Life Sciences Commons^™

Optimal Stocker Production Strategies For Spring And Fall Calving Cow Herds, Cora Beth Key

Masters Theses

This thesis consists of two chapters discussing the economics of raising stocker beef cattle in the southeast United States. The objective of the first chapter is to estimate supplemental feed cost for spring-calving cows, spring-born stockers, cows calving in the fall, and fall-born stockers, while considering the seasonality of forage production and nutritional needs. The chapter explores ways producers can lower their feed costs and demonstrates the importance of managing hay expenses for cattle producers to control cost. The objective of chapter two is to determine the profit-maximizing stocker period in an integrated cow-calf and stocker operation with both fall- …

Predicting Voluntary Forage Intake Of Supplemented Beef Cattle, Connor Biehler

Masters Theses

A major priority of beef cattle production is to meet animal nutrient requirements in order to achieve a desired level of productivity. Accurately predicting voluntary forage intake (VFI) is necessary to accurately predict the total nutrient intake of grazing or forage-fed beef cattle that are also supplemented with other sources of nutrients. Therefore, the objectives of this experiment were to utilize data from published literature to 1) identify factors that explain variation in VFI, and 2) develop and validate one or more mathematical models that predict VFI or total nutrient intake of grazing or forage-fed and supplemented beef cattle. A …

Utilizing Pregnancy Associated Glycoproteins To Improve Reproductive Efficiency In Cattle, Sydney Taylor Reese

Masters Theses

Diagnosing and maintaining successful pregnancies are one of the most important components to profitable and efficient management of beef and dairy cattle operations. Pregnancy loss is a major component of reproductive inefficiency and has been investigated less intensively in beef cattle than in dairy cattle. Pregnancy Associate Glycoproteins [PAGs] are placental products which have been identified as an accurate tool for pregnancy diagnosis and as substantial evidence indicates, markers of embryo and placental competence. The aim of these two studies is to further distinguish characteristics of pregnancies based on PAG concentration. Serial embryo transfer was used in beef heifers to …

Performance Of Beef Cattle Grazing Native Warm-Season Grasses In An Integrated Forage/Biofuels System In The Mid-South, William Matthew Backus

Masters Theses

Early season (ES) and full season (FS) grazing strategies were used to evaluate performance of stocker steers grazing native warm-season grasses (NWSG) in 2010, 2011 and 2012 in two experiments. Experiment one was conducted at the Research and Education Center (REC) at Ames Plantation near Grand Junction and experiment two was conducted at Highland Rim REC near Springfield in which Angus and Angus cross steers (268±25kg) were used in completely randomized design with three forage treatments: 1) switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.); 2) a combination of big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans); and 3) …

Willingness To Adopt Best Management Practices By Beef Cattle Producers In A Southeastern Tennessee Watershed, Alicia Marie Signore

Masters Theses

Extensive beef cattle farming in the ridge and valley region of East Tennessee suggests that cattle producers could play an important role in improving water quality through the adoption of livestock best management practices (BMPs). This study examines factors influencing willingness to adopt four BMPs—rotational grazing, pasture improvement, stream water crossing, and water tank systems—by beef cattle operations in a southeast Tennessee watershed. Factors examined include farm and farmer characteristics, farmer attitudes, and a hypothetical incentive program encouraging adoption of these practices. Data was collected through a mail survey of 5,150 farmland owners in McMinn, Bradley, and Monroe Counties. Respondents …

The Spread And Potential Control Of Disease Across The Domestic Cattle-Wildlife Interface, Rachel Jackson

Chancellor’s Honors Program Projects

No abstract provided.

Producers Willingness To Adopt A Prescribed Grazing System East Of The 100th Meridian, Caroline Elizabeth Holt

Masters Theses

With the climate change concerns facing the United States, the contributions of the beef industry to greenhouse gasses are difficult to overlook. The agriculture industry is estimated to be the largest producer of methane emissions in the United States, and within agriculture, livestock are the largest contributor with cattle producing 73 percent of the methane emissions from all livestock (Johnson and Johnson 1995).

