Agriculture Commons^™

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.

The Effect Of Seasonal Cattle Grazing On California Bighorn Sheep Habitat Use, Melanie J. Steinkamp

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The effect of seasonal cattle grazing on a newly reintroduced population of California bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis californiana) in Big Cottonwood Canyon, Idaho, was studied. The hypothesis that bighorn sheep avoid cattle was tested. The issue of avoidance between bighorn sheep and livestock is arguable. Some studies have found that bighorn sheep avoid cattle while others have found no response of bighorn sheep to cattle.

Evidence was found to document the avoidance of cattle by bighorn sheep. The size of the bighorn's home range and core area decreased with the movement of cattle into areas of high bighorn …

Growth Stimulants And Feed Additives, Norris J. Stenquist

All Archived Publications

In recent years, the most revolutionary increases in beef cattle weights and feeding efficiencies have resulted from the development and use of growth stimulants, feed additives, and antibiotics. These nonnutritive products not only improve the rate and efficiency of gain but prevent certain diseases as well. Their use has significantly improved beef cattle production efficiency and provided a greater return per dollar invested than any other factor in the livestock industry. Growth stimulants deposit increased protein in the animal without changing protein or energy intake. They are designed to provide a constant slow release of active ingredients into the animal's …

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, …

Bulletin No 4158 - Western Australian Beef Industry - Economic Constraints And Future Market Outlook, Alan Peggs

Bulletins 4000 -

Since the mid 1970s there has been a substantial decline in cattle numbers in Western Australia. Most of this decline has occurred in the agricultural areas.

Much of the decline in cattle numbers can be attributed to low real cattle prices.

As a result of the fall in cattle numbers beef production has also fallen. However, the percentage fall in production has been somewhat less than the percentage decline in numbers due to a rise in the average carcass weight of animals slaughtered.

With declining beef production the amount of beef available for export has also declined. Similarly domestic consumption …

The Benefits Of Weaning Cattle In The Kimberley, David Pratchett, Stuart Young

Animal production and livestock research reports

The Kimberley region was populated with Shorthorn cattle from Queensland and New Sonth Wales in the 1880's. The descendants of these cattle known as Kimberley Shorthorn are still the predominant breed in the region. The relatively poor performance of these cattle under the harsh Kimberley conditions and the fact that changing the genotype can improve productivity was recently published (Pratchett D. WADA Journal No. 4 1988)

While the adoption of Bos indicus breeds is the correct move, improved husbandry can also increase the productivity of the Kimberley Shorthorn cow. The majority of cattle in the Kimberley are not weaned. Sometimes …

Growth Stimulants, Nyle J. Matthews

Archived Agriculture Publications

A tiny pellet inserted under the skin of a calf's ear may increase weight gains as much as 15 to 20 percent. This same result would take years to accomplish through breeding and selection. These tiny pellets are growth stimulants. They are made of hormones that are constructed to slowly release minute amounts into the blood stream that stimulate the animal to produce natural body hormones. One of these hormones is a growth hormone. It regulates the rate of growth of the animal. Increasing the rate of growth will almost always improve feed efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. These pellets …

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.

G89-942 Can You Afford To Use Bovine Somatrophin (Bovine Growth Hormone)?, Jeffrey F. Keown

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Factors to consider before using Bovine Somatrophin in your dairy herd are covered here.

Much has been written recently about the effect of administering Bovine Somatrophin (BST) to dairy animals. The expected increase in income that could be generated by the use of BST catches producers' attention.

Before any producer uses BST, however, there are a few questions that should be addressed. The most crucial is, "Can BST administration be cash flowed in my dairy operation?"

The answer to this question is dependent on three crucial areas--your current herd average, herd management situation, and the costs involved in the application …

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 …

Miscellaneous Production 23/87 - Animal Production In The Spinifex And Shrubland Regions Of Western Australia, D. Burnside

Animal production and livestock published reports

The role of the Rangeland Management Branch is to promote the sustained economic use of the rangeland resource. It provides research and extension services to the pastoral industry, provides advice on the condition of the range resource to Government and provides technical information on rangelands to other rangeland managers. A principal objective to be met in fulfilling that role is the development and promotion of economically efficient place systems that conserve the rangeland resource. At the inaugural Pastoral Soil Conservation Districts Conference in Meekatharra in May 1987, pastoralist delegates emphasized the importance of achieving that objective within the various soil …

G88-874 Management Tips For Round Bale Hay Harvesting, Moving, And Storage, John A. Smith, Robert D. Grisso, Kenneth Von Bargen, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses management of hay harvesting with a large round baler. Specific management practices are necessary to maintain hay quality and minimize hay loss during harvest, transportation and storage of large round bales.

