Due to the vulnerability of Louisiana to hurricanes and their potential to cause widespread damage due to high winds and flooding, hurricane preparedness is essential. This fact sheet provides horse producers with information needed to prepare for all types of disasters.

Due to the vulnerability of Louisiana to hurricanes and their potential to cause widespread damage due to high winds and flooding, hurricane preparedness is essential. This fact sheet provides dairy producers with information needed to get ready for all types of disasters.

Due to the vulnerability of Louisiana to hurricanes and their potential to cause widespread damage due to high winds and flooding, hurricane preparedness is essential. This fact sheet provides information needed for small-ruminant owners to prepare for all types of disasters.

One of the most important decisions a forage producer must make is which variety or varieties to plant. To help farmers make logical choices among crops and varieties, the LSU AgCenter conducts variety trials and makes recommendations each year. Suggested varieties, seeding rates, planting depths and seeding dates are included. (PDF Format Only)

Three factors definitely not favorable for optimal plant growth and forage quality are heat stress, drought, and inadequate soil nutrient supply. These problems are very common in Louisiana. Although we may have little control over these environmental influences, we do need to understand the overall effects of environment on forage quality.

This report evaluates the natural variability in the sperm sex ratio.

Herd outbreaks of acute respiratory disease in cattle may occur. Causes include ingestion of perilla mint, mold damaged sweet potatoes, sudden intake of immature summer forages high in the amino acid tryptophan.

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.

This study at the Southeast Research Station evaluated the effects of body codition at calving on the performance of lactating dairy cows.

Photosensitization, also known as photodermatitis, occurs when the liver is unable to excrete a metabolite of chlorophyll from forages the animal has eaten. The metabolite accumulates in the skin and is activated by sunlight. The reaction yields free radicals that "burn" the skin.

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.

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.

These links provide useful information on controlling poultry houses and ventilation.

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

BVD is a viral disease of cattle that can cause clinical disease and subclinical production losses. This article discusses the common signs of this disease and how to manage it.

Welcome to the LSU AgCenter Forage Production Web site.

This report presents estimates of production costs for beef cattle, dairy cattle and forage production in Louisiana for 2005.

One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the drop off in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather.

A horse has an unusual digestive system and its needs differ because of its athleticism.

New horse owners can greatly benefit by finding professional assistance in caring for, training and riding horses.

This 2008 guide was compiled by LSU AgCenter experts and includes regulations, precautions and suggestions for pest control in Louisiana. Detailed topics include drift of pesticides, hazards of pesticides to beneficial insects and wildlife, phytotoxicity and using beneficial insects to control pest populations. A section on organic gardening also is included.

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.

Determining what level of milk production and feed cost yields the most profit for the farm should be the main objective of any measure of economic and production efficiency; because at the end of the day, the main thing that counts is the number of cwt produced and the amount of profit from each cwt. This is the economic indicator that tells you the total net income for the farm.

Monitoring the milking procedures, equipment cleaning and milk cooling should go a long way in producing high quality milk that is low in bacteria.

Producers can improve milk quality in Louisiana by lowering somatic cell counts, especially during the summer and early fall.

Other universities and extension services throughout the United States have produced quality materials on poultry nutrition. This list of links showcases some of that work.

When buying a horse, buy a horse that fits the rider and the rider's goals.

This guide for 2008 contains suggestions for management of the most important or more prevalent diseases of Louisiana plants. It includes information on fungicides, bactericides and nematicides, as well as safety precautions for using them.

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

In the summer months it is highly important to consider the water consumption of your horse. "Water is the most essential nutrient that we provide in a horse’s diet," says LSU AgCenter horse specialist Dr. Clint Depew.

It might seem like that buckaroo who rides off into the sunset was born in the saddle. But the truth is he had to learn equestrian skills, either by chance or instruction. An LSU AgCenter program, Master Horseman, is underway to pass along that knowledge.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) and western equine encephalitis (WEE) virus infections occur in horses and other equids. Where does EEE come from? What's the best way to protect a horse? Find these answers and more.

