Report of beef cattle and forage research and extension projects completed over the past two years. For more information on a particular report, contact the author directly from the list in Appendix C.

Dry cow management is an integral part of total herd management. There are five keys to maintaining an excellent dry cow program.

LSU AgCenter provides a monthly newsletter with production tips, monthly planning calendars, articles and highlights to help our state beef producers stay up with events and news!

The Lousiana Hay and Feed Supplier Directory has been developed as a tool for farmers and ranchers to do two things: 1.) promote the availability of hay and feed sources to surrounding areas and people in need; 2.) find available sources should you need hay or feed in case of drought or other reason that would limit resouces.

To enroll into the Louisiana Master Cattle Producer Program, one must also complete the Louisiana Master Farmer Program Phase 1—Environmental Stewardship Instruction and Beef Quality Assurance Certification with the Louisiana Cattlemen’s Association.

The Agricultural Marketing Service includes six commodity programs--Cotton, Dairy, Fruit and Vegetable, Livestock and Seed, Poultry, and Tobacco. The programs employ specialists who provide standardization, grading and market news services for those commodities. They enforce such Federal Laws as the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act and the Federal Seed Act.

The purpose of this study was to determine if the behavioral patterns exhibited by potential recipients during estrus could be used as an indicator of subsequent pregnancy rates following embryo transfer. The success of any embryo transfer operation ultimately resides in the reproductive performance of the recipient females.

This report presents estiamtes of projected 2008 production costs associated with the production of beef cattle, dairy cattle and forage crops in Louisiana.

Currently, with regard to beef calves, heavier calves are retaining a considerably higher percentage oftheir value when compared to their lighter counterparts. For instance, there may be only a ten tofifteen percent difference in the price/lb between a 450 and 750 lb calf. Many beef cattle producers aretherefore exploring means to add additional weight on their calves economically and at the same timenot placing too much expense involved with infrastructure (pens, water’s, feed troughs,

Without question, in 2008, for cow‐calf producers to maintain profitability, adding weight to light calves, post weaning is an outstanding way to add value and put more dollars in your pocket. Here are some current trials that highlight supplements and other areas for consideration when backgrounding or developing cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to compare performance of mature cows and their calves grazing bermudagrass/bahiagrass pastures that had endophyte-infected Georgia 5 tall fescue established in the sod, grazing similar bermudagrass/bahiagrass pastures that were overseeded each year with ryegrass, or grazing bermudagrass/bahiagrass pastures and receiving hay.

These findings support earlier results suggesting a sire breed x calf sex interaction for birthand weaning traits when one of the sire breeds is Brahman. This data also suggests that breeders should be aware of interactions between sire breed and calf sex to plan for such things as larger birthweights of Brahman-sired calves.

As the beef cattle industry redefines itself to better meet consumer needs and demands, there are new technologies and new products being developed to enhance this effort by improving production, performance and quality in all segments of the industry. One new product, Optalflexx, was approved in 2003 by the United States Food and Drug Administration for use in some beef cattle diets.

Beef industry innovators are looking at DNA technology as another selection tool for decisions that give them a marketing advantage. The most important thing for producers to consider is the cost of the DNA technology and what they will get out of it.

The articles in these publications have been subjected to review by qualified scientists for scientific merit, adequacy of experimental procedures and correctness of interpretation. Readers and producers can further benefit from the information provided in these publications by understanding and properly interpreting the statistics associated with the research results reported.

The best management practices that apply most directly to the beef industry are in this publication. A brief description, purpose and conditions to which the practice applies are given for each of the BMPs listed.

Research indicates that successful visual estrus detection and subsequent pregnancyrates are directly related to the frequency and duration of each heat check. The objective of this report is to describe a new heat detection system and to demonstrate its potential effectiveness for use with artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer (ET) procedures.

This publication is intended to be a reminder of beef cattle management practices thought to be appropriate for each month of the year. If referred to frequently each month, it could also be considered a workbook for beef cattle management.

This study was done to determine the effects of broiler litter and commercial fertilizer applied to bermudagrass pastures on animal performance.

For many years, most beef cattle producers have observed the body fat reserves of their cattle herd and used that information to make feeding and nutritional decisions. Research shows that proper nutrition and efficient use of forage reduce costs.

Beef cattle in Louisiana are continuously exposed to infections with parasitic gastrointestinal nematodes (commonly known as roundworms). The life cycle of these parasites is direct; they do not need an intermediate host. Adult worms in cattle shed eggs that are passed in their feces. These eggs hatch and develop into infective larvae that climb on growing forage and are ingested as the forage is consumed. These larvae develop into adults and the cycle is completed within 14 to 60 days.

