Animal Handling
Safe and effective cattle handling has always
been important. Over the past decade there has been a move toward what has been
called low-stress handling or as we prefer to call it, a return to sound,
effective stockmanship. The animal industries cannot afford to allow any form
of abusive behavior or handling of livestock. The culture of handling on any
operation originates from upper management and is expressed by the workers on
the ground. Most cattle handlers learned by watching someone else work stock.
Everyone thinks they know how to “work cattle” because they have always been
able to get the job done. The moment you admit you do not know everything is
the moment you can start to get better.
Animal Health
This section will provide attendees with the
basic biology of both the cow and bull. Physiological stages of female
reproduction and the development of replacement heifers will also be covered.
Attendees will also be introduced to managing reproductive efficiency using a
variety of methods, including but not limited to, natural cover and artificial
insemination. The practical use of Breeding Soundness Exams and the general
reproductive management of the bull will be presented. Finally, the effect of
calving difficulty on subsequent reproductive performance will be introduced,
as well as methods that can be utilized to reduce dystocia within the cow herd.
Following this module, the participant will have a general understanding of
what reproductive efficiency is and what tools can be utilized to increase
overall reproductive performance within their herd.
Beef Quality Assurance
Producers who participate in Master
Cattleman will become BQA Certified. Beef Quality Assurance is a nationally
coordinated, state implemented program that provides systematic information to
U.S. beef producers and beef consumers of how common-sense husbandry
techniques can be coupled with accepted scientific knowledge to raise
cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA guidelines
are designed to make certain all beef consumers can take pride in what they
purchase – and can trust and have confidence in the entire beef industry.
Breeding and Selection
This sections covers concepts of animal
breeding including basic principles and terminology of animal genetics as well
as practical applications of selection in a beef cattle herd. These concepts
include basic genetics terminology, such as phenotypic and genetic variation,
heritability of specific traits and genetic correlations among important traits
in beef cattle. The program also covers important technologies such as Expected
Progeny Differences (EPD’s), genetic markers, selection indices for multiple
trait selection and mating systems such as crossbreeding. Practical
applications also include establishing objectives and goals for improving
phenotypic performance in a beef herd through animal breeding and selection.
Economics and Marketing
This session covers several of the most
influential factors impacting the management and economic performance and
profitability of beef cattle operations. Topics covered can be categorized into
two broad categories: Financial Management and Marketing. Financial management
discussions are focused on basic production and financial record keeping along
with developing production and financial indicators and benchmarks to monitor
the performance of the operation over time. Marketing discussions are focused
on identifying those major supply and demand factors that influence beef and
cattle prices throughout the marketing channel.
End Product
This unit of the Master Cattleman Program
brings together all aspects of today’s beef cattle industry for the producer.
The story begins with the importance of proper genetics and selection, proper
and humane handling of cattle, advantageously marketing the beef product being
produced, ethical and humane harvesting of cattle, and the correct processing
procedures in order to reach the ‘End Product’ that is sold attractively and
wholesomely at the consumer retail level.
Nutrition
Nutrition represents approximately 65% of the
cost of maintaining a cow-calf operation. In this class we will describe the
ruminant animal and its digestive system. Understanding the nutritional
requirements of different classes of cattle as well as on different
physiological stages has major implications in the efficiency of production. We
will discuss the importance of all major nutrients like water, protein, energy,
minerals, and vitamins. The impact of nutrition on reproduction and the use of
body condition score as an indicator of energy status. Important concepts such
as nutritive value of forages and other feeds, supplementation and dry matter
intake will also be presented.
Pasture Agronomy
Pasture agronomy covers the selection,
production and management of forage grass and legume species that are adapted
to Louisiana. Major topic areas discussed include plant growth and development,
hay production, soil fertility and grazing management. The important role that
forages play in successful beef cattle operations is emphasized.
Reproduction
This section will provide attendees with the
basic biology of both the cow and bull. Physiological stages of female
reproduction and the development of replacement heifers will also be covered.
Attendees will also be introduced to managing reproductive efficiency using a
variety of methods, including but not limited to, natural cover and artificial
insemination. The practical use of Breeding Soundness Exams and the general
reproductive management of the bull will be presented. Finally, the effect of
calving difficulty on subsequent reproductive performance will be introduced,
as well as methods that can be utilized to reduce dystocia within the cow herd.
Following this module, the participant will have a general understanding of
what reproductive efficiency is and what tools can be utilized to increase
overall reproductive performance within their herd.
Weed Management
The Master Cattleman weed science lecture will
instruct students on the biology and ecology of weeds, weed management
techniques and methodologies, factors affecting chemical weed control, and the
influence of environmental conditions associated with weed management.
Additionally, students will receive the latest information concerning the
identification and control of the most common weeds infesting forages in
Louisiana.
