| "Feeding
is Fundamental" |
| |
1996 - 2002 Weaning /
Pre-conditioning Studies |
| |
1996 studies Showed that Health / Management
program (Ex: Southeast Pride) can improve performance. 1999
study showed weaning / preconditioning using supplement plus
free choice hay resulted in economical gain if calves were weaned
for a minimum of 45 days. 2000 work with calves fed high starch
(corn-based) or high fiber (soybean hull-based) with same diets
continuing from pre-weaning into the post-weaning phase has
results directly useful for Tennessee beef producers. 2002 study
demonstrated transitory growth depression related to adding
corn to pre-conditioning ration and yielded data related to
body types of cattle in this type of program. |
| |
Mineral Imbalance Study (1999-2002) |
| |
Forage
Mineral Survey Web Site
Extension agents were asked to send forage
samples for analysis which revealed that copper levels were
low in spring (marginally to extremely deficient) and got
lower in late summer. Sulfur levels were high (considered
highly antagonist) and got higher in late summer. Blood analyses
support the diagnosis of copper deficiency. Recent grant has
allowed more focus on this work which has been extremely interesting
to beef producers across Tennessee. Agent support has been
excellent. |
|
Parasite Control Demonstration Studies |
| |
Two field studies were conducted to observe
the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and response
to deworming. Thin cows (BCS 4) and moderately fleshed (BCS
5) cows responded to deworming (p < .05). BCS 6 and 7 cows
showed no response to deworming. $2000 was granted to prepare
the pathology laboratory in Nashville for this study. |