Anthrax in livestock and horses is described. Topics discussed include: A brief history of the disease, persistance of spores in soil, clinical signs, what to do if anthrax suspected, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control.

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.

Safe levels for aflatoxin feeding vary with each individual animal. The ingestion of aflatoxin at levels even lower than those given above may cause some undesirable side effects. Moreover, these effects are dependent on factors such as age, sex and general health of the animals.

Calf Notes is your source for pertinent, non-commercial and unbiased information on raising young dairy calves.

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.

When purchasing show pigs, one of the most important things is to get the pig on feed as soon as possible. A feed that is very palatable will tickle the pig’s taste buds and have it eating immediately. Highly palatable feeds also have value in the commercial swine industry.

Have your chickens ever had white lesions that developed into wart-like nodules and then formed dark scabs on their combs and wattles? If so, your chickens had fowl pox, according to LSU AgCenter poultry professor Dr. Theresia Lavergne.

The following are some general recommendations to follow when developing a feeding program for horses.

Anaplasmosis is characterized by anemia, which is caused by the destruction of the red blood cells by Anaplasma marginale, a blood parasite, transmitted to beef and dairy cattle by insects. The Anaplasmosis vaccine is made, produced and available by LSU Veterinary Science retired faculty, and a royalty is paid to the LSU AgCenter. If you have questions about Anaplasmosis or the availability of the vaccine, please call 1-800-308-5242.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting the dairy industry.

Louisiana researchers tested the efficacy of a commercially available Staph. aureurs vaccine administered to heifers.

Provides information on what to look for during the selection and evaluation of show goats.

Provides information and tips for selecting and judging meat or market goats.

Replacement heifers represent the future of the dairy farm. When deciding the best way to manage the heifer enterprise, dairy producers should realize that they have several options.

Due to the vulnerability of Louisiana to hurricanes and their potential to cause widespread damage due to high winds and flooding, hurricane preparedness is essential.

The horse production areas of primary importance are growth, reproduction, lactation and work.

The blood-sucking fly pests of Louisiana beef cattle include the horn fly, stable fly and many species of tabanids. By understanding the biology and life cycle of each pest, producers will be better able to devise more effective fly control programs. This publication explains how, in most cases, an integrated approach, whereby more than one control method is used, will prove more effective for long-term fly control.

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.

BMPs for swine farms are a specific set of practices used by farmers to reduce the amount of soil, nutrients, pesticides and microbial contaminants entering surface water and groundwater while maintaining or improving the productivity of agricultural land. This list of BMPs is a guide for the selection and implementation of those practices that will help swine farmers to conserve soil and protect water and air resources by reducing pollutants from reaching both surface and groundwater.

Showy crotalaria is a significant toxic plant in Louisiana. It contains alkaloids that cause liver damage in horses and livestock. The seeds may remain viable in undisturbed soil for 60 years or longer.

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.

This fact sheet describes the four parts of a herd health program for beef cattle: Nutrition, deworming, vaccinations and biosecurity.

This publication provides yield performances of various warm-season forage crops grown in Louisiana. The results were obtained during trials conducted from 2004 to 2005.

Two trials were conducted to determine easily measured physical and chemical characteristics that affected voluntary intake of forages or concentrates by goat kids in production settings. Consumption of forages by kids was positively related to DM content of the forages. Goats consumed concentrates and forages to maximize the nutrient intake in the allotted amount of time.

This guide includes helpful information on herbicides and weed control with detailed suggestions for aquatics, commercial nursery stock, field crops, forestry, fruit crops, home gardens, lawns and many other Louisiana crops. It includes information on different types of herbicide registrations, as well as information on herbicide labels and restricted uses. Also included are sprayer calibration techniques, suggestions for reducing herbicide drift and a guide to proper spray tip selection.

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.

Flies are the most important insect pests of horses. Among this large, diverse group of insects, the pests of horses include bloodsucking or biting flies, filth or irritation flies, mosquitoes and bot flies. The description, biology, economic/health significance and control are included.

