List 4 components of a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP).
- Field assessment
- Manure inventory
- Manure storage plan
- Nutrient application plan
- Land management plan
- Record keeping system
List 4 environmental concerns regarding intensive beef production:
- methane emissions (feed fermentation in rumen)
- Air quality from ammonia emissions
- Human health (air quality plays a role in this )
- Soil and water quality (leaching, runoff)
List 4 objectives of a step-up feeding program:
- decrease forage concentrate ratio to help adjust to finishing diet
- Minimize incidence of acidosis (feeding concentrates too quickly
- Allow rumen papillae and microbes to adjust to increasing carbohydrate consumption (increased fermentation)
- Reduces fluctuations in feed intake (can alter average daily gain and weight gain in the long run)
List 3 factors that contribute to the increase risk of newly weaned calves’ development of bovine disease (BRD) as they enter the feedlot.
- Stress (weaning, transportation, new animals, new setting)
- low feed intake
- no vaccinations against BVD
List 3 factors that increase the risk of cattle developing ruminal acidosis:
- Poor feed mixing or animal sorting - animals pick out concentrates
- No adjustments period for rumen - feeding concentrates right away
- Limited forage content in feed
What are the 3 primary needs of newly received calves that must be addressed as soon as possible?
- feed
- Water
- Rest
Define preconditioning and explain its impact on newly received calves on the feedlot.
Impacts:
- Vaccination 3 wk prior to marketing and calves are at least 4 mo of age
- Castrated / dehorned (if necessary)
- Treated for parasites
- Weaned (45 d minimum) and have experience eating from a bunk
Outcomes:
- Improves rates of gain
- Reduces treatments
