Stocker Cattle Research Articles

Problems and ways of improving Holsteinized cattle of the Kholmogory breed of the Murmansk region

The article presents studies of the Holstein-Kholmogorskaya cattle in the Murmansk region conducted during the period from 2008 to 2017. Traits of the exterior, milk productivity and quality indicators of milk, lactation dynamics, reproductive traits, calving, culling and predisposition to animal diseases were studied. Some problems were identified related to the main traits characterizing a stock of cattle. Reproductive problems were shown up. Calves per 100 cows were 76-78 heads in different years, the fertility rate was 48%, the average insemination index was 2.05, the interval from calving to 1 insemination — 87.9 days. The period of economic use of cows is reducing. The quality traits of milk are deteriorating (milk fat content — 3.3%, protein — 2.95%). The main directions of further improvement of Holstein Kholmogorskaya cattle in the Murmansk region are identified: an improvement of reproduction traits, an increase of the period of economic use and an increase of the level of mass fraction of fat and protein in milk. Target indicators of economically useful traits are determined. Upgrading these characteristics to the target level will significantly improve the quality characteristics of livestock. In reproduction, the increasing calves per 100 cows to 80 heads and the fertility rate of cows at the first insemination to 60%, the reducing the insemination index to 1.5, the decreasing the calving interval from calving to 1st insemination by 8 days (to 80 days), and endeavour to reduce the frequency of reproductive diseases, the number of stillborn calves, to increase the number of twins, the alive of calves at an early age. The decreasing of the frequency of lameness, ketoses, paresis and other metabolic diseases, mastitis and reproductive diseases, and the improvement of the exterior traits (udder, limbs, and pelvis) will increase in the longevity of cows. The improvement of the level of animal feeding and balancing of rations will increase (to target values) in fat content (4.0%) and protein (3.1%) in cow's milk with maintaining high milk productivity. It is necessary to continue the selection to improve the exterior performance of the udder. It is also necessary to apply veterinary measures to reduce the incidence of cow mastitis.

Assessment on milk productivity and milk quality in cattle with different genotypes by HSP70.1 gene

The aim of research was to study the milk productivity and milk quality of cows and the closest female ancestors of stud bulls with different genotypes of the chaperone protein gene (HSP70.1). The genotypes of a chaperone protein gene in stock of cattle were determined by PCR-RFLP. It was established that among cows of the Kholmogory breed of the Tatarstan type, the highest milk yields, mass fraction, and the amount of fat and protein in milk were in animals with the HSP70.1/CC genotype compared to the analogues of the HSP70.1/C-genotype. Whereas in the closest female ancestors of bulls of the Holstein black-motley breed, individuals with the HSP70.1/C- and HSP70.1/"- -" genotypes stood out favorably by milk yield and mass fraction of fat in the milk, respectively.

Transcriptomic profiling of BRD-attributed mortality in stocker cattle identifies active inflammatory and antiviral pathways at arrival

Diagnosis and management of bovine respiratory disease (BRD), the most significant disease complex in post-weaned beef cattle, relies predominantly upon nonspecific clinical signs. Research is necessary to discern the underlying biological processes associated with BRD acquisition and severity. We hypothesize that at-arrival whole blood transcriptomes of stocker cattle will distinguish host immunologic responses that influence BRD severity, defined by BRD-attributed mortality.

Antibiotic selection, use and residue avoidance

This document discusses the importance of connecting pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetics in considerations when developing feeder and stocker cattle antibiotic treatment protocols. Simple illustrations of the use of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic link for commonly used FDA-approved antibiotics are explored. Additionally, important residue avoidance points to consider are discussed when using medication in feeder and stocker cattle with special emphasis on extra label drug use is employed.