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 covers information on artificial insemination in swine and how it requires optimum management for optimum results. The publication includes ten basic points that are essential for the procedure.

Dairying, by its nature, requires specific practices to conserve and protect soil and water resources. Best management practices (BMPs) are an effective and practical means of reducing point- and nonpoint-source water pollutants at levels compatible with environmental quality goals.

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.

Electronic measures of somatic cell counts on individual cows can be used to manage somatic cell counts in bulk tank milk.

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.

The primary objective of producing broilers is to optimize growth. Find information on housing, brooding, heating, lighting, feeders and waterers, feeds and feeding, and health.

(Distributed 01/17/08) Youth from across Louisiana are preparing to compete in the 73rd annual LSU AgCenter Livestock Show next month at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales. LSU AgCenter officials say they expect more than 3,000 youngsters to bring nearly 6,000 animals to the Feb. 9-16 competition.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

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.

Beef cattle producers seeking to maximize profits in their cow-calf production systems can increase income from their calves by castrating male calves. This edition of the Bayou Beef Tips newsletter contains important information on cowherd management, specifically the methods of castration which are surgical, emasculatome, elastrator, and should you castrate early or delay.

Images of major poisonous plants are presented to assist livestock owners with plant recognition. Toxic effects are also mentioned.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting the dairy industry.

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.

The Southern Dairy Conference is a major outreach function of the Southern Extension/Research Activities Information Exchange Group 15 - Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Southern Dairy Industry.

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.

When it comes to deciding which mineral supplements to use in livestock feeding, two criteria need to be considered: Biological efficacy and economic efficiency.

Horse diseases are normally divided into three general areas, depending on the site of their specificdamage. They are general body diseases, respiratory diseases and reproductive diseases.

Ration quality and the level of feed consumed both play important roles in maximizing dairy farm profitability. Feedstuff analysis allows better appreciation of real cost and should be considered in ration formulation. Feed efficiency should be calculated and monitored to identify the most profitable cows of the herd and to evaluate the nutritional programs more closely and accurately.

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.

The daily nutrient requirements of the horse are based on a critical need for protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and water, to enable the horse to do a specific job and achieve his genetic and physical capabilities.

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

The basic handling skills must be taught to every horse to make him safe and enjoyable for the horseman. Regardless of your use of the horse, these handling skills will assist in the development of harmony and cooperation between horse and rider.

Vitamin supplementation in horses is generally not needed since common feeds normally contain adequate amounts. Vitamin deficiencies occur primarily when horses are sick or stressed, or if feed is improperly processed and stored over long periods of time. In these cases, vitamin supplementation may be necessary.

The primary concern in mineral nutrition is to provide salt and adequate levels of calcium and phosphorous in approximately a 1.3 to 1 ratio.

This two-part series describes the potential disease problems that may arise in the winter in beef cattle because of shortages of grazing and stored forages, and it offers solutions to help prevent these problems.

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.

Where ever horses are bought or sold, a horseman attempts to fit his horse and set him up squarely on his feet and legs so that the horse can be presented to his best advantage to the perspective buyer. Therefore it is essential to understand the basic skills of fitting and showing a horse at halter.

Horsemanship is more than a class in a horse show. It is the ability of a horseman to ride and handle his horse properly and in balance.

Poultry litter is relatively rich in nutrients and organic matter, but it needs to be properly managed. This article discusses how to realize the most benefits from poultry litter utilization as a fertilizer.

(Distributed 11/19/07) Milk prices are up, but feed prices are, too. That was bittersweet news at the LSU AgCenter’s dairy field day Nov. 13 at the Southeast Research Station in Franklinton.

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

Most of us involved in agriculture are aware of environmental concerns related to production agriculture. Regulatory proposals involving animal agriculture, such as poultry production, have caused concerns throughout the poultry-producing area of Louisiana.

Louisiana livestock and poultry producers must be aware of certain regulatory issues concerning federal environmental laws.

These links lead to some useful information at North Carolina State University, the USDA and the LSU AgCenter Calhoun Extension Office.

