Cow-calf Operations Research Articles

Seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and their individual and interactive effects on cattle fertility.

Reproductive failure is a major economical drain on cow-calf operations across the globe. It can occur in both males and females and stem from prenatal and postnatal influences. Therefore, the cattle industry has been making efforts to improve fertility and the pregnancy rate in cattle herds as an attempt to maintain sustainability and profitability of cattle production. Despite the advancements made in genetic selection, nutrition, and the implementation of various reproductive technologies, fertility rates have not significantly improved in the past 50 years. This signifies a missing factor or factors in current reproductive management practices that influence successful fertilization and pregnancy. Emerging lines of evidence derived from human and other animals including cattle suggest that the microbial continuum along the male and female reproductive tracts are associated with male and female fertility-that is, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy success-highlighting the potential for harnessing the male and female reproductive microbiome to improve fertility in cattle. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent studies on the bovine seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and discuss individual and interactive roles of these microbial communities in defining cattle fertility.

Effects of age and pasture type on the concentration and prevalence of tetracycline and macrolide resistant Enterococcus species in beef cow-calf production system

Enterococci are a normal flora of the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals. Enterococci can also cause life-threatening nosocomial infections. Antimicrobial-resistant Enterococcus species have been reported in the feedlot and dairy cattle productions and in meat and milk products, suggesting their foodborne importance. Cow-calf operations represent a significant segment in the beef production system by producing weaned calves. Weaned calves are brought into the feedlot to be finished for meat, and culled cows are also slaughtered for beef, primarily for ground beef products. Infection dynamics in the cow-calf operation can contribute to meat contamination. This study evaluated the effects of age and wheat grazing on the concentration and prevalence of a macrolide antibiotic erythromycin (ERYr) and tetracycline (TETr) resistant enterococci, associated resistance genes and species distribution in a cow-calf production system. In 2017 and 2018, 32 Angus breed cow-calf pairs were randomly assigned to feed on tall fescue or wheat pasture in two independent field experiments. During the grazing experiments of 2-3 weeks, fecal samples were collected weekly and cultured to enumerate, isolate and identify ERYr, TETr, and generic enterococci, using media supplemented with erythromycin, tetracycline or non-supplemented media, respectively. The two main species frequently associated with human illnesses, Enterococcus faecium and E. faecalis, were widely distributed in the cow-calf groups. Generic and TETr- enterococci were prevalent (96-100% prevalence) and abundant (3.2-4.9 log10 CFU/g) in the cow-calf population; however, ERYr enterococci were enumerable by direct plating only from a single cow despite being detected in at least 40% of the fecal samples after enrichment, showing their low abundance. TET- and ERY-resistance were mainly conferred by tet(M) and erm(B), respectively. Wheat grazing reduced the concentration of TETr enterococci and modified enterococcal species and resistance gene distributions. Hence, it is necessary to further investigate wheat grazing in cow-calf production as a potential strategy to mitigate antimicrobial resistance.

Evaluating Prairie Dog–Cattle Competition from the Perspective of a Ranching Enterprise in the Western Great Plains: Economic Analysis of Potential Effects on Long-Term Profitability

Prairie dogs and livestock have long been viewed as competitors for forage resources, causing widespread exterminations of prairie dogs, resulting in the decline of other threatened and endangered wildlife species. In this study we model the impacts that prairie dogs exhibit on the long-term profitability and cow herd dynamics of a ranch over a 40-yr production period on a representative cow-calf ranch operation in the Thunder Basin Ecoregion of Wyoming. More specifically, we evaluate the effects of prairie dogs on a cow-calf operation through two forage/livestock use assumptions; the first is simply loss of forage due to prairie dog consumption, and the second scenario assumes there is no available forage for livestock on prairie dog colonies. We also include three different potential prairie dog population dynamic scenarios: unmanaged prairie dogs, unmanaged prairie dogs with increased colony expansion during drought, and prairie dogs managed for a target colony size. As expected, our results indicate that prairie dogs decrease forage availability for grazing, thus reducing the average cow herd size on a ranch, the annual returns from livestock sales, and the maximized net present value of annual returns. Further, the magnitude of these impacts and the financial feasibility of managing prairie dogs largely depends on the effects prairie dogs exhibit on forage resources and how cattle use these forage resources.