Influence of Beef Cattle Stocking Density on Utilization of Vegetative Communities in a Late-Spring, Early-Summer Native Bunchgrass Prairie

This study evaluated the influence of cattle stocking density on the use of botanical communities on a native bunchgrass prairie. In each of two years, 192 cow-calf pairs and 48 yearling heifers were randomly selected for the following grazing treatments: 1) control, no livestock grazing; 2) low stocking, 0.36 animal units (AU) ∙ ha-1; 3) moderate stocking, 0.72 AU ∙ ha-1; and 4) high stocking, 1.08 AU ∙ ha-1 for a 42-day grazing period. Thirty-six monitoring sites were established uniformly along a grid in each paddock. Standing crop and relative preference data for cattle collected from the treatment area were used to develop the following vegetation community classifications: 1) > 20% introduced; 2) > 40% native bunchgrass with > 50% Idaho fescue (Festuca idahoensis); 3) > 40% native bunch grass with < 50% Idaho fescue; 4) > 50% Forb; and 5) other. Utilization for each community type was collected at the end of the grazing period. High stocking density paddocks had higher utilization across all vegetation classifications compared to other stocking densities (P ≤ 0.04). Moderate stocking density paddocks were utilized 11.5% more than low paddocks, however, utilization of introduced vegetative communities, Idaho fescue dominated bunchgrass communities, and forb dominated communities did not differ in use (P ≥ 0.13). Use of monitoring to actively adjust stocking densities based on differential community utilization may improve the sustainable grazing of sensitive communities because conventional stocking rate calculations based on total productivity do not account for the selective grazing behavior of cattle.

Improve Pasture or Feed Grain? Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Profitability, and Resource Use for Nelore Beef Cattle in Brazil's Cerrado and Amazon Biomes.

Simple SummaryDeforested areas in Brazil’s Amazon and Cerrado savannah have historically transitioned to pasture for grazing tropical beef cattle. Brazil’s projected growth in beef exports emphasizes the importance of sustainably intensifying Brazil’s cattle industry on existing agricultural land without increasing deforestation nor accelerating land conversion. We adapted a widely used simulation model for cattle, pasture, and crops to closely match two cooperating beef farms, one in the Cerrado and one in the Amazon. We then simulated the adoption of pasture fertilization, pasture re-seeding, and pasture-based grain supplementation of cattle by a model beef farm. These three sustainable agricultural intensification strategies were compared to extensive cattle grazing, the status quo in Brazil. Beef productivity and economic returns were greater for grain supplementation, followed by pasture fertilization and pasture re-seeding. Grain supplementation had the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, with less energy and nitrogen use compared to extensive grazing, as measured as a “footprint” for every unit of beef body weight produced. Pasture re-seeding and fertilization had lower greenhouse gas footprints compared to extensive; however, water and energy use and nitrogen losses were greater. Grain supplementation used more human edible livestock feed than other strategies, so pasture intensification could increase future human food availability.Economic development, international food and feed demand, and government policies have converted Brazil’s natural ecosystems into agricultural land. The Integrated Farm System Model (IFSM) was evaluated using production, economic, and weather data collected on two cooperating farms in the Legal Amazon and Cerrado biomes in the Midwest state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Three sustainable agricultural intensification strategies, namely grain supplementation, pasture re-seeding, and pasture fertilization were simulated in IFSM with double the beef cattle stocking density compared to extensive grazing. Livestock dry matter consumption simulated in IFSM was similar for pasture grazing estimates and actual feed consumed by beef cattle on the two collaborating farms. Grain supplementation best balanced beef production and profitability with lower carbon footprint compared to extensive grazing, followed by pasture fertilization and pasture re-seeding. However, pasture re-seeding and fertilization had greater use of water and energy and more nitrogen losses. Human edible livestock feed use was greatest for grain supplementation compared to other modeled systems. While grain supplementation appears more favorable economically and environmentally, greater use of human edible livestock feed may compete with future human food needs. Pasture intensification had greater human edible feed conversion efficiency, but its greater natural resource use may be challenging.

Polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes in dairy cattle of the Caucasian Brown breed bred in various natural ecological zones of the Republic of Dagestan, Russia