To respond properly to a horse, a rider must be able to recognize and understand what the animal is doing.

One of the most difficult tasks facing an instructor is teaching a student to feel and react to the horse's movement and responses. Riders who do not feel the horse's errors are unable to react correctly in a timely manner to the horse.

An attentive rider can use the rhythm of a horse's gait to influence speed and direction while riding.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provided information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

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.

The chances of poultry and other domestic birds acquiring mosquito-transmitted encephalitis viruses are relatively low, according to an LSU AgCenter expert, who says you also can take precautions to further reduce that risk.

This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them.

This article provides the latest information about internal parasites in sheep and goats and updated treatment and control recommendations.

During fall, many backyard flock owners ask, "Why have my hens stopped laying?" Several factors may cause the reduction in egg laying, says LSU AgCenter poultry specialist Dr. Theresia Lavergne.

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.

This report is a joint publication of the LSU AgCenter Southeast Research Station, the Hill Farm Research Station, and the Department of Dairy Science. It provides details of research trials at the three locations along with some topical papers of importance to dairy producers in Louisiana.

Role of vitamin E in dairy cow nutrition. Effects on reproduction, imunity, and production.

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.

This article discusses the common parasites of horses and ways to control them.

The following lists health problems and issues specific to show cattle, but It is not intended to be a complete discussion of the topics presented. Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses in animals are most effective when a veterinarian is able to see the environment in which the animals are kept, discuss the diet and physically examine them.

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.

Is there an absolutely safe level? The answer is probably no. For beef cows, including pregnant cows, a maximum of 100 ppb in the total diet appears to be a practical answer.

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

Minutes of the meetings of the Southern Extension/Research Activities Information Exchange Group 15 - Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Southern Dairy Industry

Objectives of the Southern Extension/Research Activities Information Exchange Group 15 - Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Southern Dairy Industry.

DAIRYSOUTH-L is an e-mail discussion group hosted by the Southern Extension/Research Activities Information Exchange Group 15 - Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Southern Dairy Industry.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provided information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

By providing good care, horsemen can minimize the costs of health care and maximize their enjoyment of their horses.

Conscientious owners should be aware that there can be potentially toxic substances in feeds.

Many producers use early weaning programs to lower the costs of feed and labor. Calves tend to scour less when consuming solid feeds compared with liquid feeds. As a result, health costs may decrease.

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.

The dollar amounts, which are estimates of reduced revenue and increased costs, are broken down by storm and commodity. Total estimated costs are also provided.

Although the latest strain of avian influenza, H5N1, has not been detected in the United States, LSU AgCenter specialists say poultry owners should do all they can to protect their flocks and hunters of wild fowl must take precautions

Members of the Southern Extension/Research Activities Information Exchange Group 15 - Sustainability and Competitiveness of the Southern Dairy Industry.

This provides information on available herbicides for controlling broadleaf and grassy weeds.

There are many different strategies for fertilizing pastures. These vary according to stocking rate, presence or absence of legumes and whether the pastures consist of summer or winter plants.

Many Louisiana producers overestimate the quality of their hay because they don’t recognize the reasons hay quality varies. This publication describes the factors that influence quality and tells how to obtain a forage sample for testing purposes.

This publication describes a unique, naturally occuring variety of bermudagrass found in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, in 1991. Little Phillip No. 1 grew more rapidly than of other varieties, yet the forage quality was similar.

This publication gives recommendations on proper fertilization rates for optimum production of summer hay crops.

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.

Winter feeding costs are a major expense in cow-calf herds. So, selecting a winter feeding program that is cost-efficient is imperative. However, making sure nutrient requirements are met during this time is critical to future profitability. An investment now can pay dividends for years to come.

These publications are designed to help Louisiana residents recover from floods, storms, extended power outages and other stressful, dangerous events.

The Louisiana Dairy Digest is a publication of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service that provides information on the latest developments and issues affecting dairy farming.

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.

The USDA Dairy Sire Summaries now include three selection indexes that can be very useful in simplifying sire selection. These are called Net Merit Dollars (NM$)