bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promoting the Nutritional Value of Dairy Products
Authors: Wilkinson Marilyn
Published: March 2023

Thank you for inviting me here today. You have asked me to do something I've been wanting to do for a long time-discuss the topic of promoting nutrition.

First, I want to make it crystal clear-I am not a nutritionist. In fact, I am not in the scientific disciplines per se. I am a professional in the field of public relations-a piece of the marketing puzzle. And, as a key player in the dairy and food industries, I have many thoughts I want to share with you.

A major point is simply this: Promoting nutrition is big business-and apparently getting bigger. Have you watched television lately? Looked at a cereal box? Read a newspaper?

Americans are being bombarded by more and more promotional messages, and more and more of them have to do with nutrition ...
Veterinarian's Role in Maintaining Quality Assurance in Dairy Products
Authors: Fuhrmann Thomas
Published: March 2023

Quality assurance in dairy products is a critical issue to the welfare and survival of the dairy industry in the United States. And the responsibility for providing a safe, wholesome and desirable milk product lies squarely on the shoulders of each sector of the industry that is involved in bringing milk and dairy products to the consumer. Quality assurance must begin with the dairy farmer, the producer. It is simply not possible to start with poor quality milk at the farm and expect to have a high quality, desirable product on the grocery shelf. The dairy industry in general, and the producer in particular are coping with the quality assurance challenge. The veterinary practitioner can have significant input into the quality assurance issue.
Real Life Bovine Pharmacology Physiology and Pharmacology of the Bovine Respiratory System
Authors: Smith John A.
Published: March 2023

While antibiotics are and will remain the mainstay of therapy for bovine pneumonia, there are many other factors besides simple bacterial growth that contribute to the pathogenesis of bacterial colonization, proliferation, and tissue damage. In particular, the body's responses to the factors which predispose to colonization, and its subsequent responses to the bacterium and its products, play a major role in the degree of damage and the eventual outcome. Pharmacological modification of these responses may alter the severity and outcome of the disease process, either positively or negatively. A review of the pathophysiology of bovine pneumonia will reveal areas where pharmacological intervention beyond antibiotics is indicated or contraindicated.
Udder Health and the Confinement Freestall Barn
Authors: Britten Allan M.
Published: March 2023

The use of freestall barns for total or seasonal confinement of dairy cattle has gained widespread acceptance by U.S. dairymen since their introduction in Snohomish, Washington in 1960. During this same period, many dairies have successfully implemented mastitis control procedures directed at contagious Streoptoccus agalactia and Staphylococcus aureus. These events have probably worked together to explain the more frequent reports of coliform mastitis problems in the last 25 years. It is my objective here to discuss some of the principles involved in changing environmental factors in order to reduce coliform mastitis losses
Theory and Management of the Downer Cow
Authors: Cox Victor S.
Published: March 2023

Sick animals of all quadruped species often become recumbent, but the recumbency of the downer cow seems to have some unique features. While a well accepted definition of the downer cow is not available, commonly recognized downer syndromes do not occur in other species.
Protein, Fats and Fertility in Dairy Cows
Authors: Ferguson James D. , Blanchard T. L. , Chalupa W.
Published: March 2023

Levels of dietary protein that optimize milk production may depress fertility in dairy cows. While fertility responses of dairy cows fed diets with increased levels of crude protein have not been consistent, trends towards increased services/conception and days open have been reported. New concepts in ruminant protein nutriture partition crude protein into rumen undegradable and degradable fractions. Few studies investigating protein effects on fertility have accounted for partitioning of dietary protein. Dairy cows in their fourth or greater lactation are more likely to become pregnant by 120 days postpartum when fed diets balanced for rumen degradable and undegradable protein. Superovulation studies suggest fertilization failure occurs in older cows fed diets with high levels of rumen degradable protein.

Increases in milk yield has been reported in dairy cows receiving fat supplemented diets. Fats protected from rumen degradation have been advocated over vegetable oils and fat mixtures of grease and tallow. Dairy cows fed protected fats have a 2.052 risk odds ratio for pregnancy compared to cows not receiving fats. Conception rate in cows fed protected fats is 59.3% versus 41.5% in control cows. Fat included in dairy cattle rations may not only benefit production, but also reproduction.
Avoidance of Passive Transfer Failure in Calves
Authors: Gay Clive C. , Besser Thomas E. , Pritchett Lori C. , Hancock Dale D. , Wikse Steve
Published: March 2023

Partial or complete failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins is known to be a major determinant of liability to neonatal disease and mortality in calves. When considering the causes of failure of passive transfer of colostral immunoglobulins the transfer process can be divided into three stages. These are:1. The formation of adequate volumes of high immunoglobulin concentration colostrum in the udder.2. The ingestion of an adequate mass of immunoglobulin by the calf early in life.3. The transfer of immunoglobulins across the gut into the circulation of the calf.