Aim . The widespread use of so ‐ called commercial breeds leads to the loss of a unique gene pool of native breeds and the narrowing of the genetic base that is necessary to preserve and to increase the genetic diversity of cattle breeds which are still preserved. These breeds include the Caucasian Brown. In connection , the aim of this research was to study the polymorphism of PIT‐1, PRL and GH genes in dairy cattle bred in different ecological climatic zones of the Republic of Dagestan to identify the genotypes of carriers of selection ‐ significant marker alleles for their preservation and further use in the selection process. Material and Methods . Genotyping of the Caucasian brown breed cows bred in different natural climatic zones was carried out using PCR ‐ RFLP methods. The polymorphism of PIT ‐1, PRL and GH genes was studied, population analysis of their distribution in the cattle stock studied was carried out and the features of the genetic structure in the researched populations were studied in relation to the conditions of their habitat. Results . The specific allelic PIT‐1, PRL, and GH gene spectrum, characteristic for each animal population studied has been established. Homozygous and heterozygous carrier genotypes of the desired marker alleles with frequency of occurrence depending on both the gene and the animal population were identified. The genetic structural features of the genes studied in the researched populations were revealed. Conclusion . The data obtained indicate the genetic uniqueness of the Caucasian Brown breed bred in different natural climatic zones in the Republic of Dagestan and are probably associated with the manifestation of adaptations, the nature of which has developed under the influence of the prevailing ecological, natural climatic conditions of its habitat.

Assessing the Role of Ordering in Sequential English Auctions – Evidence from the Online Western Video Market Auction

In a sequential English auction, where multiple homogenous objects are offered, it is often found that the price tends to decrease over the course of the auction, which is referred to as the “declining price anomaly”. This article studies the price trend in a sequential online live cattle auction. Motivated by the fact that in an English first‐price auction, the winning price is the maximum among all the bids offered, we examined the existence of the declining price anomaly by introducing the Generalized Extreme Value theory framework, and nesting it within a hedonic regression, where the price of cattle relates to the market values for cattle attributes. Empirical results indicate that the unit price difference between the first and the last lot sold ranges from $7.82 to $2.31, depending on the average animal weight in that lot. On average, the unit price of a stocker cattle lot sold in the last position of a typical sale is $5/cwt (or 3%) less than if it was sold in the first place, regardless of the scale of the sale and keeping all other factors constant. Based on the theoretical framework developed by Brendstrup and Paarsch (2006), we find that the buyer's maximum valuation on the subsequent object actually declines as he wins more objects, which provides a plausible explanation for the declining prices anomaly in sequential auctions.

Coexistence between wildlife and livestock is contingent on cattle density and season but not differences in body size.

Many studies on the coexistence of wildlife with livestock have focused primarily on similar-sized species. Furthermore, many of these studies have used dietary overlap as a measure of potential competition between interacting species and thus lack the important link between dietary overlap and any negative effects on a particular species–a prerequisite for competition. Consequently, the mechanisms that drive interspecific interactions between wildlife and cattle are frequently overlooked. To address this, we used an experimental setup where we leveraged different cattle stocking rates across two seasons to identify the drivers of interspecific interactions (i.e. competition and facilitation) between smaller-bodied oribi antelope and cattle. Using direct foraging observations, we assessed dietary overlap and grass regrowth, and also calculated oribi nutritional intake rates. Ultimately, we found that cattle compete with, and facilitate, smaller-bodied oribi antelope through bottom-up control. Specifically, cattle facilitated oribi during the wet season, irrespective of cattle stocking density, because cattle foraging produced high-quality grass regrowth. In contrast, during the dry season, cattle and oribi did not co-exist in the same areas (i.e. no direct dietary overlap). Despite this, we found that cattle foraging at high densities during the previous wet season reduced the dry season availability of oribi’s preferred grass species. To compensate, oribi expanded their dry season diet breadth and included less palatable grass species, ultimately reducing their nutritional intake rates. Thus, cattle competed with oribi through a delayed, across-season habitat modification. We show that differences in body size alone may not be able to offset competitive interactions between cattle and wildlife. Finally, understanding the mechanisms that drive facilitation and competition are key to promoting co-existence between cattle and wildlife.

Global climate impacts of agriculture: A meta-regression analysis of food production

