Environmental and Economic Benefits of Selecting Beef Cattle for Feed Efficiency (AN276/AN276)

Effect of feed efficiency measured as Residual Feed Intake (RFI) on nutrient excretion by suckled Angus beef cows. A positive RFI indicates a less efficient cow, while a negative RFI indicates a more efficient cow. Both cows are evaluated under the same diet and environmental conditions. (ADG = Average Daily Gain; DMI = Dry Matter Intake).Selecting for feed efficiency based on residual food intake can significantly impact the amount of nutrients consumed and excreted per cow without compromising animal performance. Fresh manure output and excretions of phosphorous and nitrogen could be reduced by 29%, while methane emissions can be reduced by as much as 28% when selecting more feed-efficient animals. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Nicolas DiLorenzo and G. Cliff Lamb, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an276

El Caballo Pura Raza Española (AN275)

Hacienda del Sol’s Triunfador XXIVEl caballo Pura Raza Española (P.R.E), conocido también como el Andaluz, es de una elegante raza con ascendencias que se extienden miles de años en el pasado a la región de Andalucía de la Península Ibérica (Cuadro 1). Estos animales desarrollaron gran agilidad, fortaleza, y belleza al lidiar con el terreno escabroso y los animales salvajes, incluyendo toros fieros, de la región.
This 4-page fact sheet is the Spanish lanugage version of AN269, The Purebred Spanish Horse. It was written by María L. Mandina and Jorge R. Rey, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an275

Best Practice Checklist for Management of a Swine Show for Youth (AN274)

Figure 3. Pig behavior and handling diagram.The management team for a swine show for youth should have a plan to manage the facilities, pigs, and personnel in a way that allows the show to be as stress-free and educational as possible. This 3-page fact sheet includes a checklist of information about unloading pigs, the size of the show ring, and pig handling training so that show managers know how to prepare for their show. Written by Chad Carr and Justin Crosswhite, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an274

Conducting a Successful Livestock Show for Youth (AN268)

youth showing a hogWant to plan a livestock show for youth that will serve as the educational summit of the livestock project experience? Make sure the entire event is as stress-free as possible for the livestock, youth exhibitors, their families, and show management and as educational as possible for youth exhibitors, their families, and all public spectators. Consider the recommendations in this 4-page fact sheet written by Chad Carr, Justin Crosswhite, Jennifer Shike, and Heather Shultz, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an268

The Florida Bull Test 2010-2011 (AN273)

Angus bull, beef cattle. UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas WrightThe North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, Florida annually hosts the Florida Bull Test. By controlling environmental factors and taking Expected Progeny Differences (EPD’s) into account, the data emphasizes the dual importance of genetics and environment in all cattle types. Beef cattle producers can use this information to select superior cattle for the best possible herd. This 5-page fact sheet provides the results of the 2010-11 Florida bull test. Written by G. Cliff Lamb and Nicolas DiLorenzo, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, November 2011. (UF/IFAS photo by Thomas Wright)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an273

Strategies for Cost-Effective Supplementation of Beef Cattle (SSANS14/AN085)

UF/IFAS animal science graduate Gene Lollis manages the ranch's cattle herds and citrus grovesForage should provide the majority of the nutrition for the beef herd. Seasonal forage growth and changes in forage quality challenge most cattle managers to provide adequate nutrition at reasonable costs. This 6-page fact sheet gives several alternatives to consider in your cow-calf production system. Written by Matt Hersom and W.E. Kunkle, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an085

The Purebred Spanish Horse (AN269)

Hacienda del Sol’s Triunfador XXIVThe Purebred Spanish Horse, also known as the Andalusian or the Pura Raza Español, is an elegant breed with ancestors dating back thousands of years to the Andalusian region of the Iberian Peninsula. The horse evolved to have catlike agility, power, and beauty because it faced rugged terrain and needed to co-exist with local wildlife, including wild bulls. Learn more in this 4-page fact sheet was written by María L. Mandina and Jorge R. Rey, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an269

Comparison of Hay or Round Bale Silage as a Means to Conserve Forage (AN266)

Haybales on a misty morningFlorida’s climate makes conserving forages for later feeding challenging. Traditional hay harvest systems require optimal cutting, drying, and baling weather conditions. The use of round bale silage overcomes several of the challenges to hay production in Florida and offer an attractive compliment to traditional hay harvest systems. Learn more in this 6-page fact sheet written by Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, August 2011. (Photo: Thomas Wright, UF/IFAS)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an266

Improving Dairy Cow Metabolism through Safflower Oil Supplementation (AN271)

Feeding dairy cows at UF's Dairy Research Unit in HagueData collected in Florida studies indicate that feeding fat supplements that decrease milk fat test during the early postpartum period may help minimize negative energy balance, reduce body fat mobilization, and improve blood levels of beneficial metabolic and reproductive hormones. This 3-page fact sheet was written by Lokenga Badinga, Richard D. Miles, and Cristina Caldari-Torres, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an271