Currently we have information on the causes of failure associated with deficiencies in the first two of these stages and there are management strategies that can be used to minimize failure associated with these stages. We have limited knowledge to allow successful intervention strategies associated with the third stage.
Copper Deficiency in Ruminants
Authors: Gay Clive C. , Pritchett Lori C. , Madson Wayne
Published: March 2023

The clinically overt disease syndromes associated with severe deficiencies of trace elements have been recognized for many years. The diagnosis of these conditions can be made primarily on clinical or pathological grounds with laboratory analysis to confirm the diagnosis. In recent years, however, it has been recognized that trace element deficiencies can be associated with syndromes that are not clinically distinct and that manifest primarily as suboptimal production or reproduction and increased disease susceptibility. In many instances the occurrence of these syndromes has been recognized as the result of controlled response trials conducted in deficient herds to determine the effect of the deficiency state.
Providing Good Dispensing Facilities
Authors: James Harry
Published: March 2023

Today there is an increased interest in dispensing and merchandising by the bovine practitioner. I want to discuss how good dispensing facilities can help the practitioner achieve his goals.
Efficient Facilities for Handling Cattle
Authors: Rice Duane N.
Published: March 2023

It is well known to the seasoned practitioner that the livestock facilities you must use can make or break you. The practitioner is exposed to all types of restraining devices-all the way from the lariat to super effective, quietly operating hydraulic mechanisms. At any facility, design must be such to protect people and livestock from injury and to move animals smoothly. We all know that once you have been on a specific farm or ranch to work a considerable number of cattle, it is relatively easy to predict working time the next time you are called to that place. As human nature is, we know that only some operators will improve their facilities to enhance safety and working time.
Sterilizing Calf Pens to Control Salmonellosis
Authors: Petty Albert S.
Published: March 2023

Salmonellosis can be one of the most difficult diseases to control on the dairy farm. In our practice the response to treatment with antibiotics has been disappointing especially when one considers the long term cure rate. Likewise the use of commercial autogenous bacterins have been of limited value. In addition, the frequent and often fatal reactions in both calves and adults to the bacterins limits the value of these products.

With this in mind I have looked for other methods of controlling this disease.
Using Peak Milk as a Monitor of Dairy Herd Production
Authors: Kearley William P.
Published: March 2023

An emerging area of the veterinarian's involvment on a dairy farm is production management consultation. As a production consultant you are expected to monitor herd production and make recommendations that keep production at a profitable level.
Use of a Bovine Nose Twitch, Bilge Pump, and Milk Test for Ketosis
Authors: Oetzel Garrett R.
Published: March 2023

Bovine Nose Twitch. A bovine nose twitch, which has much the same effect as an equine nose twitch used in a horse, is available for use in cattle. Bovine nose twitches are commonly used in Europe, where they are sometimes referred to as Reetz nose holders.1 I first saw one of these twitches when a student brought one back from Ireland. It looked strange but worked impressively.

Bilge Pump. A large capacity, plastic pump comes in very handy when delivering large volumes of oral solutions to cattle. I have found that a standard plastic bilge pump designed to bail water from sailboats works both inexpensively and effectively.

Milk Test for Ketosis. Diagnosis of ketosis in postpartum dairy cows is difficult if you cannot get the cow to urinate or if you cannot detect the odor of ketones on the cow's breath. In such cases, I use a ketone test powder (Ketonate™, Labanco Inc., Box 483, Addison, IL 60101) to test for milk ketones.
Recommendations for Leptospirosis Problem Herds
Authors: Harlan Gene
Published: March 2023

A collection of practice tips for Leptospirosis problem herds.
Applications for Use of Chronically Instrumented Bovine Fetuses in Abortion Pathogenesis Studies
Authors: Schlafer Doanld H.
Published: March 2023

Our understanding of events leading to abortion in domestic animals is based on information from field cases or from experimental pathogenesis studies in which fetuses are collected by cesarean section or after euthanasia of dams. Because the fetus and placenta are relatively inaccessible, direct perturbation and/ or sequential evaluation of the course of in utero events are difficult and have not been extensively utilized. The purpose of this communication is to transmit our initial experience with chronically catheterized bovine fetuses in abortion pathophysiology studies.
Sensitivity and Specificity of Commercially Available Cowside Milk Progesterone Tests
Authors: Godkin M. A. , Leslie K. E. , Etherington W. G. , Walton J. S. , Christie K. A.
Published: March 2023

The levels of progesterone in milk have been determined to accurately reflect the secretory activity of the corpus luteum in the cow. As an adjunct to rectal palpation the measurement of progesterone may be used to aid the diagnosis of reproductive abnormalities, pregnancy or return to estrus. Commercial kits utilizing the rapid enzyme-immunoassay (EIA) technique are being produced, which will allow veterinarians and producers to test milk progesterone levels at "cowside."
Marketing Opportunities for the Food Animal Practice
Authors: Gavzer Karyn
Published: March 2023

It may seem a little unusual to you to listen to a nonveterinarian speak at a bovine conference, but if anything, it is a little intimidating for me. I can't help but wonder if you aren't sitting there wondering what a "city girl" marketing director like me could possibly have to say that might interest you. I know if our roles were reversed, and I was sitting where you are, I'd have a few things to wonder about!

