Beef Cattle Management Research Articles

367 Changing the conversation: Evaluating feedyard closeouts and the beef system on a carcass basis

Abstract Beef cattle genetics, management, technologies and nutritional strategies are ever evolving, and current US trends favor feeding cattle to heavier carcass endpoints and optimizing quality grade. The average number of days on feed (DOF) in the US has increased year after year, averaging 195 and 183 DOF for steers and heifers, respectively, as reported by Elanco Benchmark data in 2021. As DOF increase, cattle live performance, including average daily gain and feed efficiency decline; however, hot carcass weight (HCW) becomes significantly heavier. Although a reduction in live feed conversion occurs as cattle are fed for extended DOF, the kilograms of additional live gain that result as kilograms of gain on the carcass, termed carcass transfer, increase linearly. As DOF are extended, carcass transfer has been reported to increase up to 88 %. As a result of genetic advancements, technologies, and feeding longer, HCW has trended heavier over the last 60 yr, with 2024 USDA HCW reported for April as 11.3 and 9.5 kg heavier for steers and heifers, respectively, year after year. According to mandatory price reporting data, approximately 74 % of fat cattle marketed in the US are sold as dressed beef. As we continue to feed to heavier endpoints and longer DOF, the profitability of selling on a carcass-basis increases. With the increase in carcass transfer as DOF extend, this presentation will attempt to address that cattle live performance should be adjusted to a carcass-basis for feedyards to appropriately capture the inflection point at which cost of additional gain equals the price received for the additional gain.

The Mechanism of Sodium Sulfate Coupled with Anaerobic Methane Oxidation Mitigating Methane Production in Beef Cattle.

The aim of this experiment is to explore the effect of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) on methane reduction in the rumen, and its impact on anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea (ANME). Using mixed rumen fluid from four Angus cattle fistulas, this study conducted an in vitro fermentation. Adding Na2SO4 to the fermentation substrate resulted in sulfur concentrations in the substrate of 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, 1.0%, 1.2%, 1.4%, 1.6%, 1.8%, 2.0%, 2.2%, and 2.4%. The gas production rate and methane yield were measured using an in vitro gas production method. Subsequently, the fermentation fluid was collected to determine the fermentation parameters. The presence of ANME in the fermentation broth, as well as the relationship between the number of bacteria, archaea, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), ANME, and the amount of Na2SO4 added to the substrate, were measured using qPCR. The results showed that: (1) the addition of Na2SO4 could significantly reduce CH4 production and was negatively correlated with CO2 production; (2) ANME-1 and ANME-2c did exist in the fermentation broth; (3) the total number of archaea, SRB, ANME-1, and ANME-2c increased with the elevation of Na2SO4. The above results indicated that Na2SO4 could mitigate methane production via sulfate-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (S-DAMO) in the rumen. In the future management of beef cattle, including sodium sulfate in their diet can stimulate S-DAMO activity, thereby promoting a reduction in methane emissions.

A New Method for Non-Destructive Identification and Tracking of Multi-Object Behaviors in Beef Cattle Based on Deep Learning.

The method proposed in this paper provides theoretical and practical support for the intelligent recognition and management of beef cattle. Accurate identification and tracking of beef cattle behaviors are essential components of beef cattle production management. Traditional beef cattle identification and tracking methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, which hinders precise cattle farming. This paper utilizes deep learning algorithms to achieve the identification and tracking of multi-object behaviors in beef cattle, as follows: (1) The beef cattle behavior detection module is based on the YOLOv8n algorithm. Initially, a dynamic snake convolution module is introduced to enhance the ability to extract key features of beef cattle behaviors and expand the model's receptive field. Subsequently, the BiFormer attention mechanism is incorporated to integrate high-level and low-level feature information, dynamically and sparsely learning the behavioral features of beef cattle. The improved YOLOv8n_BiF_DSC algorithm achieves an identification accuracy of 93.6% for nine behaviors, including standing, lying, mounting, fighting, licking, eating, drinking, working, and searching, with average 50 and 50:95 precisions of 96.5% and 71.5%, showing an improvement of 5.3%, 5.2%, and 7.1% over the original YOLOv8n. (2) The beef cattle multi-object tracking module is based on the Deep SORT algorithm. Initially, the detector is replaced with YOLOv8n_BiF_DSC to enhance detection accuracy. Subsequently, the re-identification network model is switched to ResNet18 to enhance the tracking algorithm's capability to gather appearance information. Finally, the trajectory generation and matching process of the Deep SORT algorithm is optimized with secondary IOU matching to reduce ID mismatching errors during tracking. Experimentation with five different complexity levels of test video sequences shows improvements in IDF1, IDS, MOTA, and MOTP, among other metrics, with IDS reduced by 65.8% and MOTA increased by 2%. These enhancements address issues of tracking omission and misidentification in sparse and long-range dense environments, thereby facilitating better tracking of group-raised beef cattle and laying a foundation for intelligent detection and tracking in beef cattle farming.

