August 2024 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 55 Even when weather cooperates and prices are low, feed is still the costliest resource for beef producers. Many factors can result in a reduction of feed consumption, rate of gain and overall feed efficiency. One of the culprits that continues to cost the cattle feeding industry up to $400 million annually is the occurrence of liver abscesses. USMARC researchers are currently working on a project that aims to identify causative factors of liver abscesses. The team is evaluating genetic and metabolic characteristics. By identifying the causative factors, the industry will be able to better select for animals less prone to abscess as well as alter or enhance management practices, if necessary, to decrease the risk of abscess development. The types of cattle that are being fed in a production system is an input that can be controlled and contributes significantly to the rate of other inputs, including those relating to feed conversion. Research from USMARC has determined that feed intake and metabolizable energy, or a cow’s maintenance requirement, are heritable. Once we can finally measure an individual cow’s daily feed intake, then, using selection and culling, beef producers could significantly reduce their most expensive input and nearly guarantee an efficient outcome for their operation. Another costly and challenging aspect of cattle feeding operations is feedlot pen surface management. USMARC teams are aiming studies at tackling factors involved in this challenge, including surface degradation and resiliency, microbial resistance, greenhouse gas emission reduction and more. This research is vital as the ground that cattle stand on is, undoubtedly, the foundation for their success. As the number of challenges facing the cattle industry continues to grow and diversify, it is important that researchers and producers collaborate to identify feasible solutions. Part of the solutions may be redefining what efficiency looks like and means as the world population grows, demand increases, consumer preferences change and societal ideals evolve. Efficiency – a word that will continue to be echoed and, with the help of research resulting in creative solutions, will continue to be attainable. ~NC~ Diamond 6 Feeders 294 18th Road, West Point, NE 68788 402-372-5751 PROUDLY DOING OUR PART TO FEED THE WORLD
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