First of all, I want to reassure you that it is not just me. I'm just the lucky person the AABP invited out to talk to you about food animal marketing. What I share with you is the consensus of economic and veterinary experts throughout the country and the findings of AVMA's US Market For Food Animal Veterinarian Medical Society' study. I also bring to you over 16 years experience in marketing, much of which was spent in healthcare marketing.

I am Director of Marketing at AVMA. I have been with AVMA for almost two years and in that time I have developed and presented two different marketing clinics for them: one for food animal practitioners and one for companion animal practitioners. The talk you are about to hear today is actually an except from the food animal marketing program; but before I get into that, I'd like to address some of the common misunderstandings and misconceptions many veterinarians hold about marketing.
Implementation Process of Production Medicine Programs
Authors: Jordan Timothy
Published: March 2023

Even the best thought out and well designed herd health program is destined for failure unless the client can understand and implement the structure of the program. The reasons for failure of implementation are many and the exact causes of misunderstanding are numerous. Many times the blame for failure to achieve positive results is placed on a "communication problem." It should be concluded when the blame is placed on communication that what is really being said is that somewhere along the line there was a failure to talk or a failure to listen or any combination of the two. It can be seen that the reasons for implementation or non-implementation are much more broad than might be thought.
Implementation of Production Medicine In Cow-Calf Operations
Authors: Hansen Donald
Published: March 2023

Let me begin by giving you some ideas that shaped my attitude and professional approach toward myself and my clients. The first one is "People are not wrong, just misinformed." This idea allows me to realize that most people really try to make "best" decisions in each area of their lives. They gather information from different sources, weigh it, sort it, and then move. It occurred to me that many of my clients made decisions that were counter productive because they were lacking key pieces of information and clear objectives and goals.
Bovine Pneumonic Pasteurellosis
Authors: Wilkie B. N. , Shewen P. E.
Published: March 2023

The acknowledged efficacy of vaccination in preventing major infectious diseases is based upon obvious successes such as that against smallpox, which was declared eradicated in 1980 (24), or the Clostridium sp bacterin-toxoids which are used in man and animals.

Expectations for vaccine usefulness are consequently high, but many diseases which are apparently amenable to vaccine-based control remain as significant sources of economic loss in the livestock industry. Failure to observe certain basic principles of vaccine design may have contributed to this. Vaccination is feasible and warranted if directed towards an economically important infectious disease of livestock which is caused by an identified infectious agent with known virulence-mediating determinants which induce protective immune response against a realistic challenge under usual husbandry conditions. The vaccination program must be cost-effective.
Practical Forage Evaluation
Authors: Chase L. E.
Published: March 2023

Forages provide the foundation upon which productive and economical dairy rations are built. However, there are a variety of forage types, harvesting, storage and feeding systems utilized on dairy farms.

A key component in the evaluation of a feeding program is an index of forage "quality." The term quality covers a broad spectrum of characteristics including visual appraisal, smell and chemical characteristics. All of these must be integrated into an overall framework to determine whether or not the forage is of acceptable quality and palatability to support the desired levels of productivity.
Practical Colostrum Evaluation
Authors: McGuirk Sheila M.
Published: March 2023

Provision of high quality colostrum is an essential feature of a successful calf rearing program, providing immunoglobulins, non-antibody immune factors, protein, energy, fat, vitamins and minerals. A successful colostrum feeding program reduces calf mortality to less than 5%, improves resistance to enteric disease and promotes weight gain the first four days of life. Careful evaluation of several important aspects of a colostrum feeding program is essential when these goals are to be achieved.
Assessing the Value of Preconditioning to Feedlots
Authors: Jim G. K. , Gulchon P. T.
Published: March 2023

Without question, the economics associated with the preconditioning of beef calves is one of the most controversial topics in veterinary medicine and animal science. This paper will be limited to discussing the feedlot viewpoint regarding preconditioned calves. Note that in specific instances this viewpoint will be diametrically opposite to the perspective of the cow/calf producer.
Investigation of a Congenital Defect Problem in Cow-Calf Herds
Authors: Ribble Carl S. , Janzen Eugene D.
Published: March 2023

In March 1985 the manager of the largest cow-calf operation in Prince George, British Columbia presented one of us (CSR) with a disproportionately dwarfed, dead, newborn calf. He stated that he was seeing a disconcerting number of these calves for the second consecutive year and that he would like to know what was causing them. The calves tended to have normal sized bodies but short legs; they tended to be weak at birth; when they could stand they did so on hyperextended pasterns and had trouble ambulating on extremely unstable joints (Figure 1). By the end of the calving season we had seen more than 35 of these calves, most of which were dead or unmarketable.
Health, Productivity, and Management of Calves on Ontario Beef Cow-Calf Herds
Authors: Alves David M. , McDermott John J. , Anderson Neil G. , Martin S. Wayne
Published: March 2023