In the early fall of 2005, two of the most powerful hurricanes on record, Katrina and Rita, slammed into the Gulf Coast within three weeks of each other. The area of devastation extended from East Texas to Alabama. Tens of thousands of animals perished, suffered illness or production losses, or had to be sold. The impact on beef and dairy producers and the veterinarians who serve them was enormous.

Most ration formulation is completed by computers. Numerous software products have been developed to assist nutritionist in matching feedstuffs to nutrient requirements for particular production settings. They can estimate nutrient supply from a diet and reports how well a given diet meets the requirements for the animal specified.

During the winter, even on the Gulf Coast, beef cattle must have supplemental forage and/or feed. Most cattle producers in the South spend approximately 40% of their operating costs on producing or purchasing hay and purchasing supplemental feeds.

This page provides information on hay quality, supplements and how to ration hay.

The objective of this study was to compare three-breed cross females (Angus-, Brangus-,Gelbvieh- and Gelbray-sired) with contemporary first cross (F1) Brahman x Hereford females for reproductive and maternal performance.

Beef cattle feed goes through a microbial fermentation process in the rumen before being digested by the animal.Since the majority of the cow’s diet is forage, efficient fermentation of this fiber is critical. Diet supplements provide additional nutrients to improve utilization of the fiber.

Southwest and south central Louisiana beef cattle producers have endured a devastating hit from Hurricane Rita. The Louisiana Ag Summary suggests that more than 175,000 cows reside in the parishes that were hardest hit. Saltwater intrusion coupled with fence damage has greatly limited the options for wintering beef cattle in these areas. This article provides various winter options for beef cattle in Louisiana.

Many Louisiana beef producers are investigating opportunities in organic, natural and forage-fed beef production. This fact sheet provides information on these three production systems.

Helpful links to marketing, economics & business resources for beef cattle producers.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics in August 2002.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics November 2002.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics in November 2001.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics in February 2002.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics May 2002.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics in May 2001.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s Animal Industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics related to Animal Health, Beef, Dairy, Sheep, Swine, Poultry and Economics in August 2001.

Louisiana Agriculture, Beef Issue, Fall 2000, Volume 43, Number 4

Farmers attending workshops in Acadia and Calcasieu parishes Tuesday (Oct. 25) learned about assistance for dealing with hardships caused by two hurricanes that struck the state this summer. Similar sessions, organized by the LSU AgCenter, were planned for New Iberia, Hammond and Raceland over the next few days.

This newsletter was designed to bring you information on Louisiana’s animal industry from the LSU AgCenter’s Animal Science Division. Topics are related to animal health, beef, dairy, sheep, swine, poultry and economics.

These are presentation slides created by Dr. Tom Field discussing means for genetic change for cattle. This talk was presented at the Beef Cattle Genetic Shortcourse for beef producers on tools for making genetic change, cost effectiveness and traits that affect the cost of production. The presentation is in two different formats, PowerPoint and Acrobat Adobe.

The U.S. livestock and poultry industries have undergone significant structural change in recent decades. Both industries have evolved to a structure including vertical integrators that contract with producers to raise animals understrict specifications. In both industries, technological change has been rapid, leading to consistent quantities and qualities of products that meet consumer demand.

The risks associated with alternatives such as corn, soybeans and milo are outlined in this document.

These guidelines include information on semen quality, supplemental feeding for young bulls, deworming and vaccination.

Based on the information known at the time of the storm, and given the historical value of these industries to the state, the AgCenter was able to provide preliminary estimates on losses of revenue due to production losses.

Eighteen chapters cover everything including the biology of a cow, replacement heifer selection, nutrition, stocker cattle, management tips, record keeping and cattle handling facilities. Use the order form to order your hard copy. The cost is $25 plus tax and shipping.

In this crossbreeding study, one of the main objectives was to compare straight-bred and composite-sired progeny that vary in percentage of Brahman inheritance.

The purpose of this research was to compare two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbred females produced in generation 4 of a long-term crossbreeding study to Brahman first-cross cows for calf performance in a commercial cow-calf setting in South Louisiana.

Based on these results, a cow-calf producer wishing to retain suitable heifers as herd replacements and sell the remaining heifers at weaning can reasonably consider implanting all heifer calves. High-protein creep, limit-fed to suckling heifer calves had no effect on pre-weaning, post-weaning, or reproductive performance in this study.