Large round bale packaging systems allow one person to harvest, store and feed large quantities of hay for small as well as large acreages. Good management is required to maximize effectiveness. Losses in baling, transportation and storage of large round bales can far exceed the losses of rectangular bales unless the large round bale system is properly managed.

Use Of Soybean Meal, Raw Soybeans, & Heat-Treated Soybeans As Protein Supplements With & Without Niacin For Dairy Cows In Early Lactation, Daniel Aguilar

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

Twenty three cows with an average of 2.7 lactations were used to measure the effects of different protein sources (soybean meal, soybeans, and heat-treated soybean) and supplementation with niacin on milk production, milk components (protein, fat, somatic cell counts), 4% fat corrected milk, solid corrected milk, dry matter intake, body weight changes, and rumen volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, butyrate).

Diets affected performance of cows. The results indicate, in general, that feeding heat-treated soybean and soybean meal to lactating dairy cows in early lactation resulted in greater milk production, milk protein, dry matter intake and less loss of body weight …

G87-895 Pelvic Measurements For Reducing Calving Difficulty, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Pelvic measurements in heifers and bulls can be an important tool to help reduce the incidence and severity of calving difficulty. Calving difficulty results in a major economic loss to beef producers. This loss is estimated at $750 million annually nationwide. Calving difficulty increases calf death loss, cow mortality, labor and veterinary costs; it delays the return of cows to estrus and reduces conception rates. It also lowers calf weaning weight and market value, which results from breeding young heifers and cows to easy calving bulls to reduce calving difficulty. Studies show calf losses of 4 percent within 24 hours …

Ec86-2103 Safe Tractor Operations, Rollin D. Schnieder

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

No one deliberately has a tractor accident. Nevertheless, every year many farmers are killed or injured on, or because of, their tractors.

The causes of such accidents show that improper operation of the tractor or equipment accounts for the greatest percentage of accidents. Improper operation includes excessive speed, operating under the influence of alcohol and chasing cattle. Other accident causes are driving on too steep an incline and inexperience or immature drivers.

This extension circular contains safety hints on how to operate your farm equipment.

Ec86-113 A Guide For Planning And Analyzing A Year-Round Forage Program, Steven S. Waller, Lowell E. Moser, Bruce Anderson

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Efficient grazing management programs cannot succeed without proper stocing rates. However, proper stocking rate alone will not insure a successful grazing program. Successful grazing management only occurs when all factors affecting production are manipulated properly: season of use; kind, class, and/or combination of animals; grazing distribution; grazing program; fertilization; pest control; and water management as well as stocking rate. The following suggestions in this circular are a guide to initial planning of new pastures and the modification of existing grazing programs.

G86-799 Health Management And Recommended Vaccinations For Dairy Replacements, Duane Rice, R. Gene White

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the importance of having a good vaccination schedule, and provides recommendations on which vaccinations to give, depending on variables. Correct management decisions are necessary to realize maximum returns on investments in any dairy operation. Dairymen sometimes assume there is a quick remedy for health problems, but the prevention of disease is by far less expensive. Preventing health problems in the dairy herd goes much further than using a veterinarian to treat individual animals with emergency problems. A veterinarian with experience and a genuine interest in dairy cattle is essential to assist the dairyman with herd health problems. …

Analysis Of The Reproductive Efficiency Of The Dairy Herd At Western Kentucky University Farm, Gregorio Lagombra

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

A study of the reproductive performance of 179 dairy cows during the period from December 1978 through March 1984 was conducted at the Western Kentucky University Farm, Bowling Green, Kentucky. The climatic data showed seasonal variation in temperature as follows: winter 3.10C, spring 15.7°C, summer 23.8°C, and fall 12.0°C. The seasonal humidity was similar for winter (81.2%), spring (83.4%), and fall (85.3%); but for summer it was considerably higher (89.4%).

The conception rate varied through all the months but was lowest during the summer months. Seasonal data for conception rate were obtained and the results were as follows: winter 54.1%, …

Effect Of Rations On Some Selected Blood Constituents Of Dairy Heifers, Kamil Akanbi

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The study was conducted using nine Holstein heifers with weights ranging from 700 to 990 pounds (lb). The design was a 3 X 3 Latin Square. The three rations consisted of 26.5 lb of corn silage supplemented with 3 ounces of sodium bicarbonate, 26.5 lb of corn silage, and 26.5 lb of soybean and milo haylage per head per day. The rations were offered on a rotational basis for three experimental periods consisting of three weeks each. Blood samples were taken at weekly intervals during each period; plasma concentrations of glucose, ammonia, beta-hydroxybutyrate and volatile fatty acids were determined.

