Life Sciences Commons^™

Postcard, Two Men In Cow-Drawn Wagon

Farming in Arkansas

A picture postcard with two unidentified men in a cow-drawn cart on one side and a message to T.H. Raney on the back.

Validation Of An Automated Body Condition Scoring System Using 3d Imaging, Niall O'Leary, Lorenzo Leso, Frank Buckley, Jonathon Kenneally, True North Technologies, Shannon Business Centre, Shannon, Clare, Ireland;, Laurence Shalloo

Publications

Body condition scores (BCS) measure a cow’s fat reserves and is important for management and research. Manual BCS assessment is subjective, time-consuming, and requires trained personnel. The BodyMat F (BMF, Ingenera SA, Cureglia, Switzerland) is an automated body condition scoring system using a 3D sensor to estimate BCS. This study assesses the BMF. One hundred and three Holstein Friesian cows were assessed by the BMF and two assessors throughout a lactation. The BMF output is in the 0–5 scale commonly used in France. We develop and report the first equation to convert these scores to the 1–5 scale used by …

Physiological Impacts And Lactational Performance Of Dairy Cows Fed Brown Midrib Corn Silage During Dry Period Through Early To Midlactation, Alexandra Windley Kelley

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Developing solutions to the metabolic stress experienced by cows during the transition period is very important because it can negatively influence lactational performance. The objectives were to: 1) compare physiological changes through body weight (BW) and concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and 2) evaluate feed intake, milk production, and energy balance (EB) of cows fed brown midrib corn silage (BMRCS)-based diets when compared with conventional corn silage (CCS)-based diets during the transition. At 4 wk prior to parturition, 40 dry multiparous Holstein cows …

Can Cows Eat Snow?, Jim Keyes

All Current Publications

This fact sheet describes situations where cattle can survive on snow without having any other watagriculer supply.

2007 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report Summaries, Dennis R. Brink

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide briefly summarizes recent beef research reported on in the 2007 Beef Cattle Report.

2006 Beef Report Summaries, James Gosey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Reports on recent beef research are briefly summarized in this publication. Summaries of the research featured in the 2006 Beef Report appear here. Topics include cow-calf, growing, finishing and beef products.

Breeding Soundness Evaluation Of Bulls, Clell V. Bagley, C. Kim Chapman

All Current Publications

Very few bulls are “sterile” and unable to produce any offspring. But, 10% to 25% of bulls have reduced fertility or possess physical problems which reduce their ability to sire calves. The breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a useful tool in identifying these bulls. Eliminating bulls with physical problems or reduced fertility from the breeding herd will improve overall reproductive efficiency of the herd.

Ec05-883 Crop And Livestock Prices For Nebraska Producers, 1960-2005, Darrell R. Mark, Dillon Feuz, Brad Heinrichs

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This report contains historical price data for the major crops and livestock commodities produced in Nebraska. Prices received by producers are reported for 1960-2005 for most of the commodities.

The data was compiled from Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Service and Agricultural Prices, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA; Oil Crops Situation and Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; Cotton and Wool Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; and Livestock and Grain Market News, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. Sources of prices for each commodity are indicated on the tables.

Management Intensive Grazing Systems And The Environment, Rhonda Miller, Jennifer W. Macadam, Rich Koenig

Agriculture

No abstract provided.

Management Intensive Grazing Systems And The Environment, Rhonda Miller, Jennifer W. Macadam, Rich Koenig

All Current Publications

No abstract provided.

Cattle Grazing On A Hillside

Farming in Arkansas

Image of a herd of cattle grazing on a hillside on a sunny day.

Fall Calving In The Intermountain West, Dale R. Zobell, Craig Burrell, Darrell Rothlisberger, Eleanor Jenson

All Current Publications

Fall calving has been practiced by beef producers for many years, although in small numbers relative to spring calving. The spring calf crop has been a traditional event for most beef producers and probably will continue to be. There are distinct advantages, however, to fall calving which producers could take advantage of. The potential for higher conception and weaning rates, price premiums and the elimination of calf scours are among the reasons some beef producers have switched from spring calving their herd to fall calving.

Forage Kochia For Fall/Winter Grazing, D. R. Zobell, B. L. Waldron, K. C. Olson, R. D. Harrison, H. Jensen

All Current Publications

Winter feeding costs have often been cited as one of the most expensive aspects of beef cattle production in the Intermountain West. Research and rancher experience suggests that using forage kochia for fall/winter grazing may help reduce these costs.

How To Start Growing Beef Calves On Feed, Dale Zobell

All Current Publications

A well developed feeding program will reduce stress on newly weaned beef calves resulting in lower costs of gain. In consultation with a veterinarian and nutritionist effective processing and feeding can be achieved.

Ec03-883 Crop And Livestock Prices For Nebraska Producers, 1960-2003, Darrell R. Mark, Dillon Feuz, Roger Selley, Tina N. Barrett

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This report contains historical price data for the major crops and livestock commodities produced in Nebraska. Prices received by producers are reported for 1960-2002 for most of the commodities.

The data was compiled from Nebraska Agricultural Statistics Services and Agricultural Prices, National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA; Oil Crops Situation and Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; Cotton and Wool Outlook, Economic Research Service, USDA; and Livestock and Grain Market News, Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA. Sources of prices for each commodity are indicated on the tables.

Vaccination Programs For Dairy Young Stock, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Vaccines are an important tool to use in herd health programs for the protection of animal health. However, vaccines often do not protect health by themselves, and should be used in conjunction with good management practices. The timing of vaccination and selection of product type are important considerations.