Good management requires proper measurement, yet little is known about anthropogenic climate effects of agriculture. To remedy this, a precise measurement of negative externalities is urgently needed. Therefore, the authors of this article describe the heterogeneity of results from previous studies on climate effects and – focusing on the agricultural sector – identify reasons for this phenomenon. The authors conduct a meta-regression analysis, based on 53 primary studies that cover the period between 1951 and 2015. All countries or country groups are included in the 1345 reported results on emitted amounts of CO2e and SO2e. Our findings confirm the well-known result that an increase in livestock quantities corresponds with a significant increase in emission levels. By integrating culture-related country data, the authors conclude that the level of “humane orientation” and the amounts of emissions follow opposite courses. Furthermore, studies conducted while the first author of this study was working for an NGO, report significantly higher emissions. Based on an adaptation of a meta-regression analysis to the field of environmental performance measurement, we are able to provide new insights about the influence of the change of individual drivers on the emission level. Examples of these insights include a one-third increase in cattle stock is associated with an increase in emissions of 29.45 t/km2. We also find that publications where the first author works for an NGO reported an emission level 87.04 t/km2 higher than other publications. These findings enable the identification of the main drivers of emissions, while helping to explain the heterogeneity of existing studies. Based on the findings of this study, companies can take reliable measures to reduce the external climate effects of their products.

Comparative analysis of employment trend in African agriculture relative to other regions: a gender perspective

PurposeLucrative employment in agriculture is fundamental to poverty alleviation in Africa. The paper examined employment along gender, impact of materials and proportion of female employment in African agriculture.Design/methodology/approachTime series econometrics was employed in the framework of production function analysis involving 36 years of data.FindingsResults show that world labour in agriculture decreased from 49.77 to 40.04% but increased from 12.43 to 16.94% in Africa. World female employment in agriculture ranged from 40.56 to 42.81% and from 40.40 to 43.02% in developing economies, but decreased from 40.39 to 36.08% in developed economies. Total agricultural labour in Africa was negatively and significantly related to agricultural gross production index number (APIN).Research limitations/implicationsInteraction of cattle stock and females employed in agriculture was positive and significant at pooled African values. Interaction of irrigation facilities and female labour was positive and significant in West Africa. Interaction of cattle stock and total labour in Southern Africa had negative relationship with APIN. Interaction of total labour and irrigation had negative relationship with APIN in Africa. Insufficient agricultural facilities in terms of cattle stock and irrigation infrastructure for the populace exist. It recommends increased investments to expand irrigated lands and livestock.Practical implicationsAfrican governments need to use good political will to effect the needed transformation in agriculture. It is possible for agriculture to offer lucrative employment to both males and females in less developed world as in developed economies.Originality/valueThe paper noted very limited agricultural facilities in terms of cattle stock and irrigation facilities for the populace engaged in agriculture. It recommends investments to expand irrigated lands and livestock.

Evaluation of growth performance and carcass characteristics of beef stocker cattle grazing Tifton 85 bermudagrass supplemented with dried distillers grains with solubles then finished in the feedlot

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to determine the influence of varying rates of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) supplemented daily on performance of beef stocker cattle grazing Tifton 85 (Cynodon dactylon [L.] Pers. × Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) bermudagrass pastures. Materials and Methods Steers (n = 112, 379 ± 35.5 kg of BW) were stratified by BW and randomly allocated to 16 pastures (0.7 ± 0.01 ha) during each summer of 2 yr (2014, 2015). Pastures were allocated randomly to 3 daily rates of a DDGS supplement (SUPP; 0.25, 0.5, or 1% BW) and a nonsupplemented control (PAS) for 110 d in 2014 and 112 d in 2015. Results and Discussion Steer ADG increased linearly (P Implications and Applications Supplementation of beef stocker cattle with DDGS while grazing Tifton 85 bermudagrass may be a viable management strategy to enhance gain per animal or land area.

A GPS-based Evaluation of Factors Commonly Used to Adjust Cattle Stocking Rates on Both Extensive and Mountainous Rangelands

On the Ground • Published research provides guidelines to reduce stocking rates on areas >10% slope and >1.6 km from water because these areas may be considered ungrazeable. • Data from 180 cattle tracked by GPS collars for 1 to 4 months at seven ranches in New Mexico, Arizona, and Montana on average resulted in grazeable area calculations that were approximately 10% higher than those derived from published guidelines. • In several cases, published guidelines yielded more conservative stocking rate estimates compared with our GPS-based calculations. However, our data should be interpreted with caution because most data were collected over a single season or year. • Our results support recommending local experience and information be used in applying published guidelines to adjust stocking rates. These guidelines may not reflect site-specific management and the adaptability of cattle to local conditions. • Animal GPS tracking is a sound tool to monitor spatial impact of grazing on rangelands and could be used to enhance commonly used stocking rate adjustment tools, such as annual monitoring of precipitation, forage production, and grazing intensity on key areas.