There …

G85-741 Estrous Synchronization For Beef Cattle, Gene H. Deutscher

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the potential benefits of estrous synchronization, how the products and programs work, and the results and costs involved. Estrous (heat) synchronization can help beef producers improve production efficiency and economic returns. Controlling estrus and ovulation in cycling females means breeding is completed in a short period of time. Instead of females being bred over a 21-day period, synchronization can shorten the breeding period to less than 5 days, depending on the program selected. The use of synchronization has great potential for improving beef production, but it requires good management for success. Producers should understand the advantages, as …

G85-766 Retaining Ownership Of Calves Or Yearlings, Paul Q. Guyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the advantages and disadvantages of retaining ownership of calves or yearlings until slaughter rather than selling them to a feeder.

Retaining ownership of weanlings or yearlings through to slaughter is a management and/or marketing option that can add to the profits of the calf producer or cattle grower. It is a way of expanding and diversifying the cattle enterprise. has the potential for greater profits for the rancher or grower than for the feeder who might buy them.

The cattle feeding industry exists because it has been a profitable business over the years. These profits have been …

Grass Tetany, Paul Q. Guyer, Alex Hogg, Gene White

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

Grass tetany is a nutritional or metabolic disorder in cattle characterized by low blood magnesium, yet it is not just a simple magnesium deficiency. It is also called grass staggers, wheat pasture poisoning and hypomagnesemia. It primarily affects older cows nursing calves under 8 weeks of age, but may also occur in young or dry cows and growing calves. It happens most frequently when cattle are grazing lush, immature grass, but occasionally occurs when cattle are fed dry forages (winter tetany).

G84-738 Management To Minimize Hay Waste, Bruce Anderson, Terry L. Mader

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses harvest factors that affect hay yield and quality as well as ways to reduce losses during harvest, storage, and feeding.

Hay is harvested, stored, and fed under a wide variety of conditions that influence both its yield and feed value. High quality hay is needed by animals that require high nutrient concentrations to reach desired levels of production. These include dairy cows, finishing beef cattle, fattening lambs, and race horses. Excellent hay management is required to produce the hay needed by these livestock. High quality hay is also used as a supplement to lower quality forages, such …

Ec84-1510 Insect Control Guide For Beef Cattle In Nebraska, John B. Campbell

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This extension circular contains information on: precautions; insecticide formulations; and insecticide application methods (sprays, pour-ons, spot-ons, self-treatment devices, feed additives, dips, and injections). It contains a table on insecticides and the pests they target such as cattle grub, cattle lice, face fly, horn fly, mosquitoes, and stable fly. It also contains information in a table on the insecticides registered for use on beef cattle which covers the insecticide, percent active ingredient, method of application, dosage and the restrictions.

G84-696 Small Grains For Silage Or Hay, Paul Q. Guyer, Terry L. Mader

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using small grains for silage or hay, including handling, storage, feeding, animal performance, and nitrate toxicity potential.

Small grain crops are potentially important sources of high quality forage. Harvesting small grains for hay or silage rather than as grain may mean increased dollar returns per acre. Small grain silage or hay represents more total nutrient production per acre than harvest as grain and, when fed to ruminants, results in increased animal production.

G84-693 Protein Levels For Growing And Finishing Cattle, Rick Stock, Terry L. Mader, Terry Klopfenstein

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes the use of nonprotein nitrogen and bypass protein sources to fulfill the protein requirements of growing and finishing steers, heifers and bulls. Protein supplementation can be an expensive feed cost for cattle producers. Through the use of nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) and bypass protein sources, however, these costs can be reduced. Bypass protein is the protein that escapes breakdown in the rumen and passes "as is" into the small intestine where it is digested and absorbed. Because NPN sources are usually the most economical sources of supplemental nitrogen, NPN should be used whenever possible. The potential for using …

Locoweed Poisoning In Cattle: An Overview Of The Economic Problems Associated With Grazing These Ranges, John E. Barnard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Locoweed poisoning, caused by ingestion of certain species of Astragalous and Oxytropis, has had serious economic impacts through a loss of productivity in livestock. This study has attempted to evaluate losses suffered by livestockmen grazing their cattle on areas infested with locoweed species. The results indicate a serious economic impact on these individuals.

Personal interviews were carried out with five cattle ranchers faced with typical locoweed problems. These beef cattle operations were located in Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico. All of these producers described similar problems and losses due to locoweed poisoning. Information obtained from these interviews was used …

G82-621 Sources Of Livestock And Poultry Market Information (Revised July 1994), Allen Wellman

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide provides a list of various market information sources, each followed by a brief summary of issue schedules and contents.

It provides a listing of widely used and readily available market information sources that contain information which may be useful to agricultural producers, lenders and agribusiness firms when making livestock and poultry marketing decisions. Most of the available market information and statistical data comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Many now require an annual subscription fee.

G620 Pinkeye, Don Hudson, Duane N. Rice

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

The signs and causes of pinkeye, a painful eye disease that is common in cattle, are covered, as well as control and treatment procedures.