The Use and Economic Value of the 3K SNP Genomic Test for Calves on Dairy Farms (AN270)

calves at UF's dairy research unit in HagueThe availability of genomic tests is rapidly changing genetics in the dairy industry. AI companies have been using genomics to select AI sires. Now also commercial dairy producers can find value in testing their calves to help decide which ones to keep. This 5-page fact sheet was written by Albert De Vries, David T. Galligan, and John B. Cole, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an270

The Impact of Production Technologies Used in the Beef Cattle Industry (AN272)

ear tagThe use of technologies in the beef industry is a major contributor to the safe, wholesome, and affordable beef supply in the United States. This 4-page fact sheet provides a brief evaluation of the effects that individual technologies have on beef production. Written by Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich , and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, September 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an272

Converting the Beef Cow Herd to a Controlled Breeding Season (AN267)

herd of beef cattle on a Florida ranchImplementing a controlled breeding season to manage the length of the calving season is a cost-effective management practice. This 4-page fact sheet describes a 3- to 4-year conversion program beef cattle producers can follow. Written by Tim Wilson, Cindy Sanders, Mark Warren, Matt Hersom, and Curt Lacy, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an267

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Control Immune Stress in Dairy Cattle (AN264)

Albert De Vries, an animal sciences assistant professor, checks dairy cattle
Understanding how omega-3 PUFA affect the immune functions of dairy cattle may lead to the development of producer-friendly feeding strategies that will decrease the incidence of diseases and improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cows. This 2-page fact sheet was written by Lokenga Badinga and Cristina Caldari-Torres, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an264

Adding Value to Milk by Increasing Its Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content (AN265)


One of the most promising bioactive components of milk is called conjugated linoleic acid. In laboratory animals, this naturally occurring fatty acid has been shown to inhibit cancer, promote the immune system, reduce the effect of type 2 diabetes, promote bone growth, and reduce blood clotting. This 3-page fact sheet briefly reviews dietary strategies for dairy cows that have been used to increase conjugated linoleic acid concentrations in milk and to show how this approach can be used to add value to milk and milk products. Written by Lokenga Badinga and Richard D. Miles and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an265

Management of Reproduction in Dairy Herds with Natural Service or Timed Artificial Insemination (AN262)

dairy cowBoth natural service and artificial insemination programs can work for managing reproduction on dairy farms. This 3-page fact sheet provides comparison of reproductive performance and economic considerations. Written by Fábio S. Lima, Albert De Vries, Carlos A. Risco, and José E.P. Santos, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, June 2011. (UF/IFAS Photo: Thomas Wright)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an262

Understanding and Troubleshooting Milk Fat Depression in Dairy Herds (AN261)

 Albert De Vries, an animal sciences assistant professor, checks dairy cattleSometimes energy-rich diets formulated to maximize milk production exert negative effects on milk fat. This 4-page fact sheet reviews some of the dietary factors that induce milk fat depression and explains how to troubleshoot this problem. Written by Leandro F. Greco and José E.P. Santos, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, June 2011. (AP photo/University of Florida/IFAS/Josh Wickham)
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an261

Preconditioning Calves Using Co-products (AN260)

Preconditioning cattle is a way to add value to a calf crop. It involves weaning, vaccination, and acclimating cattle to eating from feed bunks. This publication will focus on the nutrition, feedstuff considerations, and performance potential for different co-product options in preconditioning management. This 8-page fact sheet was written by Matt Hersom, Todd Thrift, and Joel Yelich , and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, May 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an260

Specialty Meat Marketing Claims: What’s the Difference? (AN191)

American consumers are confused about the differences between meat products with special marketing claims (i.e., organic, natural, naturally raised, and grass-fed) and regular or commodity meat products. This 5-page report discusses these claims as defined by the USDA and addresses the differences between these products for food safety, human health, and eating quality.Written by Chad Carr, Larry Eubanks, and Ryan Dijkhuis and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an191

Annual Warm-Season Legumes for Florida and the US Gulf Coast: Forage Yield, Nutritional Composition, and Feeding Value (AN259)

High-quality forage legumes that can be grown during the warm-season are scarce in Florida and the Gulf Coast region. Seeded warm-season legumes, such as cowpea, soybean, and pigeonpea, are less expensive and faster to establish than perennial peanut, and they could provide nutritious forage to complement beef cattle and other ruminant animal feeding programs. This 5-page fact sheet summarizes the results of three years of field trials and two feeding trials conducted at North Florida Research and Education Center in Marianna, located in northwest Florida. Written by Jamie Foster, Robert Myer, A.T. Adesogan, Jeffery Carter, Lynn Sollenberger, and Ann Blount, and published by the UF Department of Animal Science, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an259

Fundamentals of Bit Selection and Use (AN256)

Choosing an appropriate bit can be a confusing process for horse enthusiasts. This 6-page illustrated fact sheet describes the various types of bits and how to select the best bit for horse and rider. Written by Edward L. Johnson and Kylee J. Duberstein. Published by the UF Department of Animal Sciences, January 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/an256