This presentation is based on a preliminary analysis of calf health and production data from an observational study of 200 cow-calf herds (1986-88) in Ontario, Canada. The purpose of this paper is to present common levels of calf mortality/morbidity and production from birth to weaning, common levels of calf management practices, and preliminary identification of factors affecting calf health and production on cow-calf farms.
1986-1987 Performance of Replacement Beef Heifers in 76 Ontario Cow-Calf Herds
Authors: Anderson Neil G. , McDermott John J. , Alves David M. , Martin S. Wayne
Published: March 2023

Analyses at both the herd and individual heifer level were considered necessary to understanding replacement heifer performance and both will be reported in this introductory paper. In particular, a study of the role of weaning weight and yearling weight as a determinant of beef heifer productivity was a major part of the project. A description of the selection, breeding, and calving strategies employed by managers and the calculation of monitors of replacement heifer production from breeding to weaning of their first progeny should provide useful comparisons for Ontario farmers and their advisors.
Therapeutic Approach to the Diarrheic Calf
Authors: Naylor J. M.
Published: March 2023

The therapeutic approach to the diarrheic calf is determined by the historical and physical findings. Calves that are weak and have poor suck reflexes are usually treated with intravenous fluids. Oral fluids are used for calves that can still suck; they are particularly useful for on the farm therapy.
Pathology of Treatment Failure
Authors: Wilcock Brian
Published: March 2023

It is implied in the title of this paper that death of a feedlot steer or heifer from pneumonia, despite therapy, is to be viewed as a failure of treatment. While it is true that a dead animal can hardly be touted as a resounding success, it is perhaps equally unreasonable to view fatal termination of an overwhelming bacterial infection as our failure. It is at least equally reasonable to ascribe the death of the animal to hopelessly severe initial disease, to preexistant, concurrent or superimposed complicating diseases, or to mistaken diagnosis and thus inappropriate therapy. In this paper I will review some of the published information relevant to so-called treatment failure, and add to it some of my own opinions based upon postmortem examination of feedlot cattle.
Measuring the Therapeutic Efficacy of Antibiotics
Authors: Dohoo Ian R.
Published: March 2023

Every year, veterinarians and beef producers administer millions of doses of antibiotics to cattle. Yet very little work has been carried out to determine the efficacy of those treatments. It is assumed that antibiotic treatment of cattle with bacterial infections is advantageous, but given the wide variety of antibiotics available, it is surprising that there is very little evidence as to which products are most effective under field conditions.
Paid by the Procedure
Authors: Hagerman D. C.
Published: March 2023

What is one of the most difficult tasks we have to perform as large animal practitioners? Is it correcting a uterine prolapse? How about treating a client's best cow for acute watery mastitis? Or having to recommend euthanasia for a cow with a fractured pelvis? Although all of these are equally difficult, I believe one of the most arduous tasks we face as professionals is charging a fair fee for our services. Gone are the days of an annual billing. The one line ticket of "Visit Cow - $35.00" is also a thing of the past. To determine a professional fee that is fair and equitable to both parties, I have found being "Paid by the Procedure" most satisfactory.
Getting Paid by the Head
Authors: Guichon P. T.
Published: March 2023

The veterinary profession, particularly veterinarians who earn their living from any species where economics rather than emotion dictates their income, are facing challenging times. We have an opportunity unlike any time in the recent past to change the way we do business and meet the needs of an increasingly sophisticated client and the complex health problems which occur on more and more intensive livestock operations. For the past ten to fifteen years, the veterinary profession has embraced and promoted the concept of "herd health," and told innumerable students to go out and sell the concept. I'm sure many people in this audience have felt the frustration associated with taking this idea and putting it into practice. If we truly believe this is the approach to take, then it is essential that the veterinary profession identify clients who will accept these principles and provide the enthusiasm and the technical expertise to make this occur. One of the most common problems encountered in selling herd health has been in being paid appropriately for services which are not all of the task-oriented type.
Veticare System
Authors: Labrosse Pierre
Published: March 2023

In Canada, we have two levels of government: the federal Government of Canada and the provincial governments. To accompany this fancy political governing system, we also have two internal revenue systems, one federal and one provincial. If you are working for dollars, you definitely have to collect for it.

I come from the Province of Quebec. from the iegion we refer to as the Richelieu Valley situated in the most southern area of the province which coincides with the most northern area of the Vermont State,. It is situated south-east of Montreal, limited to the west by the Richelieu River which runs from the Champlain lake to the St. Lawrence river.