The Use of Pulmonary Arterial Pressure (PAP) for Improved Beef Cattle Management.

Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) determines cattle's susceptibility to High Altitude Disease (HAD), also known as Brisket Disease, High Mountain Disease, and right-sided heart failure (RHF). This non-infectious disease causes pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxia. PAP measures the resistance of blood flow through the lungs. It is estimated that 1.5 million head of cattle are raised in high-altitude environments (above 1500 m), and HAD accounts for 3-5% of calf death loss yearly. In addition, there have been increasing concerns about feedlot cattle succumbing to RHF at moderate elevations. This review focuses on the historical background, explanation of PAP measurement and scores, genetic implications, and the relationship between PAP and economically relevant traits. Specifically, traits such as gestation length, birth weight, weaning weight, and yearling weight may impact PAP scores. In addition, environmental effects and other factors impacting PAP score variations are discussed. Information gaps and research needs are addressed to determine where missing information could improve the understanding of PAP while also benefiting beef cattle producers in high-elevation production systems.

Antibody levels following vaccination of beef calves with a tetanus toxoid

Tetanus is a preventable, yet often fatal, disease affecting many species, including beef cattle. Vaccination for tetanus is recommended for calves at high risk of disease, but typical beef cattle management practices often make adherence to vaccine manufacturers’ guidance for a second (booster) dose of vaccine difficult. This study examined the antibody response following a single dose of tetanus toxoid, as well as following booster vaccination at various intervals. Anti-tetanus IgG antibodies were detectable 25 days (D25) after a single dose, and rose following booster at either D25 D109 after initial vaccination. Antibody levels then declined numerically from D109 to D179 for calves boostered at D25 but rose on D179 for those receiving a second dose on D109. The relatively rapid response in IgG production, even in the absence of a booster vaccine, may suggest value in vaccinating calves for tetanus at time of greatest risk, even if a booster cannot be administered. The study also provides support for priming of the immune response lasting at least until D109 after primary immunization.

Comparison of serum concentrations of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins and estrone sulphate during pregnancy in eutocia and dystocia beef cattle

Preventing dystocia can stabilise beef cattle management. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) S-N values and estrone sulphate (E1S) concentrations during pregnancy and the calf birth weight in beef cattle and to evaluate their usefulness as new predictive parameters for dystocia due to foetal overgrowth. Thirty-eight pregnant Japanese Black cattle were used. Blood samples were collected at 40, 70, 100, 150, 200, 250, 280, and 285 days after artificial insemination (AI), and birth weight of the offspring was measured. Serum PAGs S-N values and E1S concentrations were measured, and the area under the curve (AUC) and the ratio of change based on 70 days after AI were calculated, followed by calculation of the correlation coefficient with the birth weight of the offspring and comparison between the eutocia (n = 32) and dystocia (n = 6) groups. The birth weight of the offspring was moderately positively correlated with the AUC of serum PAGs S-N values and E1S concentrations in the second (r = 0.425, P < 0.01) and third (r = 0.595, P < 0.01) trimesters, respectively. The ratio of change in serum E1S concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI was greater (P < 0.05) in the dystocia group (1276.6 ± 229.1 %) than in the eutocia group (852.6 ± 69.6 %). These results suggest that blood PAGs S-N values at mid-pregnancy (100–199 days after AI) and the ratio of changes in blood E1S concentrations between 70 and 280 days after AI may be new parameters for predicting dystocia.

