Beef Cows Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Cornerstone AG Management

Reduced Lignin Alfalfa can Improve Digestibility

August 26, 2022/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows, Research /by info

Alfalfa is known for its high nutritional value, and that makes it a valued forage source. However, alfalfa is often hindered nutritionally because of the indigestible lignin components in the cell wall. Using technology to improve fiber digestibility in alfalfa can provide opportunities to improve feeding flexibility and enhance animal performance. Importantly, high-quality alfalfa can be used to improve cow efficiency, production, and enhance an operation’s economic value.

Alfalfa has a number of beneficial nutritional characteristics that make it a high-quality feedstuff for dairy cows. Alfalfa is sometimes overlooked or left out of the diet because of its high expense relative to other forages. This includes its high establishment and harvest costs. This situation has led to less overall alfalfa production in the United States in the last 20 years. Incomplete fiber digestion reduces animal performance by limiting intake, and that also cascades to more manure production. When that takes place, a dairy farm’s profit potential also drops.

Read the full article by Hannah Wilson and Kenneth Kalscheur with Hoard’s Dairyman

Considerations for Breeding Dairy Cattle to Beef Breeds for Meat Production

January 14, 2022/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows, Research /by info

Producing beef x dairy cross calves has the potential to increase the market value of these calves compared to straight bred dairy bull calves. However, as the supply of beef x dairy cross calves increases, it’s reasonable to assume buyers will become more discerning. Dairy producers can stack the odds in their favor with a thoughtful beef sire selection.

In Considerations for Breeding Dairy Cattle to Beef Breeds for Meat Production, we discuss the strengths and weaknesses of Holstein steers, introduce dairy producers to EPD’s (beef genetic proofs), and provide suggestions for beef sire traits to consider when applied to dairy cattle.

By choosing beef sires that improve upon the weaknesses of dairy steers, using beef on dairy can improve feed efficiency, rate of gain and reduce days on feed. Wisely incorporating beef genetics can also improve carcass characteristics over straight bred dairy by increasing ribeye size and changing the ribeye shape, increasing muscling, and moderating frame size while maintaining the marbling ability of dairy animals.

Read the full article by Ryan A Sterry and Amanda L Cauffman with Livestock Division of Extension

Know the 3 “F’s” of Your Nutrition Program

July 30, 2021/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows /by info

At the center of any well-managed nutrition programs lies these three components:

Forages
Feeds found in the ration
Feedbunk management

According to Donna Amaral-Philips, a dairy Extension agent for the University of Kentucky, producers need to prioritize the three “F’s” in order to build an efficient nutrition program for their animals.

Read the full article by Dave Natzke with Progressive Dairy here.

Cow-Calf Corner – Breeding Soundness Exams

April 23, 2021/in Beef Cows /by info

Mark Johnson talks with a special guest, OSU Extension beef cattle specialist Parker Henley, about breeding soundness exams.

When selecting bulls, producers should not overlook a breeding soundness evaluation (BSE) conducted by a veterinarian before the breeding season. Check out this article for an overview on breeding soundness evaluations.

How to Detect Respiratory Diseases in Calves Quicker | Farm and Dairy

February 20, 2020/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows /by info

In this article, Jason Hartschuh provides info on how you can better detect respiratory diseases in calves:

“Usually, I find winter calf management to be slightly easier than summer, especially with the addition of calf jackets helping to manage cold stress. This winter has been the opposite of simple — with temperatures on a roller coaster ride rivaling Steel Vengeance — that keeps me guessing as to how much to open and close my naturally ventilated calf barn.

Even if I had the advantages of positive pressure ventilation helping to manage air turns per hour, the 40-degree temperature swings can be hard on calves and humans. Factor in the high moisture in the air, and you have the perfect recipe for pneumonia. […]”

To read more, click here.

Don’t Let Inefficient Fans Rack Up Your Electricity Bill | AG Web

February 19, 2020/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows, Research /by info

Looking to save on your electric bills? In this article Taylor Leach discusses how inefficient fans can drive your costs up:

“Have you noticed your electricity bill starting to climb up? Maybe it’s time to check the efficiency of your fans.

The energy used to operate ventilation systems on the farm typically accounts for 20-25% of your total energy bill, according to Dan McFarland, an agricultural engineer at Pennsylvania State University. Regardless of the barn style, proper ventilation is an important part of cow comfort to ensure cows are in an environment that allows them to perform to their potential. Here are three areas to focus on when analyzing your ventilation system’s efficiency.

While the purpose of every fan is to get air moving, not every fan is created equal. Fan efficiency is affected by several factors including blade design, fan enclosure design, and motor efficiency, according to McFarland.

“There has been too much emphasis on ‘cheap’ fans in the ag industry and this is costing more in operating expense and maintenance. If you are looking to buy new fans, make sure you take a look at the efficiency rating of the fans as you compare,” McFarland says. “Typically, larger fan will have better efficiency than smaller fans.”

[…]”

To read more, click here.

Calf Tube Feeding Done Right | Bovine Vet Online

February 11, 2020/in Beef Cows, Dairy Cows /by info

Looking for information on how to best use calf feeding tubes? Check out this article from Maureen Hanson with Bovine Vet Online:

“Colostrum, milk and electrolytes all can be vital to calf survival, and may need to be delivered via an esophageal tube feeder if calves are unable to suckle a bottle.

But tube feeders also can be the source of bacterial infections, pneumonia and even sudden death if used incorrectly. The University of Wisconsin Dairy Extension team has produced a short video demonstrating the best practices for using esophageal feeders in young calves. […]”

To Read More, Click Here.