Quantification of slow‐release fertilizer on year‐round forage production

AbstractOverseeding annual ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum (Lam.)] into warm‐season grass pasture is a common practice producing almost year‐round forage for cow–calf operations in the southern United States. Such an approach requires continuous soil nutrient availability throughout the season for consistent forage production. Coated fertilizers marketed as “slow‐release” may be an efficient and continuous plant nutrient source. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the impact of fertilization options targeting sustainable nutrient release on year‐round dry matter (DM) production. Research was conducted to determine fertilization effects of split application of uncoated inorganic fertilizer, slow‐release coated fertilizer, broiler litter, and zero‐fertilizer on forage production and nutritive value of annual ryegrass overseeded bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) pasture. The slow‐release coated fertilizer produced more total forage mass (30 Mg ha–1), which was of higher crude protein during spring (≥200 g dry matter [DM] kg–1), than the other treatments (<23 Mg ha–1 and 173 g DM kg–1, P < .05). The broiler litter and split application of uncoated inorganic fertilizer produced similar amounts of forage DM. The N uptake from the slow‐release coated fertilizer was higher than the other treatments until mid‐summer. Although early spring‐applied slow‐release fertilizer can enhance total forage production and quality indicators, high cost limits revenue above variable cost of this slow‐release fertilizer to levels similar to that of split‐applied uncoated inorganic N, with broiler litter providing the more economic supply of N to pastures with long growing seasons.

Effect of reduced age at first calving and an increased weaning rate on CO2 equivalent emissions in a cow-calf system

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of using technology to reduce the age at first calving (AFC; from 48 to 24 months) and increase the weaning rate (WR; from 60% to 80%) in beef herds. The need for pasture area (hectares) and the CO2 equivalent emissions (CO2eq.) of animals present in the production system were analyzed. Data from a livestock breeding system were used to produce 400 male calves per year: System 1) using reproductive biotechnology (fixed-time artificial insemination [FTAI] and System 2) without the use of reproductive biotechnology (only natural mating). System 1, which used reproductive biotechnology (FTAI; composed of 1,540 AU of animals in 1,540 hectares), presented a lower AFC (24 months), a higher WR (80%), and lower CO2eq. emissions per year (2,311.3 tons). System 2, which did not employ reproductive technology (composed of 2,475 AU [450 kg of animals] on 2,475 hectares), had the highest AFC (48 months) and lowest WR (60%) and emitted 3,714.5 tons of CO2eq. per year. The reduction in CO2eq. emissions per year was 1,403.3 tons in the system that used reproductive biotechnology, corresponding to gains of US$ 135,920.42 (US$ 96.86 per ton of CO2eq.). It is estimated that the adoption of the FTAI increases the reproductive efficiency of a cow-calf operation system, which can produce the same number of male calves (400) on 935 fewer hectares of pasture (-37.3%) and with a reduction of 1,403.3 tons of CO2eq. produced per year.

Perennial Warm-Season Grass Forages Impact on Cow-Calf Profitability in the Fescue Belt

Incorporating a perennial warm- season grass (WSG) into tall fescue (Lolium arundina-ceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.) forage systems in the fescue belt can help avoid the effects of fescue toxicosis on beef cattle (Bos taurus) reproduction and animal performance and provide forage during summer when fescue production is low. However, little information is available on the economics of incorporating WSG into fescue-based forage systems. We developed a simulation model to compare profitability of three forage systems—100% tall fescue, 70% tall fescue/30% bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon), and 70% tall fescue/ 30% switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)—while also comparing spring- and fall-calving sea-sons on model beef cattle cow-calf operations in the fescue belt. Incorporating switch-grass increased profitability of tall fescue forage systems in both spring- and fall- calving herds, while adding bermudagrass increased profitability in spring-calving herds but not fall-calving herds. Spring-calving herds benefited the most from incorporating WSG, with profitability increases of $877 and $372 per hectare for switchgrass and bermudagrass, respectively, over the 100% tall fescue system. The order of profitability of forage systems did not change with randomly simulated decreases in rainfall and associated increased hay- feeding days, but with annual rainfall >88% of the long- term average, fall- calving 100% tall fescue was more profitable than fall- calving 70% tall fescue/30% bermuda grass. Of the scenarios modeled, the results of the simulation suggest that a profit-maximizing producer would utilize a 70% tall fescue/30% switchgrass forage system.

