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Performing breeding soundness evaluations on herd bulls is a sound investment for beef cow-calf operations. A bull breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) is a uniform method of assessing a bull’s likelihood of accomplishing pregnancy in an appropriate number of open, healthy, cycling cows or heifers in a defined breeding season.
Trichomoniasis is a bovine venereal disease that can cause substantial reproductive and economic loss in cow-calf operations that use natural service. Many states, including Louisiana, now have regulations on movement of bulls to prevent the spread of trichomoniasis.
(10/26/18) The most recent graduates of the Louisiana Master Cattleman Program were recognized at a field day on Oct. 18.
The purposes of this project are to evaluate the interaction of forage systems and breed types and evaluate the most demanded product.
Newsletter for cattle producers with information on winter pastures, feed, field day, selling the slide, winter pasture costs, market news, forage production
Beef Cattle Calendar of Events
Discussion on the importance of good disposition in the beef industry and how to select for it.
A brief description of foot rot in beef cattle as well as how to diagnose and treat it.
Newsletter to beef producers concerning twine, ryegrass, trip, animal id, drought, market news
An article about the importance of using BSE's in beef cattle management and the steps involved in a BSE on a bull.
An description of what Optaflex is and what it does for the beef industry.
Newsletter for cattle producers on winter pasture, bulk feed, Field Day, Beef Production, Survey, Portable Pens
Using EPD's for selection and improvement of a beef herd.
An overview of what ultrasound is and what it means for today's cattle producer
Newsletter for beef producers on the following topics: Master Cattleman, Weaning, American Beef Now Available in China, Atypical mad Cow Disease, WOTUS
Event information about an upcoming LA Master Cattlemen's Training in St. Tammamny Parish starting August 15, 2017.
Johne’s (pronounced “Yo-nees”) Disease is a chronic infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP).
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.
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.
Cattle, goats, horses, pigs and sheep surviving hurricanes or other disasters are vulnerable to several diseases, including infectious diseases and toxicities. (PDF Format Only)
Although cattle can survive for days without food, a supply of clean, fresh water is essential to keep animals alive following a disaster. Rules of thumb for calculating necessary trough space also included.
Meeting the most basic nutrient requirements needed for survival should be the goal when feeding cattle following a disaster. Feeding basics, feeding water-damaged hay or feed and salvaging flood-damaged hay and feeds included.
Biosecurity plans control the introduction and spread of disease by evaluating and addressing the primary routes of disease transmission. An effective biosecurity plan will control several diseases at one time. (PDF Format Only)
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.
The Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) is a new rule by FDA that goes into effect January 1, 2017.
Basics of forage quality analysis and how such an analysis relates to the nutritional needs of a beef cow and/or replacement heifer. (PDF format only)
Controlling your breeding season can offer many benefits for a beef cow/calf producer, including reducing production cost or increasing profit.
This article provides a listing of farms which have been certified as "agritourism operations" in accordance with R.S. 9:2795.4
Production agriculture is affected by seasonal production and demand cycles that are influenced by weather conditions as well as biological processes. These supply-and-demand conditions lead to seasonal price patterns. Awareness of seasonal price patterns can improve production and marketing decisions made by producers. (PDF Format Only)
Livestock Risk Protection insurance for feeder cattle has been extended to producers in Louisiana. This insurance product is available for purchase from private crop insurance agents. The benefit of this insurance product is that producers can protect their breakeven price level, and there is no minimum number of head that must be insured under a policy. Policies are available that will align with when cattle are marketed, size of cattle marketed and type of cattle marketed. (PDF Format Only)
This publication covers calculation of the choice/select spread, as well as supply and demand factors that widen or narrow the choice/select spread. Additional discussion centers on how the choice/select spread reflects cattle quality and packer demand for certain USDA quality grades (PDF format only)
This brochure details the relative value Extension agents place on various USDA livestock and poultry reports that contain pricing and production data. (PDF format only)
Information on purchasing healthy bulls, breeding-soundness examinations, disease prevention and nutrition. (PDF format only)
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. (PDF Format Only)
This study was done to determine the effects of broiler litter and commercial fertilizer applied to bermudagrass pastures on animal performance.
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.
A comprehensive handbook for beef cattle producers, this 152-page manual provides a wealth of useful information that is augmented by color photographs, charts and other illustrations. It is endorsed by the Louisiana Beef Industry Council and written by a variety of experts. Cost: $25 plus tax (free shipping). You can order this book through our online store by using the Order Publication button below.