These data suggest that good quality hay fed free choice can meet nutrient requirements during the last one-third of gestation, a period when the nutrient requirements of the cow increase because of the growth of the fetus.

Expected progeny differences for growth traits are well documented and used by a large segment of the beef cattle industry. Calf weaning weight is greatly influenced by genetic potential for growth, therefore verification of how reliable weaning weight EPDs are on commercial cow herds needs to be studied.

Sixty-two Louisiana beef producers in 12 parishes were surveyed to determine their input usage and the amount of output they produced in 1998. The objectives of this study are to (1) estimate the technical efficiency (production efficiency) of a selected group of beefcattle producers and (2) determine the characteristics of cattle operations that are the most technically efficient.

Research conducted by the LSU AgCenter in the 1980s clearly revealed a profit potential for stocker beef production in Louisiana. Annual ryegrass has the productivity during the cooler parts of the year (late-fall, winter, and spring) and the nutritional quality necessary for growing beef animals to play a major role in most Louisiana beef stocker programs.

Estrus synchronization had its humble beginnings in the 1940s when progesterone and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin were administered to cattle at varying stages of the estrous cycle to alter cyclicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of altrenogest for estrus synchronization of crossbred beef heifers.

The 2007-08 forage-based performance evaluation will be conducted at the Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) Feedlot located in East Feliciana Parish near Jackson, Louisiana.

The Louisiana Calf to Carcass Project is entering into its 2007-2008 feed-out year. With over 300 calves consigned to the 2006-2007 program, the information provided to producers through this program has proven to be very useful in making management decisions on breeding, genetics, nutrition, and herd health. We are now accepting nominations for steers. Please review the packet for more information.

Seventy-four bulls representing 9 breeds were delivered to The Feedlot near Wilson, LA November 29, 2007 to begin the 9th annual Louisiana Forage-Based Bull Performance Test.

The Louisiana Calf to Carcass project is a program in which Louisiana beef cattle producers can participate by sending a minimum of three steers or heifers to the feedlot while retaining ownership of them throughout the feeding period.

Much of Louisiana has been under drought conditions. This guide was developed to help producers with decisions on facing the dry conditions.

The country-of-origin labeling of agricultural products at the retail level has become a highly controversial issue, especially at the national level. LSU AgCenter researchers surveyed a sample of Louisiana meat processors, meat wholesalers, specialized meat markets, food stores and restaurants to ascertain their opinions about the mandatory country-of-origin labeling of fresh or frozen beef.

The Gult Coast Beef Education Alliance is offering 5 Nutrition Courses this fall through distance education sites in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and Florida. Please contact your county agent to find a site near you.

Louisiana forages are often low in quality in late summer. Nutrient intake from forage by a mature cow will usually exceed the requirement for maintenance but may not be high enough to meet the additional requirement for lactation. When nutrient intake is below requirements, the cow must pull nutrients from body reserves to meet her requirements. The result is weight loss and a decrease in body condition.

Cattle producers are nervous about the upcoming year because the possibility of corn prices exceeding $5 a bushel could mean higher prices for livestock feed. An LSU AgCenter economist recently advised, however, that those fears could be based on some assumptions that may not develop into realities.

The 2005 Beef Report is a compilation of research studies completed by the LSU AgCenter faculty in the tow years since the publication of the 2003 report. should you desire more information about any of the studies reported in this publication, please contact the scientists who wrote the article or the local extension service agent in your parish.

The LSU AgCenter soon will begin comprehensive tests for salt contamination in areas of Vermilion Parish hit by Hurricane Rita’s storm surge, but officials this week said the problem may not be as bad as originally feared.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is relatively unknown to the public, and catching just snippets of news reports sometimes leads to misunderstandings.

This report presents estimates of projected production costs for beef cattle, dairy and forage-crop production in Louisiana for 2007.

Many producers do not understand that shrink is a weak link in marketing cattle. Cattle producers spend a great deal of time and energy to make their cattle gain weight and weigh as much as possible. Then, when they pen, process and transport their cattle for market, the cattle lose weight. An increase in knowledge about shrink and the factors that affect it is critical to maximizing profits.

The objectives of this study are to examine the evolutionary paths of the three major U.S. meat industries and to provide insight as to the future challenges faced by the beef industry in progressing toward a more efficient consumer-oriented industry.