192 Outcomes of Simulated Combinations of Rangeland Management Scenarios on Soil and Nutrient Processes

Abstract The relationships among rangeland management practices and ecosystem on soil and nutrient processes are complex. Simulation models can provide valuable insight into this complexity to guide future research and management decisions for sustainable grazing systems. The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the combinations of grazing management (continuous vs. rotational), stocking rate (low, moderate, or high), and burning (none vs. annual spring burn) on soil erosion, nutrient losses, and carbon sequestration. Soil, weather, and forage species data were collected for 3 locations in the Central Great Plains (Konza Prairie Biological Station, Kansas; Agricultural Research Center-Hays, Kansas; Central Plains Experimental Range, Wyoming). These data were used to simulate combinations of rangeland management scenarios using the Agricultural Policy/Environmental eXtender (APEX) model. A stocker cattle operation was simulated at Hays, Kansas and Wyoming locations, and a cow-calf operation at Konza, Kansas location. Burning increased soil loss from water erosion regardless of stocking rate or grazing management. Rotational grazing increased soil loss at the Kansas locations, but decreased soil loss at Wyoming compared with continuous grazing. Stocking rate had little effect on nitrogen losses, but rotational grazing decreased nitrogen loss compared with continuous grazing. Greater stocking rates slightly decreased phosphorus losses with continuous grazing, but not rotational grazing. Burning decreased phosphorus losses with continuous grazing at Konza, but not the other locations. Greater stocking rates decreased the deposition of soil organic carbon especially with continuous grazing, and burning resulted in losses of soil organic carbon at Konza and Wyoming. In conclusion, rangeland management practices differentially affect nutrient processes among ecosystems such that a one-size-fits-all management scheme will not maximize retention of all nutrients in all ecosystems.

86 Effects of Hurricane-Related Prenatal Stress on Postnatal Growth and Development of Steers and Heifers in a Limited Resource Beef cow-Calf System

Abstract Cost effective growth in beef calves is necessary for productivity of limited-resource pasture-based cow-calf operations. However, pasture-based production systems are often plagued by environmental stressors such as droughts, high ambient temperatures and adverse weather events that might impede calf growth and development. Our study evaluated the effects of prenatal stressors such as hurricanes on postnatal calf growth and development. Crossbred beef calves born from the same lineage in two different years were compared: Group 1, dams experienced effects of a category 5 hurricane in their late gestation. Group 2, dams experienced no adverse environmental effects their late gestation. Body weights and condition scores were collected at weaning, yearling age, 14 -15 months age and, and 20 months of age. Blood samples were collected periodically to evaluate metabolite and hormone profiles. Data were evaluated by mixed procedures of SAS, and significance determined at P< 0.05. Calf body weights during the juvenile periods were less (P< 0.05) in both steers and heifers born to dams that experienced hurricane-related stress during late gestation compared with their normal contemporaries. However, this weight difference was not evident during adult stages. Further, although blood cortisol was not different in yearling heifers, glucose and progesterone concentrations were decreased (P< 0.05; P< 0.01, respectively) in Group 1 heifers compared with the control group. In adult steers, serum cortisol differed (P< 0.001) between groups (965±38 vs 1282±40.5, pg/mL for Groups 1 and 2 respectively). Indeed, Group 1 steers exhibited decreased serum cortisol concentrations at both summer and fall periods when ambient temperatures were expected to present varied stressful challenges to the animals. Thus, detrimental effects of a natural disaster such as a hurricane may impede postnatal growth and development of heifers and steers as seen in this project. Further investigation is on this phenomenon is warranted. Funded by NIFA CBG # 2021-38821-34599.

