August 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 23 “The not-so-darling starlings,” chuckles Alfredo DiCostanzo, a beef systems Extension educator with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. “It is a serious dent on inventories when they flock in large numbers and are eating stored feeds or feeds off the bunk. We know that certain feeds or certain compounds within some feeds attract birds. Textured feeds such as cracked corn mixed in a diet or the little particles or fibers in silage are very attractive to these birds.” Research has found that extruding feed rations into large pellets (1½-inch by 3-inch) significantly decreases feed consumption by birds; however, that tends to be a more costly solution. It is not just the consumption of feed that adds up. Feces dropped onto feed in the bunks or in storage can reduce feed value or even spread disease. Health Risks “We begin now to understand that, for instance, salmonella can cause liver abscesses in feedlot cattle,” DiCostanzo explains. “Well, if salmonella comes about because of bird poop on some of these fences and water tanks, etc., then it’s just one more place that we can pick that bacterium up and cause problems, in addition to the feed bunk.” Salmonella, E. coli, the highly pathogenic avian influenza and encephalitis are at the top of the list of concerning illnesses that birds are known to spread. With the rise of avian influenza in dairy herds across the country, researchers have been CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Birds line feed bunks and alleyways at a feedyard in Venezuela. Photo courtesy of Alfredo DiCostanzo. keeping a close eye on how it spreads, and currently there is no data on how it affects non-lactating bovine. These birds are known not only to hang around feed bunks, but also in confinement areas used for livestock where they Central City, Nebraska (308) 946-3068 Lexington, Nebraska (308) 324-7409 Brush, Colorado (970) 842-5165 BillsVolume.com When timing is everything, Breakdowns are costly and Customer service is priceless. Commercial Beef & Dairy Sales & Service • New & Used Equipment SALES & SERVICE TO THE INDUSTRY FOR MORE THAN 50 YEARS! BVS 7.25x4.875 4c-NE Cattleman.indd 1 1/30/24 9:35 AM
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