Body weight and morphometrics of Bali cattle at people breeding station and non breeding station areas

People Breeding Station is a Bali cattle breeding instalation that was established by the Livestock Services of Bone Regency to maintain perform preservation breeding stock of Bali cattle. The research aims to analyze the differences body weight and morphometric of Bali cattle at different age proups in the area of People Breeding Station (PBS) and Non People Breeding Station (NPBS). The total number of measurable Bali cattle was 204 heads each consisted of 96 male and 108 females from PBS and NPBS. Mean and standard deviation of body weight Bali male cattle at PBS was significantly higher (p<0.01) than body weight of cattle at NPBS of the same age groups. Mean and standar deviation Bali of body weight male cattle mature (2.6-3.0) years in PBS is 246.58 ± 34.54 kg and in NPBS 187.17±21.67 kg. Mean and standard deviation body weight of Bali female cattle in PBS significantly (p<0.01) higher than in NPBS for age 0.1-1.0 and 1.1-2.0 years group but body weight for 2.1-3.0 and 3.1-4.0 years groups in PBS non significantly (p>0.05) than in NPBS. Mean and standard deviation body weight of Bali female Cattle age 3.1-4.0 years in PBS is 216.46 ± 32.87 kg and in NPBS isw 198.85±5.32 kg. All of morphometrics data was found that such as body lenght (BL), shoulder height (SH) and chest circumference (CC) of Bali cattle increased with the age advancement. Morphometrics of Bali cattle for age less than 3 years in PBS significantly (p<0.01) higher than Bali cattle in NPBS. In conclusion, the body weight and morphometrics of Bali cattle at PBS was higher than those at NPBS.

Soil carbon increases with long‐term cattle stocking in northern temperate grasslands

AbstractGrassland management aimed at enhancing carbon (C) in soil is an important tool in mitigation of rising atmospheric CO2, yet little is known of how grassland soil C changes with livestock stocking rate (SR). We relate soil organic and inorganic C mass (t ha−1 to 60 cm depth) with cattle stocking over periods of 7–27 year for 32 paddocks distributed across nine community pastures in the mixed‐grass prairie of Saskatchewan, Canada. Initial analysis comparing Akaike information criterion models showed that cattle SR explained a greater proportion of variance in soil C, particularly soil organic C, than rainfall. Soil organic C mass increased with cattle SR (R2 = .293; p = .001), even when the latter was normalized to account for differences in vegetation composition and growing conditions among pastures. Normalized SR varied from 0.49 to 2.30 times recommended levels, over which SOC increased from 24.7 to 57.4 t ha−1. Increases in soil organic C under greater stocking coincided with increased abundance of introduced vegetation, particularly the rhizomatous grass Poa pratensis. Inorganic soil C accounted for 34.6% of total soil C, being particularly large below 30 cm soil depth, but did not vary with stocking rate. These findings indicate that both organic and inorganic C are important pools of C in northern temperate grassland soils, with soil organic C positively associated with long‐term cattle SR. Further studies are recommended to understand more fully the mechanisms regulating grazing impacts on soil C mass in northern temperate grasslands.

A resilient system: North American mixed-grass prairie responds rapidly to livestock exclusion

Grasslands are the most threatened terrestrial ecosystem in the world, and as their extent declines so does the abundance of species that depend on them. Periodic resting of rangelands could be used to manipulate plant cover and create wildlife habitat, but its effects may vary with prior grazing intensity. Using a large-scale manipulative grazing experiment conducted from 2006 to 2014 in Grasslands National Park, Canada, we evaluated how the effects of rest on vegetation and songbird abundance varied based on previous cattle stocking rates. Our results indicate that in northern mixed-grass prairies, grazing-induced changes were reversible, even at high stocking rates applied for up to four years. Both vegetation and songbirds were resilient to grazing, generally returning to levels observed prior to livestock reintroduction in three or fewer years following removal of livestock. Songbirds with flexible habitat requirements, such as Passerculus sandwichensis and Ammodramus savannarum, responded more rapidly to livestock exclusion. Recovery of both plant and songbird species occurred more rapidly in lowlands than uplands. The retrogressive nature of succession in North American mixed-grass prairies offers managers an opportunity to take chances when attempting to create wildlife habitat with livestock grazing, as risk of irreversible change is relatively low under moderate climate conditions.