81 Effects of Hurricane-Related Stress During Gestation on Replacement Heifer (Bos Taurus) Development in a Limited-Resource Beef cow-Calf System

Abstract In a limited resource cow-calf operation, obtaining puberty in heifers is one of the main concerns for long-term productivity. Although nutritional factors have a large role in heifer development, environmental factors are sometimes overlooked until a catastrophic event such as a hurricane occurs. For this project, two heifer groups, born in the same herd at different intervals, were compared: Group 1(experienced catastrophic hurricane event in 3rd trimester of their fetal development) and Group 2 (no adverse event during gestation). The groups were weighed four similar time points during development: at 12 months of age (Period 1, pre-pubertal), 13-14 months (Period 2, puberty), pre-breeding (Period 3), and at the end of breeding (Period 4). The blood cortisol, glucose, and progesterone concentrations were compared between the groups during their pre-pubertal period. Group comparisons were performed using mixed procedures of SAS. Data are presented as means ±SEM. Group mean differences were declared significant at P < 0.05. We observed a significant (P < 0.01) Group by Period effect on heifer body weight (655.2± 14.2 vs. 747.3 ±15.4, for Groups 1 and 2, respectively). Overall, Group 1 was lighter than Group 2 in periods 1 and 2, but there was no difference thereafter. There were significant group differences in glucose (60.5± 8.8 vs 95.3±11.5, mg/dL for groups 1 and 2 respectively, P< 0.01) and progesterone (62.2±12.6 vs 124.0± 13.8, pg./mL for groups 1 and 2, respectively, P< 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in cortisol concentrations (P< 0.48). Therefore, catastrophic weather events such as hurricanes that are common throughout the world might have a negative impact on heifer development, as observed in this project. This observation warrants further investigation. Funding agency: USDA- NIFA CBG #2021-38821-34599

80 Effects of Prenatal Stress on Beef Steer Development

Abstract Cost-effective growth in beef steers is necessary for limited-resource grass-fed cow-calf operations. Therefore, production goals should emphasize using inexpensive feed sources to maximize growth post-weaning. Maternal stress during gestation can negatively affect this progression. Effects of prenatal stressors such as hurricanes have been overlooked. In this project two groups of steers born from the same lineage in different years were compared: Group 1, dams experienced effects of a category 5 hurricane in their late gestation. Group 2, dams experienced no adverse environmental effects. Body weights were collected at 13 (Period 1), 14 (Period 2), and 20 months of age (Period 3). Blood cortisol concentrations were evaluated in Summer (when Group 1 average age was 31 months, while Group 2 averaged 18 months of age) and Fall (when Group 1 average age was 34 months, while Group 2 average age was 21 months) periods. Data were evaluated by mixed procedures of SAS, and significance was declared at P< 0.05. The results showed a significant group effect on the age-matched body weights (572.96±22.04 vs 735.12±22.04, lbs. for groups 1 and 2 respectively). Period effect was also significant (P< 0.001). However, there was no group by period effect. Group 1 steers were lighter in body weight than Group 2 in periods one and two but were not different thereafter. There was a significant group effect on cortisol concentrations (965.24±38.21 vs 1,282.2±40.53, pg/mL for groups 1 and 2 respectively). Our results showed that the hurricane had detrimental effects on steers, which may impede the growth progression of animals as seen in this study. The observations made in this study indicate the need to investigate further the effects of prenatal stress by natural disasters on beef steer development.