In this area, most of the producers are referred to as industrial type dairy producers. The typical farm is a family farm which owns approximately 150 head of cattle. The largest farm milks 350 cows and owns approximately 800 head. In this province, nothing seems to be done like anywhere else in this country. Politicians, in the past, managed to have the western producers produce grains that were shipped to the east to produce milk. Approximately 55% of the milk produced in Canada is produced in Quebec. We do not speak the same language, and we always seem to do things in a complicated manner.
Paid By The Hour
Authors: Reid David A.
Published: March 2023

Traditional veterinary medical practice is changing very quickly. Much less emphasis is placed on the sick cow call today compared to when I began practice 15 years ago. The old style "brown arm" herd health programs are rapidly evolving into production medicine programs that stress many additional areas of dairy and beef management. Of all the ingredients of successful production medicine programs the two most important are enthusiasm and profit.
Getting Paid by Contract for Dairy Production Services
Authors: Nelson A. J.
Published: March 2023

One of my biggest frustrations in providing dairy nutrition services has been the unwillingness of some clients to spend the "front money" to get a good program underway. Some nutrition problems (e.g. protein shortage) can be solved in rapid fashion. Others, such as underconditioned cows producing and reproducing poorly, will take six to ten months for real results to show in the bulk tank.
Practice Equalizer
Authors: Johnson Andrew P.
Published: March 2023

The question everyone always wants to know is how to get paid for what you do. As I have traveled around from practice to practice, I have seen a great deal of different ways to charge for your services. It is hard to say which is right and which is wrong but it is important to choose a method that best fits your style of practice.

The important question that must be asked by every veterinarian is how much of my time am I really getting paid for? When one actually takes the time to figure out his real chargeable hours per day, the results can be disappointing. Most veterinarians make around $50 per hour for their program work. If the average veterinarian spends 60 hours of week working and works 50 weeks a year, the average income for their service time only should be $150,000 per year plus drugs and supplies. Unfortunately, many veterinarians income for services fall far short of this. Take the time a figure your real hourly rate rather than the rate you actually charge. Are you disappointed?
Using Serum Total CO₂ or Bicarbonate Values to Individualize Fluid Therapy
Authors: Smith Bradford P.
Published: March 2023

Conditions such as calf diarrhea, grain overload, vagal indigestion, and abomasal torsion often result in dehydration with very different types of electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities. If one is able to rapidly determine whether the animal is suffering from metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, and how severe that derangement is, one is able to better correct the acid-base and electrolyte abnormalities.
Surgery for the Urine Pooling Cow
Authors: Hull Bruce L.
Published: March 2023

Before considering surgery for the urine pooler one must first understand why urine pooling is detrimental and what constitutes a diagnosis of a urine pooler. Doing surgery for a urine pooler is of no benefit if the cow has other pathology which is causing her infertility unless these other problems are treated concurrently or in place of urine pooler surgery.
Acute Respiratory Distress in Cattle
Authors: Kersting K. , Thompson J.
Published: March 2023

Acute respiratory distress is a common problem to the bovine practitioner. Acute respiratory distress can be categorized into upper respiratory disease or lower respiratory disease. Since dyspnea is the primary clinical sign in cases of acute respiratory distress, any condition that can cause dyspnea can cause clinical signs suggestive of respiratory disease. There are also nonrespiratory causes of apparent acute respiratory disease in cattle.
Indications, Landmarks, and Procedures for Collection of Spinal Fluid, Liver Biopsy, Transtracheal Aspiration Biopsy and Abdominal Paracentesis
Authors: Rings D. Michael
Published: March 2023

While a thorough history and physical examination remain the foundation of clinical diagnosis, there are times when additional procedures are indicated for establishment of the diagnosis, differentiation of similar conditions/ diseases or prognosis of an established diagnosis. Many of these procedures are not done routinely and thus, the veterinarian may be unsure of the technique. The purpose of this paper is to review the indications, landmarks and procedural techniques used to perform cerebrospinal fluid collection, percutaneous liver biopsy, transtracheal aspiration biopsy (tracheal wash) and abdominal paracentesis in cattle.
Idaho makes Trichomoniasis a reportable/regulatory disease
Authors: Barrett Dan P.
Published: March 2023

Idaho has added trichomoniasis to its reportable and regulatory diseases. Since the early eighties trichomoniasis has been diagnosed with increasing frequency in Idaho, particularly in areas that practice common grazing. The producers that have suffered economic loss due to trichomoniasis and have started control programs, have often failed due to reinfection from infected, but undiagnosed herds in the area. The Idaho Cattle Association mandated that trichomoniasis be reported and regulated. The following regulation became effective on October 6, 1989.
Trichomoniasis
Authors: Mortimer R. G. , Cheney J. M. , Morris D. L.
Published: March 2023

