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<b>Filley</b>
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Technology. Stress levels. These are words you would normally associate with the business world. However, lately we in the cattle business find ourselves immersed in technology and exploring the ideas behind low-stress livestock handling.
Here is a short synopsis of recent educational programs. I hope you can join us for some upcoming classes.
Ultrasound technology
The Douglas County Livestock Association Purebred Breeders’ Committee and Oregon State University Extension Service worked together to use technology in genetic evaluation of cattle. The technology was ultrasound scanning of live cattle for carcass characteristics.
An ultrasound machine, along with probes and plenty of oil, were used as bulls and heifers came into the chute to be scanned. The probes were gently pressed against the backs of the cattle for collection of data such as rib eye area, rump fat, back fat and intramuscular fat (marbling). The ultrasound technician was Bob Patacini of Washington and the cattle, about 70 head, were purebred, registered Red Angus, Black Angus, Herefords and shorthorns. We learned about the specific measurements from those cattle and how they relate to beef quality.
Here is a short synopsis of recent educational programs. I hope you can join us for some upcoming classes.
Ultrasound technology
The Douglas County Livestock Association Purebred Breeders’ Committee and Oregon State University Extension Service worked together to use technology in genetic evaluation of cattle. The technology was ultrasound scanning of live cattle for carcass characteristics.
An ultrasound machine, along with probes and plenty of oil, were used as bulls and heifers came into the chute to be scanned. The probes were gently pressed against the backs of the cattle for collection of data such as rib eye area, rump fat, back fat and intramuscular fat (marbling). The ultrasound technician was Bob Patacini of Washington and the cattle, about 70 head, were purebred, registered Red Angus, Black Angus, Herefords and shorthorns. We learned about the specific measurements from those cattle and how they relate to beef quality.
The data we collected was stored to discs and sent to Centralized Ultrasound Processing Lab, which originated from Iowa State University but now is run by a private company. There, the results of scans from across the United States are analyzed and reported to the breed registries for calculation of expected progeny differences. These calculations are estimates of genetic merit of the cattle that producers can use to make decisions for herd improvement and efficient, profitable production of beef.
Low-stress cattle handling
A daylong seminar on low-stress cattle handling, co-sponsored by the county livestock association and others, was presented to local and visiting livestock producers on March 10.
The featured speaker was Dr. Tom Noffsinger of Nebraska, who was also a guest at the OSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
Low-stress handling techniques promote a relaxed manner of raising cattle, beginning as early as the first time a calf “changes its address” — that is, when it is born.
As the cattle grow, they get used to being handled in a low-stress, relaxed manner. This not only produces higher quality meat, but also improves productivity from a given set of resources.
Ranchers have known the basic premises of gentle handling of livestock since cattle were first domesticated. However, the finer points of this are something that can continually be improved upon. It was a good day of presentations and there were many comments such as “Aha,” “Yes, that’s what I do,” and “Now I know why” to “Oops, I guess what I have been doing has been a bit counterproductive” and “I can’t wait to get home to try that.”
Other activities included educational and information booths, plus the excellent barbecue put on by the livestock association, Douglas County Farmers Co-op and the Glide FFA group. Learning sure is fun!
Join us for programs on goats and poisonous plants on April 13 and equine nutrition and health on April 23.
<i>Shelby Filley is the Regional Livestock and Forages Specialist for OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. She can be reached by e-mail at shelby.filley@oregonstate.edu or phone at 541-672-4461.</i>
Low-stress cattle handling
A daylong seminar on low-stress cattle handling, co-sponsored by the county livestock association and others, was presented to local and visiting livestock producers on March 10.
The featured speaker was Dr. Tom Noffsinger of Nebraska, who was also a guest at the OSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
Low-stress handling techniques promote a relaxed manner of raising cattle, beginning as early as the first time a calf “changes its address” — that is, when it is born.
As the cattle grow, they get used to being handled in a low-stress, relaxed manner. This not only produces higher quality meat, but also improves productivity from a given set of resources.
Ranchers have known the basic premises of gentle handling of livestock since cattle were first domesticated. However, the finer points of this are something that can continually be improved upon. It was a good day of presentations and there were many comments such as “Aha,” “Yes, that’s what I do,” and “Now I know why” to “Oops, I guess what I have been doing has been a bit counterproductive” and “I can’t wait to get home to try that.”
Other activities included educational and information booths, plus the excellent barbecue put on by the livestock association, Douglas County Farmers Co-op and the Glide FFA group. Learning sure is fun!
Join us for programs on goats and poisonous plants on April 13 and equine nutrition and health on April 23.
<i>Shelby Filley is the Regional Livestock and Forages Specialist for OSU Extension Service of Douglas County. She can be reached by e-mail at shelby.filley@oregonstate.edu or phone at 541-672-4461.</i>