84 Awardee Talk: Managing Reproduction: A key to Profitability

Abstract In agriculture, the ability to reproduce dictates gross revenue and reproductive success is the culmination of implementation of multiple management practices that optimize the probability the animal will reproduce. About four decades ago, Extension Specialists recognized the need to develop a holistic approach to beef cattle management. Integrated Resource Management (IRM) is a concept developed by the Cooperative Extension Service and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the concept represents a systems approach designed to enhance the competitiveness, efficiency, and profitability of the beef business. My Extension program has focused on enhancing reproductive efficiency, revenue, and profits using IRM concepts and a hands-on approach. Nearly 2,000 farm visits and multiple Extension programs to thousands of producers have demonstrated methods to improve productivity and profitability. Perhaps the most impactful program was the UK IRM Farm Program. This program combined standard educational meetings discussing health, nutrition, genetics, and reproduction with extensive farm visits. Baseline data was obtained from each cooperator and farm goals were ascertained. From these, production plans were developed and implemented with the help of local Extension Agents. At the conclusion of the program, 147 producers from 84 counties with 6,943 cows committed to this program. Data collection and management was central to this project. We obtained gross data from all cooperators and accurate impact data from a subset of these producers. Integrated, organized management decreased the length of the calving season, increased calving percent, weaning percent, weaning weight and pounds of calf per cow exposed. Revenue was increased by 34% on average with a range of 25-200%. During this project, we recognized the need for a new data collection and management application and developed X10D (pronounced “extend”). An IRM approach making data driven decisions is a key to increasing revenue and enhancing profitability in beef cow-calf operations.

Impact of dystocia and cow/calf characteristics on mortality from 0 to 120 days of age in Japanese Black calves in commercial cow-calf operations

Calf mortality severely affects productivity in the beef industry. The present study was conducted to assess the calf mortality risk (CMR) in Japanese Black calves and investigate potential associations between calf/cow information and the CMR. Records for calves born between April 2006 and March 2010 were extracted from an existing database, which included production data on commercial cow-calf operations in Miyazaki, Japan. The study group comprised 40,462 calves born to 15,600 cows on 908 farms. Because calves on the studied farms were weaned at approximately 4 months of age, the calf records were collected from birth to 120 days. The CMR was calculated as the number of dead calves divided by the number of surviving calves. Mixed-effect multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to determine potential associations between the CMR and the factors hypothesized to influence that risk. CMR analyses were performed separately for the following production stages: days 0–30, days 31–60, days 61–90 and days 91–120 after birth. Of the 40,462 calves, 1465 died during days 0–120 after birth, and the CMR was 3.6 %. Of the 1465 dead calves, 35.9 % died within 10 days after birth. During the 0–30-day period, the CMR was associated with dam parity, calving status, gestation length, sex, birth season and twin births (P < 0.05), but not with the number of inseminations to conception. Low parity, dystocia, gestation lengths < 280 days and > 301 days, male calves, calves born in autumn and winter and twin births yielded higher CMRs. Low dam parity also yielded higher CMRs during the 31–60-day, 61–90-day and 91–120-day periods (P < 0.05), but no other factors were associated with the CMR during these periods. Thus, various cow and calf factors were shown to be associated with CMRs in Japanese Black calves, and calves with these factors should be considered high-risk calves.

Benchmarking animal handling outcomes on cow-calf operations and identifying associated factors.