Stressors Inherent to Beef Cattle Management in the United States of America and the Resulting Impacts on Production Sustainability: A Review

Stressors are directly related to major events throughout the beef cattle production cycle. Understanding the impact stressors have on productive outcomes is critical for the efficient implementation of management strategies. Such stressors include environmental extremes, nutritional deprivation, and common management procedures. Environmental extremes such as thermal stress can disturb gestating cows’ normal physiological responses, hindering reproductive efficiency. Thermal stress during the breeding season can affect embryo development causing a decrease in conception rates, although adjusting the scheduling of breeding activities can minimize losses. Additionally, suboptimal nutrition may negatively impact reproductive performance if management strategies including modifying seasonal grazing practices are not implemented. As gestation progresses, nutrient requirements increase; thus, without appropriate dietary management, poor calf performance, the loss of the body condition score, and reduced reproductive performance may result. While weaning is a common management procedure, this event is another major stress within the production system. Applying efficient strategies such as creep feeding or two-step weaning to mitigate weaning stress can maximize production efficiency. This review will explore in-depth the stressors associated with production events in the beef cattle industry and give insight into researched management strategies targeting these stressors that will improve the sustainability of the production system.

Pengembangan Usaha Sapi Potong Berbasis Tenaga Kerja Keluarga Di Kecamatan Wonosari Kabupaten Gunung Kidul

One of the most promising livestock businesses is beef cattle. Generally, beef cattle businesses applied in Indonesia are relatively small-scale, so they still need to meet domestic beef needs. This study aims to study the development of the beef cattle business in the Wonosari sub-district, Gunung Kidul Regency. This research is survey research. The sample villages were determined by purposive sampling, namely villages with the largest livestock population. Respondents are carried out on a quota basis. The sample from each village was 15 farmers for three villages, with 45 farmer respondents. The analysis carried out is descriptive. The results showed that family labor for each activity in beef cattle management from the largest is foraging on their land, giving feed, giving water, cleaning pens, cultivating agricultural land, and treating livestock.

Enhancing Smart Farming Capabilities for Small-Scale Cattle Farmers in Chiang Rai, Thailand

This research aims to develop an IoT-driven smart farming system for beef cattle management in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The system empowers small-scale farmers by enabling precise criteria for cattle care, optimized feeding, growth monitoring, breeding analysis, and cost estimation through WSN and cloud-based platforms. The sensors gather raw data on consumption from the feeding troughs and then transmit it to the cloud-based platform. Consumption data is then analyzed using Linear Regression Analysis. Key findings indicate a substantial correlation (0.995) between feed quantity and cattle weight gain, with a predictive capability of 99%. This system enhances precision and decision-making in cattle farming, offering significant benefits to small-scale farmers in the region.

Beefing up communication skills of upper-level animal science students.

Animal scientists face an increasing need to communicate with the lay public because of the public's interest in the origin and production of animal-sourced foods. Consumers' increased interest infers a critical need for effective communication skills among animal science graduates. Effective communication skills are mandatory if students are to explain scientific information and mitigate misinformation about livestock production. The purpose of our study was to investigate the communication styles and communication effectiveness of upper-level animal science students enrolled in a beef cattle production and management course at Texas A&M University across five semesters (N = 241; spring 2018 = 61, summer 2018 = 15, Fall 2018 = 54, spring 2019 = 55, and fall 2019 = 56). Male animal science students (n = 25; 32.9%) preferred assertive and direct communication (a driver communication style) and female students (n = 32; 19.4%) preferred collaborative and accommodating communication (an amiable communication style). Students were moderately experienced with beef cattle production (M = 3.09, SD = 1.07) before enrolling in the course; however, former beef cattle experiences did not influence their preferred communication style [F(10, 230) = 0.36, P = 0.96]. Researchers also observed students' communication skills during an end-of-semester beef cattle production and management project presentation and identified strengths and weaknesses. Students demonstrated strong, in-depth animal industry knowledge, an ability to connect beef production techniques to management success, and critical thinking skills when answering questions. Oral communication skills warranting improvement included integrating visual aids and/or visual slides to support findings, using improved stage presence and confidence, and sharing responsibilities when presenting as a team. Finally, completion of a supplemental communication training module, intended to develop oral communication skills, significantly improved [F(1, 55) = 4.16, P = 0.046] students' beef cattle production and management project presentation scores. As students become aware of their communication preferences and tendencies, they become equipped to adjust their communication practices and techniques when needed. Through this study, we gained insight into students' communication tendencies and skills, which can be used to provide curricular recommendations and enhance students' workforce readiness.