Ec01-158 Integrating Management Objectives And Grazing Strategies On Semi-Arid Rangeland, Patrick E. Reece, Jerry D. Volesky, Walter H. Schacht

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Rangelands account for about half of Nebraska's total land area or about 24 million acres. Much of these expansive natural resource areas are in the semi-arid climatic region of Nebraska where grazing management decisions have a profound effect on ranch survival.

The educational object of this circular is to explain management practices that optimize the sustainability of rangeland-based enterprises. Additionally a decision-support tool is provided for selecting grazing systems best suited to livestock production and natural resource management objectives.

Ec00-281 Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows: A Tool For Managing The Nutrition Program For Beef Herds, Richard J. Rasby, James A. Gosey, Don C. Adams

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Body condition scores (BCS) describe the relative fatness of a cow through the use of a nine-point scale and is an effective management tool to evaluate nutrition status of the herd.

This extension circular describes the nine-point body condition scoring system, relationship between body condition and productivity of the cow herd, and use of body condition as a management tool to develop and monitor nutritional programs. Incorporation of body condition scoring as a management tool can increase the profit potential of the cow/calf enterprise.

Helping Dairy Producers Reduce The Scc, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

Practicing veterinarians are in an excellent position to help dairy producers recognize and deal with the problem of elevated somatic cell counts (SCC). Yet they are seldom asked to assist. A high SCC is an indication of chronic, subclinical mastitis in the herd and is also an indication of significant economic losses.

Nf99-405 Processing Corn Grain For Dairy Cows, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact offers suggestions for processing forn for lactating cows.

G98-1358 Feeding To Maximize Protein And Fat, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding guidelines to increase milk fat and protein production.

Proper feeding management of dairy herds can both improve the economy of production and provide a healthier cow. To achieve these goals, producers must feed to increase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein.

Milk solids components include fat, protein, lactose and minerals. Normal values for milk fat range from 3.7 percent (Holstein) to 4.9 percent (Jersey); milk protein ranges from 3.1 percent (Holstein) to 3.8 percent (Jersey). Lactose is usually 4.6–4.8 percent for all breeds; minerals (ash) average .74 percent. Because current milk …

Colloidal Silver Not Approved For Treating Animals, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

FDA has received reports that products containing colloidal silver are being promoted for use in the treatment of mastitis and other serious disease conditions of dairy cattle, as well as for various conditions of companion animals. For example, FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has received reports from the Agency's regional milk specialists and State inspectors that colloidal silver products have been found on some dairy farms.

Clinical Trials With Copper Supplementation, Clell Bagley, Norris Stenquist, Dennis Worwood

All Current Publications

Copper deficiency has been diagnosed in beef cattle herds in many areas of the intermountain west. Copper supplements are not widely used, even though several products are available. It is difficult to correct a deficiency because too much copper can result in copper toxicity or poisoning. Toxicity is less a hazard with cattle than with sheep, but it is still a problem to guard against. Periodic monitoring of the herd’s copper status is essential for proper supplementation.

Ammonia Toxicity In A Herd Of Beef Cattle, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

A Utah producer lost 22 out of 50 head of cows in May, due to ammonia toxicity. He used a liquid fertilizer tank to haul water to the cattle. He had done this for two years previously, and with washing out thoroughly, there had been no problem. But this time some fertilizer was evidently left in, mixed with the water and resulted in the toxicosis.

Copper Deficiency In Utah, Clell Bagley, Norris Stenquist, Dennis Worwood

All Current Publications

Copper deficiency has been diagnosed in a number of Utah cattle herds, yet few producers use copper supplements. Cattle deficient in the element can suffer significant production losses. Producers need to balance both the effects and the costs of copper supplements. Too much copper can cause copper toxicity or poisoning. And adding copper may not be economical if animals are only marginally deficient. Further, the deficiency may occur only on specific feeds or pastures, correcting itself when cattle are moved.

Mastitis Prevention Program, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

A great deal of money and effort have been expended over the years to find methods for control of mastitis in dairy cows. Both European and U.S. workers have developed programs of prevention that are very similar. These preventive programs require implementation of the seven basic procedures outlined below. It has been shown repeatedly that this programs works.

Health Programs Which Improve The Marketability Of Calves, Clell Bagley

All Current Publications

The “winds of change” have the potential to drastically change the marketing of beef calves in the next few years. Economic pressures may force greater conformity in the way cow-calf producers manage and prepare their calves for market. Those who are slow to conform may be at a disadvantage for marketing.

Nf97-317 Managing Dairy Cows To Avoid Abomasal Displacement, Rick Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebFact discusses feeding strategies to reduce the incidence of displaced abomasum in your dairy herd.

G97-1314 Medication Withdrawal In Beef Cattle, Dicky D. Griffin, Dale Grotelueschen

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide lists the current withdrawal times for medications used in beef cattle.

Using proper livestock medications is very important. Proper use not only ensures maximal benefits from the medication but minimizes the chances of an unwanted residue. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has worked hard to develop a premiere quality assurance program. In conjunction with other national and state beef and veterinary associations, the Beef Quality Assurance program now extends to almost every state in the nation. As a result, the safety and quality of beef has never been better. The outstanding record includes having an extremely low rate …

G97-1320 Feeding To Maximize Milk Solids, Rick J. Grant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes feeding guidelines to increase production of solids-corrected milk.

Proper feeding management of the dairy herd can improve the economy of production and provide for a healthier cow. Feeding to increase production of milk with maximum levels of milk fat and protein is essential for achieving these benefits.

Milk solid components include fat, protein, lactose, and minerals. Normal values for milk fat range from 3.7 percent (Holstein) to 4.9 percent (Jersey); milk protein ranges from 3.1 percent (Holstein) to 3.8 percent (Jersey). Lactose is usually 4.6 to 4.8 percent for all breeds and minerals (ash) average .74 percent. …