The assessment of animal handling is commonly included in cattle care programs. The guidelines set in the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Beef Checkoff funded Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program are often used for assessing handling on feedlot, stocker, and cow-calf operations. There is limited information about animal handling on cow-calf operations. Thus, the objectives of this study were to: (1) quantify handling outcomes on cow-calf operations and compare them to national BQA program thresholds, and (2) investigate factors associated with handling outcomes. Researchers visited 76 operations across the United States to observe the following outcomes, adapted from the BQA program, during the processing of cows or yearling heifers: Prod Use, Miscatch, Vocalization, Jump, Slip/Stumble, Fall and Run. One hundred cows or less (depending on herd size) were observed moving through a restraint system at each operation. Other information specific to the animal type, facilities, and management were also gathered to be explored as potential predictors of handling outcomes. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics on an operation basis and analyzed with multi-predictor ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess the relationship between outcomes and possible explanatory factors. Predictors included in the final analyses were: BQA certification (BQA), animal temperament (TEMP), region (REGION), chute style (CHUTE), and visual contact with humans (VISUAL). The 76 operations were sampled in 24 states (Central, n = 17; East, 30; West, 29), with herd sizes ranging from 10 animals to more than 5,000 animals. A total of 4,804 animals were observed. There were a substantial number of operations exceeding BQA thresholds for Prod Use (34.0%, 26), Miscatch (46.0%, 35), and Fall (31.6%, 24); the averages of these outcomes also exceeded the BQA thresholds (< 10%, 0%, and 2%, respectively). There was an association between Prod Use and several explanatory factors, including SIZE (P = 0.072), TEMP (P = 0.001), VISUAL (P = 0.027), and BQA (P = 0.104). Miscatch, Vocalization, and Fall all had single associated factors (REGION, P = 0.019; REGION, P = 0.002; VISUAL, P = 0.002, respectively). The VISUAL and TEMP factors had an association with the majority of outcomes. The findings suggest an opportunity for improving handling outcomes, which could be achieved through education and training support regarding the importance of animal handling on-farm. Future work should consider additional aspects of facilities and management that could impact cattle handling outcomes.

An agent-based simulation model to compare different reproductive strategies in cow-calf operations: Economic performance

In a companion paper, Ojeda-Rojas et al. (2021) [1] describe a stochastic agent-based simulation (ABS) model of a cow-calf operation on a commercial farm in São Paulo, Brazil. The model's parameterization was based on data collected from two sources: a real beef cattle herd and related scientific literature. Based on the mentioned simulation model, this study aims to assess the economic outcome of 10 different reproductive scenarios: Natural mating only (ONM); one timed artificial insemination (TAI) plus natural mating (NM) (1TAI + NM); two TAI plus NM, with 24, 32, and 40 days between TAI (2TAI/24 + NM, 2TAI/32 + NM, and 2TAI/40 + NM, respectively); three TAI without NM, with 24, 32, and 40 days between TAI (3TAI/24, 3TAI/32, and 3TAI/40, respectively); and three TAI plus NM, with an interval between TAI of 24 (3TAI/24 + NM) and 32 days (3TAI/32 + NM). The simulation was performed on an animal-by-animal basis over a time horizon of 5000 days. Each scenario had 32 farms, and each farm kept up to 400 adult females. According to the scenario, a bull population was composed of 0, 7, or 15 individuals. The outcomes, represented as means ± standard deviations, were assessed after reaching a steady-state (1825 days). The model outcomes showed that the 3TAI/24 + NM scenario resulted in higher incomes (US$ 96,479.19 ± 709.81), whereas the ONM scenario had the lowest incomes (US$ 79,753.37 ± 741.87). The 3TAI/24 + NM (US$ 101.720.63 ± 79.21) and ONM (US$ 90.898.58 ± 59.17) scenarios presented the highest and lowest total operating costs (TOC), respectively. However, when TOC was evaluated per kg of the weaned calf, the highest and lowest costs were associated with the ONM (US$ 2.81 ± 0.03/kg) and 2TAI/24 + NM (US$ 2.17 ± 0,04/kg) scenarios, respectively. Our model suggests that reproductive strategies that use TAI have a better economic performance than those under NM. However, when performing three TAI with an interval of 40 days, the benefit was lower; in some cases, it was even worse than the ONM. Combining TAI with early pregnancy diagnosis resulted in better economic performance than other TAI programs and NM. The 2TAI/24 + NM scenario outperformed the others due to the contrast between its high income and moderate costs. Beef cattle production is a highly complex system. Simulations models, specifically ABS models, could make the decision-making process on complex systems straightforward and effective. Furthermore, ABS models can overcome the limitations of conventional research approaches, such as high costs and long experimentation periods.