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle caused by Tritrichomonas fetus (T. fetus). Its clinical signs are repeat breeding at both regular and irregular intervals, abortion and pyometra (1,2,5,9). These are readily observed in dairy cattle. However, in beef cattle on western ranges, the first indication of a problem is usually finding additional cows open or with pyometra at the time of pregnancy check. Data is limited on the incidence of trichomoniasis (3,8,14). A 7.3% infection rate has been reported in slaughtered bulls in Florida (3). Another study in Oklahoma reported a 7.8% infection rate in bulls presented for sale at auction (14). These infection rates reflect only selected populations of bulls within these areas. Primary infection rates of over 40% have been reported in cow herds in Australia. In Colorado, identification of trichomoniasis in herds was 22 of 155 herds in 1987, 22 of 210 herds in 1988, and only 6 of 140 herds tested before October in 1989. The objective of this presentation is to review the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and economic aspects of the disease.
Germplasm Utilization In Beef Cattle
Authors: Gregory K. E. , Cundiff L. V. , Koch R. M.
Published: March 2023

There are three basic approaches which may be used to synchronize cattle germplasm resources with other production resources and with market requirements. These are: (1) identify or select the breed that is the best fit or match to the production requirement, (2) use specific crossbreeding systems involving breeds that will complement each other most effectively to approach an optimum balance on characteristics or (3) form composite breeds based on the optimum contribution by each of several breeds to achieve the general adaptability and performance characteristics desired for the production situation. The two latter approaches use heterosis and are favored for commercial production. Composite breeds offer the greatest opportunity to use breed differences to achieve and maintain optimum performance levels for a wide range of production situations. Selection among breeds is considerably more effective than intra-breed selection for all bioeconomic traits (1,13).
Growth and Carcass Characteristics of Diverse Breeds Of Cattle used for Beef Production
Authors: Cundiff Larry V. , Gregory Keith E. , Koch Robert M.
Published: March 2023

Rate and efficiency of postweaning growth are important components of beef production. About 30% of the energy requirements and about 45% of the total feed costs are incurred in the period between weaning and slaughter. Historically, when steers were finished on pasture, propensity to finish at a young age was desirable, particularly when market requirements for fatness were great. However, propensity to fatten became a handicap as we shifted to increased use of grains in diets of growing-finishing cattle. Recently, customer pressure to reduce caloric and fat content of beef and other red meats has intensified because coronary heart disease is believed to be associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels. Dietary control of the type and amount of fat consumed is strongly recommended by members of the medical profession in an attempt to regulate blood cholesterol levels. In this paper, results from the Germ Plasm Evaluation (GPE) program at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska are reviewed on relative amounts of genetic variation between and within breeds in growth, feed efficiency and quantity and distribution of lean, inter- and intramuscular fat, and caloric content of retail cuts of beef with different degrees of trimming.
Nutritional Aspects of Bovine Somatotropin (BST)
Authors: Hutjens Michael F.
Published: March 2023

As milk production increases 2 to 3 percent annually, nutrient demands for high producing cows will continue to be a major management challenge. Minnesota DHI data illustrate the shift in feeding programs and strategies as milk yield increases (Table 1). Bovine somatotropin (BST) is biotechnology that could increase milk yield 5 to 15 percent in the future. Mix (1987) predicted in the year 2000, average milk yield could be 16,335 pounds without BST or 20,418 pounds if BST was used by U.S. dairy farmers. Meeting the nutritional needs of BST treated cows must be understood by dairy farmers, dairy nutritionists, veterinarians, and agri-business personnel. By examining current feeding strategies in high producing herds, three-times-a day milking, and BST research, BST feeding strategies can be anticipated.
Dairy Production Medicine and Herd Monitoring
Authors: Fetrow John
Published: March 2023

In a major shift toward preventive medical services in dairy practice, veterinarians are taking a more active role in the overall management and planning on dairies.1,2 Veterinarians are routinely offering services like nutritional consultation, housing design, and financial advice that were considered outside the realm of veterinary medicine in the past. The dairy practitioner is adapting to the role of herd health and productivity consultant. This evolution will expand the opportunity for veterinary services to dairy farmers, and will be a profitable interchange for practitioner and producer alike. As is always the case, there is a price to pay for this new opportunity. Veterinarians will need to develop the new practice skills to complete in this arena. These areas include nutrition, computers and record systems, finances, and effective marketing of these services. We must convince dairymen to look to veterinarians for new and different services. Veterinarians need to develop effective ways to deliver these services to their clients and to charge for their efforts.1,5
Dairy Herd Facilities Designed for Efficient Production
Authors: Armstrong Dennis V.
Published: March 2023

The major physical components of a dairy design are milking, feeding, treatment and waste-disposal facilities. These must be designed and located to provide animal comfort in combination with effective traffic and movement within the system for efficient day-to-day operation. The design of dairy components and complete systems depend upon certain management practices these will vary by climatic condition and herd size. Personal preference by individual dairymen may also influence the final selection of dairy design.