This thesis focuses on factors influencing beef cattle producers’ east of the 100th meridian interest in adopting prescribed grazing; including how a government cost share system could enhance adoption. Information was obtained for the study through a …

Economic And Environmental Effects Of Switchgrass Production On A Representative Cow-Calf Farm In Middle Tennessee, Hanna Leah Watts

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the economic tradeoffs and land use dynamics of incorporating switchgrass into the farm plan of a representative middle Tennessee cow-calf operation. A net revenue simulation and multi-year mathematical programming model was used to find the optimum mix of switchgrass and cow-calf enterprises that will maximize whole farm net revenues over 30 years on a representative middle Tennessee beef farm under both average and above average management. Land use changes predicted by the mathematical programming model were used to assess the carbon change associated with incorporating, or transitioning to, switchgrass production.

For a …

Occurrence Of The Invasion Associated Marker (Iam) In Campylobacter Jejuni Isolated From Cattle, Yasser M. Sanad, Issmat I. Kassem, Zhe Liu, Jun Lin, Jeffrey T. Lejeune, Gireesh Rajashekara

Animal Science Publications and Other Works

Background

The invasion associated marker (iam) has been detected in the majority of invasive Campylobacter jejuni retrieved from humans. Furthermore, the detection of iam in C. jejuni isolated from two important hosts, humans and chickens, suggested a role for this marker in C. jejuni's colonization of multiple hosts. However, no data exist regarding the occurrence of this marker in C. jejuni isolated from non-poultry food-animals such as cattle, an increasingly important source for human infections. Since little is known about the genetics associated with C. jejuni's capability for colonizing physiologically disparate hosts, we investigated the occurrence …

Sp696-Considerations When Selecting A Commercial Squeeze Chute, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Producers considering the purchase of a commercial squeeze chute have a number of factors to consider before making the nal decision. A squeeze chute is a sizable investment for most producers. Since the squeeze chute plays such an important part in the management of the beef herd, it is critical that producers select the best available squeeze chute that will meet their needs. This is too great an investment for a critical mistake to be made in the selection process.

Sp695-Managing Cattle For A Wholesome Food Product, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

The goal of every beef producer should be to produce the highest-quality animals possible. A critical part is the way animal health practices are administered. Following recommended guidelines when giving medications and vaccines results in healthier animals, fewer carcass blemishes and a more wholesome food product. Managing cattle with the goal of producing a wholesome food product results in beef that consumers can purchase with confidence.

When working with cattle, it is important to do the job right. Producers need to learn how to correctly perform recommended management practices. This will include vaccinations, implanting, castrating, deworming and other practices.

Sp694-Implant Cattle Properly, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

When used properly, growth-stimulating implants offer the commercial cow-calf producer a fast, easy-to-use method of increasing the weaning weight of calves. Implants have been proven effective through research, as well as through routine use in the beef industry.

Implanting is a relatively easy management practice to perform; however, adequate restraint of the animal is required. If inadequate facilities are available, consideration should be given to purchasing/constructing needed components.

Sp693-Evaluate Your Beef Cattle-Handling Facilities, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

One of the keys to maximizing returns from a commercial cow-calf enterprise is the timely application of basic management practices. Many of these practices require that the cattle be worked several times a year. Without adequate cattle-handling facilities, these practices are either delayed or completely neglected.

Producers desiring to upgrade current facilities or construct or purchase new facilities may apply for a cost-share through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Premise identification and Beef Quality Assurance certification are prerequisites for applying for the funds. Approval of the request must be received before items are …

Sp692-Castration Of Beef Calves, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Castration is a management practice that should be performed on all male beef calves. Castration, the removal of the testicles of a bull by either surgical or non-surgical methods, is recommended because of consumer preference, for economic considerations and to improve the temperament of cattle.