Longitudinal effect of repeat breeding in Japanese Black beef cattle at a low parity on subsequent fertility in commercial cow–calf operations

Repeat breeding (RB) has been defined as failure to conceive from three or more regularly spaced services in the absence of detectable abnormalities, and cause economic loss on the farm owing to a declining conception rate. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive characteristics of RB in Japanese Black cattle by assessing the longitudinal effect of RB at a low parity on subsequent fertility raised in commercial cow–calf operations. Data used in this study were collected from 764 farms in Miyazaki. Data from 2005 until 2014 comprised 158,945 AI records with 80,453 parity records for 22,565 cows. The effect of RB at heifers and parities 1 and 2 cows on subsequent fertility and survival on four consecutive parities was investigated. The results showed that cows with the number of inseminations to conception (INS) of ≥4 at a low parity had a higher probability of being RB again at subsequent parities compared with cattle with INS 1 or 2. Additionally, the degree of the negative effect of an INS ≥4 on fertility and survival increased as they became older. On the other hand, cows with an INS of 2 had similar fertility and survival with those with an INS of 1. In summary, this study suggests that repeat breeders at a low parity have a higher probability of RB again at subsequent parities compared with cattle with INS 1 or 2, and the negative effect of an INS ≥4 increases as parity increases.

Genetic characterization of upper respiratory tract virome from nonvaccinated Egyptian cow-calf operations.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the costliest complex disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide, with significant economic losses. BRD pathogenesis involves several interactions between microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and management factors. The present study aimed to characterize the nasal virome from 43 pooled nasal swab samples collected from Egyptian nonvaccinated cow-calf operations with acute BRD from January to February 2020 using metagenomic sequencing. Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), first detection of bovine herpesvirus-5 (BHV-5), and first detection of bovine parvovirus-3 (BPV-3) were the most commonly identified in Egyptian cattle. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein B revealed that the BHV-1 isolate is closely related to the Cooper reference strain (genotype 1.1), whereas the BHV-5 isolate is closely related to the reference virus GenBank NP_954920.1. In addition, the whole-genome sequence of BPV-3 showed 93.02% nucleotide identity with the reference virus GenBank AF406967.1. In this study, several DNA viruses, such as BHV-1 and first detection BHV-5, and BPV-3, were detected and may have an association with the BRD in Egyptian cattle. Therefore, further research, including investigating more samples from different locations to determine the prevalence of detected viruses and their contributions to BRD in cattle in Egypt, is needed.

Introduction Superior Bulls and Feed Bank Enhancing Sustainability of Wanaternak Programs in Indonesia

Over the past 20 years, the Wanaternak program in Indonesia has been rolled out with a forest land use scheme in a synergy and integrated with beef cattle development. There is still not much information and data that reports on the progress of this program, especially in terms of developing and increasing livestock populations in a forest area. The concept of cattle management in forest areas is through nutritional and reproductive aspects, namely the cow calf operation through semi-intensive and / or grazing, which relies on feed from forest vegetation. The target of the beef cattle breeding pattern is to produce calves, so it requires the implementation of technology on how cows can get pregnant and produce healthy calves. In order to produce good offspring, of course, an effective and efficient mating pattern is needed, in this case the natural mating pattern using superior bulls is a strategic matter, especially in areas that are difficult to reach by inseminators. On the other hand, the quantity and quality of feed are the main factors in supporting livestock productivity. Development of a feed bank, which is one of the alternative strategies for meeting the maintenance and livestock production throughout the year. The concept of developing a feed bank in an animal forest area, takes into account: (1) decreasing availability of forage, primarily the animal feed supply from existing forest vegetation, (2) optimal utilization of silvo-pasture, (3) regulating grazing patterns, (4) introduction of legume or grass that is resistant to trampling and inundation, (5) area carrying capacity index, (6) processing manure into organic fertilizer for food, estate and forest plantations. This paper is prepared as a concept of livestock management in the practical management aspects of mating and provision of feed that supports sustainable development of Wanaternak in Indonesia.