Cattle Ranching in the “Wild Horse Desert” – Stocking Rate, Rainfall, and Forage Responses

On The Ground • No research involving the comparative evaluation of grazing methods has been performed in South Texas at an operational scale. • We report initial findings from a large-scale demonstration project involving two cattle stocking rates and two grazing methods; our focus was on forage standing crop and forage utilization responses. • Erratic, but typical, rainfall patterns and resulting forage production proved our stocking rates (though realistic for this region) to be unsustainable over the long term, regardless of grazing method. • The “Wild Horse Desert” is a harsh but resilient environment following periods of above average rainfall.

Early‐season grazing of native grasses offers potential profitable benefit

AbstractA grazing trial was conducted in Mississippi during 2016 and 2017 to compare pasture, animal, and economic performance of three perennial, warm‐season grass systems. Grass treatments included: (i) Argentine bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge; BAH); (ii) KY Ecotype big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman; BBS); and (iii), KY Ecotype indiangrass [Sorghastrum nutans (L.) Nash], big bluestem and little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash; MIX]. Paddocks were continuously stocked using weaned beef (Bos taurus) steers across three grazing intervals (I, II, and III) during late spring and summer. Pasture measurements included forage mass (FM) and nutritive value. Greatest FM was observed during grazing interval II in 2016 (931.70 kg ha–1). Nutritive values declined as the season progressed. The BAH had greater CP and TDN, and lower ADF and NDF concentrations than BBS and MIX in 2016. Differences were not as discernable in 2017. Greatest ADG were observed for BBS interval I in 2017 (1.34 kg d–1), MIX interval I 2017 (1.21 kg d–1), and BBS interval I 2016 (1.19 kg d–1). Beef yield per hectare (GAIN) was greatest for interval I across both years (464.78 kg ha–1). By species, GAIN was greatest for BBS in interval I (451.32 kg ha–1). For economic analysis, BBS had the lowest total annual pasture cost (US$142.65 ha–1), and had the greatest NET returns for 2016 ($268.96 ha–1) and 2017 ($249.98 ha–1). Implementing native warm‐season grasses (NWSG) in stocker cattle systems for early‐season grazing can be productive in Mississippi.

Capitalizing on opportunities provided by pasture sudden death to enhance livestock sustainable management in Brazilian Amazonia

Brazil has the largest commercial beef cattle stock on Earth, and most of the cattle produced in the country is bred and finished on pastures. The cattle ranching sector represents a significant source of the country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agricultural intensification has been highlighted as one of the main strategies in reaching global food security and reducing deforestation. The Sudden Death Disease (SDD) of pastures, which affects the most planted cultivar of Urochloa brizantha, is degrading pastures in the Amazon, contributing to low production yields and high emission rates. This paper discusses the intensification of pasture production systems and SDD, to examine the potential for pasture renovation to address livestock productivity and GHG balance, emissions and potential sinks. Does SDD represent a blessing or a curse to climate change mitigation in the Brazilian Amazon? A collection of pasture samples were assessed to measure wet and dry weight in areas with and without SDD, which were related to remote sensing data to provide an overall estimate of the total area affected by the SDD in Alta Floresta, a municipal county of southern Brazilian Amazonia. We found that 77.1% of all pastures had been committed to the syndrome, which has forced farmers to renew their pastures. This also has great potential in increasing soil carbon stocks, effectively reducing the CO2 footprint of meat production in those areas. Therefore, we firmly believe that SDD management has provided an opportunity to rebalance the emissions/sequestration equation associated with meat production by the cattle ranching sector in this Amazonin frontier.

Where’s the beef? Cattle producers’ response to endangered species listings

Agricultural production in the United States relies on extensive land use that sometimes conflicts with federal policies to protect wildlife habitat. A prime example of this conflict is the Endangered Species Act (ESA), which can impose significant penalties on landowners and producers who destroy the habitat of listed species. While prior research has measured the effects of ESA regulations on land values and natural resources, no research has identified the consequences of listing a species on livestock production. In this study, we measure the effect of ESA listings on beef cattle production in the central United States. Results suggest that listing likely has a small positive effect on cattle stocks.