Two major considerations in dairy design are cow comfort and reduce labor costs. Cow comfort usually means dairy design which modifies the environment for the cow to improve production (milk and production). This would include shade for cattle in a hot climate or a partial enclosed barn for protection from cold and wind in a cold climate.

This paper will briefly deal with milking, feeding and waste-disposal of dairy design. A more detailed discussion of treatment facilities will be included.
Immunomodulation in Bovine Respiratory Disease
Authors: Roth James A.
Published: March 2023

Animals are constantly exposed to the threat of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infection and neoplastic disease. The immune system is responsible for warding off these threats so that the animal remains healthy. The fact that the normal state of existence for animals is health attests to the remarkable efficiency of the immune system. When some factor(s) interferes with normal immune function or when an animal is exposed to an overwhelming number of an infectious agent, disease occurs.

The basic understanding of the immune system is advancing rapidly and a picture of a highly regulated, complex system of cellular and molecular interactions is emerging. These breakthroughs in basic understanding promise to give scientists the means for manipulating the immune system to prevent disease from occurring rather than treating disease after it occurs. Advances in basic immunology have led to the identification of several compounds which show promise as immunomodulators. Immunomodulators are compounds that can "modulate" or enhance the function of the immune system and are sometimes called biological response modifiers. There are two basic types of immunomodulators: exogenous and endogenous. The exogenous immunomodulators include bacteria or bacterial derived products (e.g. Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), endotoxin, Propionobacterium acnes) and synthetic chemicals (e.g. levamisole and lipoidal amines). One mechanism of action of the exogenous immunomodulators is to induce the release of endogenous immunomodulators. The endogenous immunomodulators include proteins that are produced and secreted by cells (cytokines). Some examples of these proteins include interferons (IFN), interleukins (IL), tumor necrosis factors (TNF) and colony stimulating factors (CSF) (20). Genetic engineering techniques offer the potential to produce these compounds inexpensively. This manuscript focuses on research conducted at Iowa State University aimed at evaluating the potential for using immunomodulators in prevention and therapy of bovine respiratory disease. Research on immunomodulators in cattle has also been conducted by a number of other research groups, but will not be reviewed here.
Microbiology and Physiology of the Rumen and Its Response to Different Feeding Strategies
Authors: Leedle Jane A. Z.
Published: March 2023

The rumen is inhabited by a complex and highly competitive microbial population composed predominantly of strictly anaerobic bacteria (1010 to 1011/g ruminal contents) and protozoa (HP to 107/g) with smaller numbers (~104/g) of anaerobic fungi and facultatively anaerobic bacteria. These microorganisms are responsible for the degradation of ingested feedstuffs to fermentation acids (primarily the volatile fatty acids: acetate, propionate and butyrate) which are absorbed by the host through the ruminal epithelium and serve as the dominant carbon and energy sources for growth, maintenance and production. The ruminant animal then is a symbiotic association between mammal and microorganisms which evolved to enable the animal to live on high fiber diets (19). The ruminal regulatory systems developed by the animal were intended to cope with the microbial fermentation of forage-based rations and they operate very effectively for this purpose. These regulatory systems include temperature control, ruminal pH control through the buffering action of saliva, provision of extra nutrients such as urea or phosphate which enters the rumen also via the saliva, removal of inhibitory soluble (end) products through absorption, and removal of indigestible solids through passage to the lower tract (28). The animal can regulate the activities of the ruminal microorganisms only in so far as it can vary these processes. For the rest, the microorganisms are controlled only by the limitations of their growth physiology and by synergism and competition between species.

With the practice of high grain feeding, the ruminal fermentation has become a liability to the host animal. When diets high in readily fermentable carbohydrates, i.e., diets high in starchy cereal grains, are fed to ruminants, caloric intake and substrate availability are no longer controlled by physical constraints such as fiber particle size and ruminal volume. The animal can now ingest more calories in a shorter time because of the smaller sized, energy-dense nature of cereal grains compared to cellulosic materials. As a result, members of the microbial community are released from substrate limitation restraints. For example, the activities of the amylolytic (starch-degrading) and the saccharolytic (sugar-degrading) bacteria are no longer limited by the relatively slow degradation of fibrous polymers to fermentable oligomers and thus starch degradation and fermentation can occur at very rapid rates.
Diagnosing Viral Infections
Authors: Collins James K.
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses some of the inherent limitations of detecting viral infections in cattle. It also addresses new diagnostic tests that offer significant practical advantages as well as increased sensitivity of virus detection. The methods presented have been selected from among many new methods that have been recently published and are continuing to be published at an increasing rate. At this time it is best to remark that most of the newer methods have great potential, but have not been subjected to enough field situations or animal specimens to predict future usefulness. In order for development and application of a truly useful test, the critical underlying assumptions necessary for successful diagnosis of bovine viral infections must be examined for their impact on diagnostic methods and diagnostic laboratories.
Dairy Industry at the Turn of the Century
Authors: Novakovic Andrew , Jack Kevin
Published: March 2023

Numerous factors have shaped the dairy industry in the past. Many of these same factors continue, in one form or another, to affect it today. Some new factors are exerting new influences. This paper attempts to discuss factors that may be important in shaping the dairy sector as we approach the 21st Century.
Beef Industry in the 1990s
Authors: Thorpe Topper
Published: March 2023

These are some of the most exciting and challenging times for cattlemen and those who provide services for, or supply products to them.

