farming and ranching operations. They protect man, animals, crops and buildings from cold winter winds, hot summer winds, and deep snows. Windbreaks prevent wind erosion and provide wildlife habitat.

All windbreaks, even well-designed ones, need regular maintenance. Some windbreaks, especially those that are older or neglected, may need more drastic treatment or renovation.

Safe Operation Of Compact Tractors, Robert Grisso, Rollin Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Follow these safety tips and maintenance procedures for checking, servicing and operating compact tractors to extend their life and reduce breakdowns and accidents.
• Types of Grounds Keeping Equipment
• Read the Operator's Manual
• Personal Safety Check
• Inspect the Equipment
• Starting Procedures
• &#;Be Alert While Operating
• Stopping Procedures
• Shutting Down
• Summary

G89-940 Financial Planning Form: Net Worth Statement, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide gives step-by-step instructions for filling out the included net worth statement, sometimes called a balance sheet.

A net worth statement, or balance sheet, is like a snapshot that shows a financial situation at a certain point in time. In simple terms, the net worth sheet shows how much money would be left if everything owned was converted into cash and used to pay off all debts.

The net worth statement includes what is owned (assets) on the left side of the sheet, what is owed to creditors (liabilities) on the right side of the sheet, and the net …

G89-934 Financial Counseling: What, Who, When, And Where, Kathleen Prochaska-Cue

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide explains what financial counseling is, who needs it and why, when it is needed, where to find a qualified financial counselor, and more.

What Is Financial Counseling?

Financial counselors help people learn to manage their own financial resources. As a process, financial counseling involves at least two people--the person who counsels, and the person or persons being counseled.

Financial counseling usually extends over a period of time, since most true change does not take place immediately. Ultimately all decisions are left to the person being counseled.

Financial planning involves setting financial goals and objectives, developing an action plan, …

G89-902 Intensive Gardening Techniques, Betty Besal

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes techniques which will allow the gardener to grow more vegetables where space may be limited.

For some people, a small-sized garden is preferable to a larger one. Smaller gardens require less labor and expense than larger gardens. Decreasing garden size provides more yard space for other activities. The gardener can concentrate soil improvement efforts in a smaller area, and, with careful management, small gardens can produce sufficient vegetables for fresh eating during the growing season, and perhaps extra produce for preserving.

G89-954 A Guide For Managing Poultry Insects (Revised April 1996), John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Major insect pests of Nebraska's poultry population are identified and treatment recommendations are given.

For many years poultry production in Nebraska has consisted primarily of large operations of layer hens. In recent years, however, broiler production has increased in southeast Nebraska. There are also some large turkey production units. Extreme competitiveness in the poultry industry has resulted in narrow cost-profit margins. Poultry operations cannot allow ectoparasitic and nuisance insects to interfere with production, nor can they afford high pest control expenses. For production to be profitable, poultry production must be managed to reduce the incidence of insect pests.

Poultry are …

G89-950 Horse Insect Control Guide, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Insects that bother horses, and ways to treat them, are covered here.

People keep horses in Nebraska for a number of different reasons. Some are for 4-H projects and urban users (recreational), ranch and farm (work), breeding farms, and racing.

Some of the insect pests of horses are also pests of other livestock species. Other insects are specific to horses, but may be pests only on farm and ranch horses.

The best methods of pest control vary depending upon the type of horse production.

G89-932 Minimum Center Pivot Design Capacities In Nebraska, William L. Kranz, Derrel L. Martin, Greg Lackas

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors to consider in choosing an appropriate center pivot design are covered here. Irrigators investing in a center pivot irrigation system need to consider this important question: How much supplemental water is required by the crop? Irrigation system capacity needed to meet crop requirements is defined in units of gallons per minute (GPM) or gallons per minute per acre (GPM/AC). If the system capacity is too low, crop stress occurs during some portion of the growing season. If the capacity is too high, surface runoff may result, or capital investment for the pumping plant and center pivot may be greater …

G89-937 The Pesticide Label, Larry D. Schulze, Shripat T. Kamble

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the parts of a pesticide label to aid understanding and promote safe and effective use of pesticide products.

Pesticide information can be provided to end users through labels and labeling. Not all pesticide products have labeling. While the words are similar, they have distinctly different meanings.

G89-900 Phytophthora Root Rot Of Alfalfa, John E. Watkins, Fred A. Gray, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Disease cycle, symptoms and management practices for phytophthora root rot are discussed in this NebGuide.

Phytophthora root rot (PRR) is a major cause of seedling death in newly established alfalfa, and causes a progressive decline of established stands in Nebraska. This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora megasperma f. sp. medicaginis and occurs in most of the alfalfa producing areas in North America.

The Phytophthora that infects alfalfa is different from the Phytophthora that causes root rot in soybeans. Growers sometimes think the two diseases are the same for the respective crops, but they are two different diseases with …

G89-931 Alfalfa Anthracnose, John E. Watkins, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Symptoms, disease cycle and control of alfalfa anthracnose are discussed here.

Forage crops are grown on and harvested from more acres in Nebraska than any other crop. Of the almost 49 million acres of agricultural land in Nebraska, approximately 24 million acres are in hay. Alfalfa production has stabilized at about two million acres.

High feed and forage production costs and periodic droughts have generated increased concern by farmers and ranchers over forage losses from diseases, insects and environmental stresses. Estimates suggest about one-fourth of the U.S. alfalfa hay crop and one-tenth of the seed crop are lost annually to …

G89-989 How To Interpret The New Animal Model For Dairy Sire Evaluation, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

In question and answer format this NebGuide addresses changes in genetic evaluations of both dairy cows and sores.

Why is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) changing the dairy sire and cow evaluation system?

The answer is simple. The Animal Model for genetic evaluations is more accurate than the old Modified Contemporary Comparison Method (M.C.C.). Previously the major limiting factors to implementing the Animal Model were computing costs and memory requirements. With the advent of new Super Computers, the computations are feasible on a national scale.

What is the Animal Model?

The Animal Model simultaneously evaluates cows and sires …