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.
Dry cow management is an integral part of total herd management. There are five keys to maintaining an excellent dry cow program.
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.
In recent years, there has been considerable interest from beef cattle producers in using baled silage or baleage as a way to reduce feeding expenses. This publication discusses the costs of incorporating baleage into an existing beef cattle operation. (PDF Format Only)
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.
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 brochure details the relative value agribusiness professionals and market analysts place on various USDA livestock and poultry reports that contain pricing and production data. (PDF Format Only)
Much of Louisiana has been under drought conditions. This guide was developed to help producers with decisions on facing the dry conditions.
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.
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 report presents estimates of projected production costs and returns for beef cattle and forage crop production in Louisiana for the 2011 crop year.
Learn@Lunch webinars provide practical knowledge for beef cattle producers of all types to enhance financial viability and improve farm management decision making.
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. (PDF Format Only)
Projected Costs and Returns For Beef Cattle and Associated Forage Crops in Louisiana, 2010
Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only)
This spreadsheet is designed to assist cow/calf producers with determining the costs associated with developing replacement heifers. The cost associated with developing replacements heifers from one's own herd can then be compared to the costs associated with purchasing replacement females in the open market. A comparison of the expected returns from each strategy is included to help producers understand which alternative may work best for their individual operation.
eNewsletter from Animal Sciences extension specialists.
Volume 36 of the LSU AgCenter Beef & Forage Report. Topics covered include: statistics, Extension/Service programs, forage utilization and economics, meat science, breeding and genetics, reproduction, forage production and management.
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Influence of Age, Body Weight, and Condition on Plasma Leptin Concentrations; Circulating Leptin Levels in Lactating and Nonlactating Beef Females Following Artificial Insemination; Use of Laser-Assisted Embryo Hatching Prior to Transfer of Frozen-Thawed In Vivo Produced Beef Cattle Embryos
The 2009 Beef Report is a compilation of research studies completed by the LSU AgCenter faculty in the two years since the publication of the 2007 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.
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Louisiana Value Added Beef Program; Forage-Based Bull Performance Test Program; Performance Evaluation of Beef Bulls; Louisiana Calf to Carcass Program
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Control of Broadleaf Weeds in Pastures Using Non-2,4-D Containing Herbicides
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Extending Productivity of Bermudagrass Pastures by Overseeding with Ryegrass and Clovers
The LSU AgCenter recognizes the importance of the beef industry to the economy of Louisiana. We hope you will find this report informative and useful to you and your beef cattle operation.
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Evaluation of Horn Flies and Internal Parasites with Growing Beef Cattle Grazing Bermudagrass Pastures; Evaluation of Horn Flies and Internal Parasites with Spring Calving Cows and Calves
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Choosing a Grazing System
The 2009 Beef Report is a compilation of research studies completed by the LSU AgCenter faculty in the two years since the publication of the 2007 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.
Research studies covered in this section of the 2009 Beef Report: Impact of Genetic Markers on Carcass and Tenderness Traits; Tropically Adapted F1 Cows for Fertility and Maternal Ability; Genetic Markers at the Leptin Locus in Steers and Association with Carcass Traits; Breed and Genetic Effects on Parasitism, Hair Coat Scores, and Postweaning Gains in Replacement Heifers; Breed and Genetic Effects on Temperament and Postweaning Gains in Replacement Heifers
The 2009 Beef Report is a compilation of research studies completed by the LSU AgCenter faculty in the two years since the publication of the 2007 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.
This spreadsheet-based, decision-making tool is based on the annual LSU AgCenter enterprise budgets for beef cattle. The spreadsheet allows producers to alter assumptions and print a projected budget based on their individual operations.
This spreadsheet decision tool is updated on a monthly basis with Louisiana cattle prices. It allows producers to see the historical additional revenues by adding weight to cattle over a several-month period. No assumptions about costs of production are made; simply, the historical additional revenues are shown. Historical prices by class of cattle and corresponding seasonal indices are included.
The Livestock Indemnity Program was a new, permanent disaster payment program created in the 2008 Farm Bill. The rules for this program have recently been published,and this document informs producers and other interested parties on how to determine if they are eligible for the program.
This page provides information on hay quality, supplements and how to ration hay.
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.
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.
These guidelines include information on semen quality, supplemental feeding for young bulls, deworming and vaccination.
A large segment of the beef cattle industry is adopting expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a valuable selection tool in improving calf productivity.
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.
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.
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 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.