The purpose of this report is to compare the performance of two-, three- and four-breed rotational crossbreeding systems and straight-breeds for calf weaning weight per cow exposed and for cumulative weaning weight per cow entering the herd.

Dr. Lisa Kriese-Anderson, Associate Professor & Extension Animal Scientist at Auburn University, will talk about beef genetics and measurement basics at the Beef Cattle Genetics Short Course Tuesday, November 1, 2005. The course will continue for two consecutive Tuesday nights. The LSU AgCenter, in cooperation with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Auburn University, is hosting the short course. Other talks will be on adaptability, crossbreeding and EPDs.

This presentation was created by Dr. Scott P. Greiner for the Beef Cattle Genetics Short Course, which began Tuesday, November 1, 2005, and will continue for two consecutive Tuesday nights. The LSU AgCenter, in cooperation with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and Auburn University, is hosting the Short Course to aid beef producers on EPDs and Indexes.

This trial was conducted at the Dean Lee Research Station to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the pour-on formulations of moxidectin Cydectin, Fort Dodge), doramectin (Dectomax, Pfizer, Inc.), ivermectin (Ivomec, Merial) and eprinomectin (Eprinex, Merial).

Gastrointestinal parasites cost producers anywhere from $25 to $200 per head in losses. Treatment with effective anthelmintic products can greatly reduce these losses.

The southern United States contains almost half of the nation's cow-calf population in the hot/humid Southeast and Gulf Coast areas. Even in more temperate areas of the United States, weaning productivity of Brahman x Bos taurus cows is virtually unequaled.

A large segment of the beef cattle industry is adopting expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a valuable selection tool in improving calf productivity.

To determine the effectiveness of short-duration, rotational grazing systems for cattle in South Louisiana, a three-year study (Phase 1 of a six-year project), designed to evaluate pasture stocking methods and rates, was initiated in the spring of 1999 at the Iberia Research Station near Jeanerette.

Top exhibitors of market animals received scholastic premiums of more than $44,000 Saturday (Feb. 18) at the conclusion of the 71st Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.The scholastic awards, which ranged from $1,500 to $5,500 for individual winners, went to 4-H and FFA youth who showed champion market animals during the Feb. 11-18 events that included competition for beef and dairy cattle, goats, hogs, poultry and sheep.

Hundreds of young people from across Louisiana were named state champions during a week of competition at the 71st Annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show.

4-H and FFA members from across Louisiana participated in the 71st annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show Feb. 11-18. The competitors qualified for the 2006 show by winning awards at parish and district livestock shows across Louisiana, and, in all, more than 3,000 young people came to Gonzales to compete with 5,300 animals.

Six exceptional Louisiana teen-agers were recognized Saturday (Feb. 18) for their knowledge, skills and communication abilities when they were named winners of the Gerry Lane Premier Exhibitor Awards at the 71st annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show. Now in its ninth year, the premier exhibitor program recognizes 4-H and FFA members who may or may not have champion animals but who have a thorough understanding of animal science.

The LSU AgCenter honored a group of outstanding volunteer leaders and 4-H and FFA members Saturday (Feb. 18) for their work with youth livestock projects.

Hurricane Rita destroyed homes, schools and barns when it ripped through Cameron Parish last fall. It also bruised and battered the hopes of hundreds of 4-H’ers looking forward to showing livestock.

An LSU AgCenter program that tests the performance of bulls benefits cattle producers and the state’s beef industry, according to experts. Known as the Bull Performance Testing Program, the effort operates out of the LSU AgCenter’s Dean Lee Research Station south of Alexandria.

The sound of rain falling Wednesday night (Dec. 14) was sweet as a symphony to Gary Wicke, an LSU AgCenter county agent in Cameron Parish. Reducing salt contamination in the marsh from Hurricane Rita will improve chances for cattle forage to regrow. The sooner that happens, the better, Wicke said.

Cattle, rice, sugarcane, crawfish, wildlife and alligators are among many of Hurricane Rita casualties in southwestern Louisiana.

Although there’s not an imminent danger, some scientists say a widespread disease or bioterrorism attack could wipe out significant portions of the U.S. farm animal population. That's where the National Animal Germplasm Program comes in.

Forage producers toured three different operations this week to learn the latest techniques in the production and use of high-quality grass to support the livestock operations in central and northwestern Louisiana.

(Distributed 11/06/03) Louisiana cattle producers are excited about the market news that prices recently hit record high prices for fat cattle, feeder cattle and calves.