390 Colorado State University Seedstock Merchandising Team: Creating Impactful Student Experience and Engagement in the Beef Industry

Abstract Hands-on learning is not a new term for animal science curriculums; in fact, it is often something that sets the major apart. The demand for experiential learning opportunities continues to be strong. Students not only want more experience with livestock, but also learning opportunities that provide impact: labs, field trips, internships, and research for example. Colorado State University is committed to providing unique student opportunities that allow students to gain new perspectives, practice applying foundational knowledge, strengthen professional networks, and grow as young leaders in the agriculture and livestock industries. The CSU Seedstock Merchandising program was founded in 1976 under the direction of Dr. Robert Taylor. Taylor’s work focused on beef cattle systems and management, and he believed that learning happens in and out of the classroom. This philosophy built a long tradition of “learning by doing”. In the spring of 1977, the first group of “Advertising and Merchandising Breeding Cattle” students advertised and sold 17 head of yearling bulls with a sale average of $1,600. In the spring of 2023, the CSU Seedstock Merchandising Team hosted the forty-sixth annual sale selling 28 head of age-advantaged Angus and Hereford bulls averaging $4,196 and 9 Hereford and Commercial Angus bred females averaging $2,639. In the years between these two events, the program expanded. Beginning in 2002, student activities extended beyond organizing and advertising a sale. It was at this time that students began exhibiting cattle at the National Western Stock Show and participating in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show through hosting a booth on behalf of the CSU Animal Sciences Department. In addition to these activities, students on the Seedstock Merchandising Team are required to register for a series of courses focused on seedstock cattle merchandising and management. These students work extensively with the records of the on-campus teaching herd participating in data collection and management, preparing data for submission to breed associations, making recommendations for annual breeding and selection, as well as management and marketing. Beef industry leaders and fellow seedstock producers are invited into the classroom as guest speakers. Students travel to seedstock operations and sales, study online sales and marketing, practice social media promotions, collect data for the sale catalog, set sale order, identify animals to highlight and photo, as well as host the sale and write a sale report. It is through these experiences that students are developing skills that can be used across a range of careers while also practicing animal husbandry and management knowledge gained across the animal sciences curriculum. Students active in the seedstock program have the opportunity to strengthen data analysis and management, communication, networking, and time management skills, as well as practicing community and industry engagement and industry advocacy.

415 Awardee Talk: Foraging for Collaboration: Beef-Forage System Strengths Unite Research and Extension Efforts in the Asas Southern Section

Abstract The American Society of Animal Science Southern Section has a rich history of collaboration and hosts an annual professional development meeting for ASAS members. The Section meeting includes scientific presentations, academic quadrathlon, undergraduate and graduate student competitions, symposia, and networking opportunities for its members. The Section has used strategic collaborations to foster multi-state projects and initiatives. One of the key discipline focus areas of the Section is forage-based beef production systems. The Section holds two symposia focused on research, Extension, and industry topics related to beef cattle management. The Bill E. Kunkle Interdisciplinary Symposium was started in 2014 to honor the impact of Dr. Kunkle, University of Florida, and fosters multi-disciplinary communication of beef cattle science. The SERA 41 Symposium is part of the regional NIMSS project focus-group on improving production efficiency of the beef cow herd in the Southeast US. The NIMSS group works collectively to create partnerships and common goal-oriented projects across the Southern Section states. The section is also home to the Randel Physiology Lecture series which was formed in 2016 to highlight Dr. Ron Randel’s commitment to the Southern Section physiology section, and to promote high-quality science for the next generation of physiologists and endocrinologists. More than 25 peer-reviewed publications and several webinars have resulted from these symposia and invited lectureships. This creates a referenceable resource for scientists on emerging topics and identifies potential priority areas of focus for scientists within the Southern region. Another highlight of the Section is the collaborative work of the Extension committee. The Extension committee collaboratively fosters Extension program development across the Southern region. The committee developed a regional webinar series in 2015 for regional training of Extension agents on livestock and forage management topics. Subsequent in-service training courses have emerged through both virtual and in-person delivery. Training is primarily focused on forage-based livestock management systems. Through these opportunities, the Southern Section has remained a gathering point for professional engagement and should continue to evolve to meet the needs of animal scientists.