36 Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program: Growing Student Interest and Engagement in the Feedlot Industry

Abstract The Kansas State University Collegiate Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program was initiated in January 2019 with the goal to develop student knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet critical need for trained professionals in the feedlot industry. Allied industry supporters including feedlot nutrition and veterinary consultants, pharmaceutical companies, and lenders, as well as feedlot owners/managers and the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry collaborated to develop, sponsor, and offer the program, which is offered at no cost to students who are selected. Specific objectives are to train students in aspects of feedlot management through a 4-d comprehensive “Boot Camp” at Western Kansas feedlots, enhance students’ likelihood of participating in feedlot internships, and cultivate students’ vision of potential career paths within the industry. Boot Camp topics include cattle health, feeding and nutrition, feedlot design and maintenance, and the business of cattle feeding. A networking dinner brings students and feedlot managers together to facilitate students gaining internship and full-time employment with feedlots. Following the January Boot Camp, students share individual presentations on relevant industry topics. Presentations are recorded and shared with feedlot managers to further engagement between students and feedlot managers. Later in the spring semester students also participate in a half-day cattle processing experience at a feedlot near Kansas State to provide additional insight and experience with feedlot health management. Limited to 20 participants per year, 59 undergraduate students have completed the program. When surveyed, over 98% (58/59) of student participants agreed with the statement “My interest in pursuing an internship and (or) career in the feedlot industry grew as a result of this Boot Camp.” Approximately 50% of students participated in feedlot internships or earned full-time jobs working in feedlots. Ranging from students with little to no experience with feedlots to being raised on beef cow-calf or feedlot operations, progress is being made in growing student interest and awareness of career opportunities in the feedlot industry.

Texas panhandle beef production tour, a high-impact compressed course in animal science.

Many animal science students have little exposure to working livestock production systems prior to college. As such, they can lack insight into day-to-day challenges and rationale behind decision making in these systems, opening the door for the adoption of misconceptions frequently promoted in the popular press. In addition, students identify a lack of first-hand knowledge and experience in the industry as a challenge to their educational success. Field trips stimulate interest and motivation, provide context for learning, and influence long-term career goals, but are underutilized in higher education. The potential impact of such experiences prompted the creation of the Texas Panhandle Beef Production Tour, a 2-credit hour compressed course. Students on this tour visited beef production sites in the Texas Panhandle ranging from cow-calf operations, to feedlots and packing plants. To cement learning through reflection, students responded to a series of questions before, during, and after visiting these sites to probe preconceptions, observations, and outcomes of the experience. We performed a retroactive qualitative evaluation of these reflections (n = 22) to determine cogent themes. Emergent themes included surprise at the intensive systems of data collection and management and the level of technology used at each site. Cattle were calmer and more comfortable than expected at the feedlots and packing plants. Students expressed new appreciation and understanding of course material and a desire to share their insights with others after completing the tour. Finally, participants gained a broader view of industry opportunities and returned with renewed motivation to pursue additional hands-on opportunities. Participation in this course provided valuable insight into the livestock production industry and motivated students to explore new career options and address their own preconceptions of the industry through independent inquiry. The creation of similar courses may be useful to address misconceptions, create personal connections with course material, and broaden career interests in animal science students.

Profitability of the cow-calf operation business of local peranakan ongole (PO) cattle based on the cow performance and calf price

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;This study aims to determine the cow-calf operation business performance of the local PO cow that can give better profitability for farmers.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The multistage purposive sampling method was used to determine of the samples. The technique of data collection was carried out using a survey method through direct interviews using a structured questionnaire to 90 beef breeders as respondent with 90 heads of productive PO local cows in Special Region of Yogyakarta. The method of analysis to determine the production performance of cows using descriptive statistics in the form of average and standard deviation. Furthermore, profitability is calculated in the form of net cash farm income with enterprise budgeting analysis.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;In the current condition, the cow calf operation (CCO) business of PO cattle generated positive net cash farm income. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that CI and calf weight were sensitive to net cash farm income. In order to get an increase in net cash farm income that was better than the current condition, it is necessary to direct the adoption of technology to shorten the calving interval to 13 months and increase the selling body weight of calves above 150 kg at the age of 6 months.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;span lang="EN-US"&gt;The CCO business of the local PO in the current condition has positive generate income. An increase in income that is better than the current condition can be obtained through technology adoption to shorten the CI and increase the calf sale weight.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;