Improving Beef Cattle Herds

February 2, 2005 Exclusives

ANR EXCLUSIVE

Improving Beef Cattle Herds

4-H EXCLUSIVE

4-H Members Gain Benefits

From Livestock Skillathons

FCS EXCLUSIVE

Beware of Look-Alikes

Improving Beef Cattle Herds

Source: Darrh Bullock

One of the best ways to boost beef cattle profits is to use genetics to improve the efficiency of your herd. Prioritize traits to meet the goals of your operation. This will provide as many pounds of beef as possible off every available acre at a minimal cost.

Herd efficiency does not always equate with a maximum rate of gain. For example, you might be able to get more pounds per acre by putting 20 medium-sized cows on a pasture that only would support 15 big cows. Additionally, the smaller cows might improve your profitability under drought conditions because they would require fewer resources to remain reproductively fertile than the larger animals.

The breeding system should match the right bull to a set of cows to maximize the production level. When choosing sires, or making any management decision, always rank each trait on its economic importance to the operation. It is important to focus on those factors for which you are getting paid. For example, if you sell all progeny, choose a bull with the genetic traits to maximize production. However, if you produce replacement heifers, select a bull with moderate growth and frame size and maternal characteristics that match your nutritional resources.

It is desirable to use the following criteria to select all sires. They should be reproductively and structurally sound, pass a visual appraisal of such traits as body capacity and muscling, and have performance traits measurable by expected progeny differences (EPDs) whenever possible.

In addition to genetics, you can improve the profitability of a beef cattle operation by developing a good health program, controlling feed costs, harvesting forages at the right maturity to maximize quality, and using growth implants in non-replacement calves.

For more information, contact the (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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4-H Members Gain Benefits

From Livestock Skillathons

Source: Richard Coffey

Participating in livestock skillathons provides many benefits for 4-H Youth Development members. They will demonstrate their livestock knowledge at regional events in April in Quicksand, Lexington and Princeton.

As more youth are being raised in non-farm settings, these contests and the preceding trainings are a good way to educate members on livestock and production practices. Skillathons provide opportunities for youth to learn about livestock in a fun environment. These experiences help show links between various animal sciences disciplines. For example, youth learn the correlations among breeds, nutrition and meats.

While many youth are unable to have an accrual livestock project, skillathons give them the opportunity to participate in a livestock-centered activity.

The Eastern Region Skillathon will be April 2 at the Robinson Experiment Station in Quicksand; Central Region, April 9 at the Fayette County Extension office; and Western Region, April 23 at the Research and EducationCenter in Princeton. All contests will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time.

There is no limit on the number of contestants who may enter from a county. Age categories are Clover, 9 through 11 years; Intermediate 12 through 13 years; and Senior, 14 through 18 years.

Identification classes are 10 breeds each of meat animals, feedstuffs, retail meat cuts and pieces of equipment. Evaluation classes are to place a class of four hays and four retail meat cuts, place a class of livestock based on expected progeny differences and answer 10 questions related to common livestock calculations. Team and individual awards will be given for identification, evaluation and overall.

The top three senior teams in each region will compete in August at the Kentucky State Fair to represent Kentucky in the National 4-H Skillathon at the North American International Livestock Exposition in November.

4-H is a community of young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

For more information on educational and other opportunities available in 4-H, contact the (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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Beware of Look-Alikes

Source: Kim Henken

We all have heard the saying, "things aren't always what they seem." This adage applies to many things in life including some hazardous products that resemble other items that are safe and can be consumed. In some instances, the products look a lot alike; while in other situations, the packaging is almost identical.

If you have young children in your home, it is especially important to be aware of look-alike products that could be hazardous. For example, pine cleaner resembles apple juice. Other look-alikes are red cold tablets and cinnamon candy; motor oil and honey; antifreeze and lime or lemon-lime drinks; rat or mouse poison and sunflower seeds, candy or cereal; antacid tablets and candy; and chocolate laxatives and chocolate candy bars.

To reduce potential problems with look-alikes, conduct a room-by-room inspection of your home to locate these and other hazardous products.

In the kitchen, look for drain cleaners, detergents and other cleaners that could harm children. Install safety latches or locks on all drawers and cabinets that contain these and similar hazards.

Keep medicines, makeup, deodorants, first aid supplies and other items in the medicine cabinet so children cannot get to them. Put cleaners and other harmful items in latched or locked cabinets or on shelves that children cannot reach.

In the garage, basement and laundry room, check for chemicals and poisons that can hurt or even kill a child. These include, bleach, antifreeze, gasoline, kerosene, car polishes and batteries, paints and paint removers, mothballs, bug spray and road salt.

Things to look for in the living room include liquor, furniture polish and lamp oil.For more information on home safety, contact the (CountyName) Cooperative Extension Service.

Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

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