Breeding profile and reproductive performance of beef cattle kept by smallholder farmers in Monta District, Bima Regency, Indonesia

This study investigates beef cattle's breeding profile and reproductive performance kept by smallholder farms in Monta District, Bima Regency, West Nusa Tenggara Province. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifty smallholder farmers, and observations were made on ninety-eight cows. Data on farmers' demographics, breeding profiles, management, and reproductive performance were collected and analyzed using descriptive analysis. The average age of the farmers was 44.32±6.61 years, with an average livestock farming experience of 33.14±6.17 years and an average cattle ownership of 5.02±3.96 heads. Most farmers (98.0%) engaged in beef cattle farming as a supplementary business for savings and insurance purposes. Interestingly, none of the smallholder farmers were members of livestock groups or had received any formal beef cattle farming training. The study's findings indicate promising results concerning beef cows' management and reproductive performance. The observed parameters include the average age of the first estrus at 26.03±5.01 months, the first mating age at 26.55±5.02 months, and the first calving age at 36.76±5.02 months. The average calf weaning age was 3.93±1.11 months, and the postpartum mating interval was 4.20±0.90 months. The cows exhibited an average of 1.59±0.49 services per conception, with an average days open period of 4.61±1.10 months. The calving interval was found to be 13.71±1.06 months. Moreover, the cow reproductive index was recorded at 0.88±0.07 head/year, indicating commendable management practices and reproductive performance. In conclusion, this study reveals that productive-age farmers with livestock experience engage in beef cattle farming as a supplementary business for savings. The findings suggest that beef cattle management and performance are commendable, considering the favorable calving interval and cow reproductive index.

Simulation and Prediction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Beef Cattle

Greenhouse gas emission is a key issue in the sustainable development of agriculture. To effectively predict the greenhouse gas emissions of beef cattle, a model is proposed based on system dynamics and greenhouse gas emission calculation methods, and a scenario is set as a ‘Straw to Beef’ project in Jilin Province. The model was built on a baseline emission scenario (feed precision: 60%, breeding environment: dry fattening farm, corn straw utilization: burning straw), with single- and comprehensive emission reduction scenarios considered, predicting trends and reduction potentials in greenhouse gas emissions from cattle breeding and straw burning in Jilin Province from 2013 to 2028, measured in CO2-eq (CO2 equivalent). The model also explored the impact of 11 controllable variables on greenhouse gas emissions. Results showed that (1) From 2013 to 2022, greenhouse gas emissions from straw burning and cattle breeding in Jilin Province increased significantly and had an annual growth rate of 6.51% in 2020. (2) Single emission reduction scenarios showed an increasing trend in greenhouse gas emissions, while comprehensive emission reduction scenarios showed a decreasing trend. Among them, the S2.2.1 scenario (feed precision: 80%, breeding environment: livestock barn manure pit, corn straw utilization: burning straw) had the strongest emission reduction ability in the single reduction scenario, the S3.2.2 scenario (feed precision: 80%, breeding environment: livestock barn manure pit, corn straw utilization: Feed-processing straw) had the strongest emission reduction ability in the comprehensive reduction scenario, reducing emissions by 5.10% and 69.24%, respectively, compared to the baseline scenario. This suggests that the comprehensive emission reduction scenarios which utilized straw resources reasonably can greatly reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. (3) The optimal emission reduction scenario indicated that the higher the proportion of digestible energy in beef cattle’s total energy intake, the more perfect the fecal treatment process, and the higher the utilization rate of straw feed, the lower the greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cattle breeding and straw burning in Jilin Province, it is important to implement comprehensive emission reduction scenarios prioritizing the efficient utilization of straw resources and improving beef cattle management practices.

P50 The impact of beef cattle management on the mitigation of greenhouse gases in two productive arrangements

P50 The impact of beef cattle management on the mitigation of greenhouse gases in two productive arrangements

Business Management and Feasibility Of Beef Cattle In Muaro Jambi District

This study aims to analyze the management and feasibility value of beef cattle business in Muaro Jambi Regency. The focus of this research area was carried out in Bahar Mulya Village, Bahar Utara District, Muaro Jambi Regency, this area was chosen as the research location with the consideration that most of the people in this area have side businesses as beef cattle breeders. The number of samples is 30 people. This study uses two kinds of data collection methods, namely primary data and secondary data. Primary data collection techniques include surveys and structured interviews. During the interview, questions were asked to respondents based on a questionnaire that had been prepared to explore the data that they wanted to know in the research. The results showed that the management of the beef cattle business in the study area was still managed traditionally by applying the cattle umbaran system. Financially, the potting cattle business was declared feasible with an NPV feasibility value of 345,606,133 and a Net B/C value of 2. 10.