It's a time filled with opportunity and pitfalls -- It all depends on how the situation is approached.

Change is difficult for most of us who prefer to remain in our "comfortable rut". If we choose to remain in this rut, the world will probably pass us by -- But, if we're willing to get out of the rut we can find new opportunity.

Factors influencing the changes being seen today -* Maturing of the meat industry* Declining cattle numbers* Excess capacity in feeding and packing* Increased competition for supplies* Narrower margins* Consolidation and integration

All of these factors are forcing producers and processors to become more efficient, low cost producers, if they want to stay in business.

A look at changes in the structure of the various beef producing and processing segments.
Replacement Heifer Development
Authors: Corah L. R.
Published: March 2023

Effective replacement heifer development is a critical segment of the integrated management program in an efficient beef cow production system. The main objective should be to develop an adequate number of heifers to a point where they reach puberty and are cycling regularly at the start of the breeding season. However, many associated considerations in a successful development program will be discussed in this fact sheet. In addition, one might consider the first-calf heifer as part of replacement heifer development until she breeds back and weans her first calf. Indeed, she should continue to be managed separately as she has increased nutritional demands through this period.
Financial Performance of North Dakota's Beef Cow Enterprises
Authors: Hughes Harlan
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this publication is to provide astute cattlemen with some suggested Critical Success Factors (CSF) that should help ensure financial survival of a beef farm or ranch in the 1990's. Once the CSF's are identified, Integrated Resource Management (IRM) teams can turn their integration efforts toward designing a comprehensive on-farm Integrated Resource Management Information Systems that routinely monitor these Critical Success Factors for individual beef farms and ranchers.
Nutritional Management of the Sick Animal
Authors: Watson Larry T.
Published: March 2023

Proper nutritional management of the sick animal is a complex subject that demands cooperation between the disciplines of animal nutrition and animal health. In fact, animal feedlot nutrition and feedlot performance and animal disease prevention and health are 2 sciences that cannot be separated since they are so interrelated. I feel it is important at this point to emphasize the need for this cooperation. Just as improper bunk management techniques cause concerns for both professionals ( displayed as overeating, overloading, bulling, and bloats) affecting the performance and health, sick cattle nutrition and management will reflect on the performance of both disciplines. Cooperation and communication between the veterinarian and nutritionist helps minimize problems and aid in efficient approaches to problems when they do arise.
Feed Additives and Animal Health
Authors: Watson Larry T.
Published: March 2023

Most feed additives were developed for or have an effect on the health of the animal. Additives such as tetracyclines, sulfas, coccidiostats and anthelmintics, yeast and microbial cultures have as their main objective, the prevention of disease or other health related treatment. Other additives, most significantly, the ionophores, are not marketed primarily as animal health additives, but as performance enhancers. Even though this is their main purpose, these products have an indirect impact on the animal health program at the feedlot.
Economic Analysis in Beef Feedlot Practice
Authors: Jordan Timothy
Published: March 2023

The process of converting biology, physiology, and pathology from medical to economic terms can be a complex undertaking. Many veterinary practitioners do this almost subconsciously without complex computer assistance. For these experienced veterinarians, decisions to treat or not to treat and with what drug are often made from the clinical presentation of the animal or animals and the expected outcome or result of various therapeutic options. Determination of the "true economic" cost of animal disease should be an integral component of feedlot animal health.

The problems to overcome when determining the true cost of disease in a feedlot situation are many. The veterinary practitioners must many times overcome the lack of records or records that do not allow for economic evaluation. Other obstacles are the determination of what to measure, quantifying subclinical or inapparent loss, variation from animal to animal or from load to load, and determination of industry standards or comparison factors. These problems coupled with the fact that often the diagnosis of disease is subjective in nature seem to make the precise quantification of disease loss impossible. While these problems are formidable, they are not insurmountable. Let us look at how each of these problems can be overcome and then at a specific situational application.
Practical Uses of Decision Analysis
Authors: Slenning Barrett D.
Published: March 2023

For the majority of choices in life, decisions can be made without much introspection. A decision may not be important enough to warrant analysis or its outcomes are so easy to rank, the choice is obvious. Occasionally, however, situations arise where the consequences of each choice are not obvious. At these times we need systematic methods to estimate future events, consequences of actions, likelihoods of occurrences, and the end results of the many scenarios facing us.