Sp691-Biosecurity For The Beef Herd, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Biosecurity incorporates those management practices aimed at keeping new diseases off the farm and keeping diseases from spreading from group to group on the farm. Biosecurity is the cheapest and most effective method of disease control, since vaccinations cannot eliminate disease and treatment can only reduce losses. Most cattle diseases are spread by cattle blood, saliva, manure, urine or exhaled air. Special attention must be paid to reducing contact from animal-to-animal or animal-toobject- to-animal. This is best done by a combination of animal isolation and control of movement onto and around the farm, as well as cleaning and disinfection.

Sp690-Handling Facilities For Beef Cattle, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Beef cattle producers need good handling facilities if they are to perform recommended management practices (vaccinating, identifying, castrating, dehorning, implanting, deworming, checking for pregnancy, etc.) Producers planning to purchase a squeeze chute or other handling-facility components may apply for a cost-share through the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program administered by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Premise identi cation and Beef Quality Assurance certi cation are prerequisites for applying for the funds. Approval of the request must be received before items are purchased.

A good handling facility allows for the treatment of animals, reduces the possibility of injury to both animal and …

W053-A Sampling Of Thoughts And Opinions On Electronic Identification, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Over the years, the Center for Profitable Agriculture (CPA) has been involved with the USDA “Value-Added Development Grant” (VADG) program in various and numerous ways. In 2003, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation submitted a proposal to the VADG program for funding to assist in the development of a beef cattle marketing alliance in a 14-county area of the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee. The project was funded for implementation through March 2005, and the CPA was included in the project as a cooperating partner.

One of the primary roles of the CPA in the project was to conduct an assessment …

Pb1749-Mineral Nutrition Of Beef Cattle, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

The mineral status of the brood-cow herd affects reproduction, growth, milk production and health. All of these can affect profitability, yet the cost of improving mineral status is low compared to production returns.

This publication’s focus is on “mineral optimization,” which emphasizes the dynamics of minerals in living tissue. Cattle have evolved an elegant system for storing and retrieving minerals from various body stores as they are needed. The success of this system depends upon reliable replenishment from dietary sources.

Pb1684-Dehorning Calves, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Dehorning calves is a simple, cost-effective practice that adds value to feeder cattle. Feeder cattle that are either polled or have been de horned usually sell for $1.50 or $2.00 more per cwt. than those with horns when marketed.

Short Communication: Relationship Between Body Growth And Mammary Development In Dairy Heifers, L F. Silva, M J. Vandehaar, Brian K. Whitlock, R P. Radcliff, H A. Tucker

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

Our objective was to determine if prepubertal rate of body weight (BW) gain, independent of diet, was related to mammary development of dairy heifers. Data from two studies recently conducted at Michigan State University were used to identify factors, within a dietary treatment group, that would account for variation in first lactation milk production or amount of mammary parenchymal DNA at the time of puberty. Factors analyzed for variation in milk production during first lactation were: postpartum BW, prepubertal BW gain, gestational BW gain, postpartum BW gain, body condition score (BCS) at breeding, and BCS at calving. Factors analyzed for …

Pb1664-Castrating Beef Calves, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Castration is removal of the testicles of a male animal. Castration of your bull calves is an easy procedure to perform. Several techniques can be used and all can be mastered by the cattle producer. Feeder steers sell for more than bulls and the difference will pay for the costs associated with the practice several times over. Based on Tennessee livestock auction market reports, 500-pound steer calves sell for $25 more per head than bulls of comparable quality. All male Tennessee feeder calves should be sold as steers.

Pb1577-Using Commodity Feeds In Dairy Rations, The University Of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service

Animals/Livestock

Feeding commodity feeds to dairy cows is not a new concept. Feed companies have used commodity feeds in rations as a source of nutrients for years. However, the use of commodity feeds in home-mixed rations may be new to many dairy producers. Commodity feeds include traditional feeds as well as by-products from a variety of sources, including grain processing and manufacturing of human foods. Many factors should be considered before beginning a commodity feeding program, even if the program only includes one commodity.

The primary reason producers use commodity feeds is to reduce feed cost. Feed accounts for 50 to …