The Effect of Institutional Management Quality Improvement of Livestock Group on The Welfare of People's Farmers

Farmers in Subang Regency, West Java Province, are still focused on conventional farming and have not used group management. So that the level of welfare of farmers in Subang Regency is still not optimal. This study aims to look at the institutional management problems of smallholder livestock herds, increase the knowledge and skills of smallholder breeders in institutional procedures and livestock management and see the effect of increasing the quality of institutional management on the welfare of smallholder breeders. The method used in this research is FGD, counseling and coaching related to institutional and governance procedures, monitoring and evaluation by giving questionnaires to farmers through interviews and descriptive analysis. The results of this study, first, the problem of farmers is the low management of group institutions, especially regarding administration, feed and sales, breeders can understand and practice the procedures and institutional governance of beef cattle groups as an effort to increase additional income for the value of the cattle themselves, improve the quality of management groups have a significant effect on increasing group welfare. The conclusion of this study is that the problems that exist in smallholder farmer groups are the institutional problems of the livestock group that are not good including administrative management, storage and marketing. The training and assistance provided to farmers is able to understand and practice the procedures and governance of institutional management of beef cattle. Improving the quality of group institutional management has a positive and significant effect on improving the welfare of smallholder breeders.

Women’s Roles in Beef Cattle Farming Households in Nagari Lakitan Utara, Pesisir Selatan Regency, Sumatra Barat Province

Gender equality is one of the main aspects in the sustainable development goals. This study aimed to analyze the roles of women in the households of beef cattle raising farmers in Nagari Lakitan Utara, Pesisir Regency, Sumatra Barat Province. This research involved 100 farmer households and collaborating partners from related institutions, employing the Harvard gender model of analysis and using the approach of Level of Effort (LoE) values. Results showed that women had significantly important roles in the management of beef cattle raising, starting from providing the logistical needs to managing the finances from cattle sales. In particular, women showed greater roles in herding as well as contacting inseminators and veterinarians in the case of ill animals.

2023 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research Report

The 2023 Southeast Research and Extension Center Agricultural Research report includes research conducted in the areas of beef cattle management, cropping systems, and forage crops. Topics include various grazing and nutrient input for steers and heifers; wheat, soybean, and corn production practices and results, as well as soil health practices; and burning and nutrient practices along with efforts for improvement of native and tall fescue range grasses.

Assessment of a COVID-induced shift in the evolution of a beef cattle production course.

This study investigated student (n = 272) exam grades and group project peer evaluations in a senior-level beef cattle management course during semesters of COVID-imposed transitional instructional delivery methods across the Fall 2019 to Spring 2021 semesters. Each semester identical format exams were administered, and students were assigned to groups of 4 or 5 balanced for previous cattle experience to work on a semester-long on a scenario-based ranch management project. Prior to COVID, exams were administered as closed-note with 1-h time limit, but were made open-note with 12 to 14 h time limit beginning in March 2020. Similar exam grades existed (P > 0.05) across these five semesters with the exception that Exam 3 deviated 3.7% (P = 0.020) from lowest to highest mean score; similar relative variation in exam scores based on CV and SD were seen across these semesters. For the group project, students scored all group members on a 0 (inferior) to 10 (superior) scale at the end of each semester that weighted the project grade by 20%. Remote vs. face-to-face (F2F) status did not influence (P > 0.05) group peer evaluation scores regarding "Overall level of participation" or "Willingness to work for success of your group" when group number or individual student was included in models. Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters had both remote and F2F students and were investigated for online page view and engagement. Across these two semesters, students (n = 125) were 72% females, 36.8% rated themselves as having no or little previous cattle experience, and 34.4% rated themselves as experienced or very experienced with cattle. No metric for online activity was correlated with exam grades, except the number of page views and Exam 3 scores (r = 0.28, P = 0.002). Neither gender (P > 0.05) nor previous cattle experience (P > 0.05) affected online activity metrics, peer evaluation points received on group projects, or exam grades. However, strong correlations (r = 0.33 to 0.45, P < 0.001) were seen between student peer points received and all four exam grades. Additionally, project group accounted for 28% to 37% of the differences in exam grades. Overall, no differences in exam grades (P < 0.05 except Exam 3) or group peer evaluations (P < 0.05) were detected when the course had different delivery styles. These results indicate that attributes of individual students are a major driver of successful course outcomes in this class, no matter what course delivery method is utilized.