August 2010 – Following extensive field and lab testing, the Systems Review Committee of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) has approved the BIA-Pro-Plus as an UGC-Certified chute-side image capture and interpretation system. Developed by Designer Genes Technologies, Inc., BIA-Pro-Plus is now available for use through International Livestock Image Analysis (ILIA), a UGC-member lab. The key attribute of the BIA-Pro-Plus system is the automated, chute-side interpretation of intramuscular fat, rib fat, and ribeye area. This feature will allow the technician to instantly know if the captured image is of sufficient quality to permit accurate interpretation; thus virtually eliminating cases of animals not receiving data due to rejected images. When necessary, the system also allows for technicians to interact with the automated system to improve the accuracy of image interpretation. To use this new system, ultrasound technicians must be certified as both UGC-Field and UGC-Lab Technicians using the BIA-Pro-Plus software. The BIA-Pro-Plus system makes it possible for technicians to submit ultrasound data directly to UGC-member breed associations. It is important to note that UGC-member breed associations make their own policies regarding how images are received from UGC-member labs. Decisions on if and how breeds will accept data collected by the BIA-Pro-Plus system must be made on a breed by breed basis. The Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC), instituted and overseen by the U.S. Beef Breeds Council, administers the certification of both field and laboratory technicians to collect and interpret carcass ultrasound images (intramuscular fat, rib fat, ribeye area, and rump fat) on beef cattle. UGC also supervises the certification of the various systems that are used to collect and interpret these images. Beef cattle breed associations use the ultrasound data in the computation of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) for breeding cattle. The purpose of UGC is to insure data collected from beef cattle using ultrasound technology for use in genetic evaluations are of the highest quality and accuracy. For more information, please contact Mike Tess (UGC Executive Director) (Ph: 406-581-9071 or Fax: 406-585-4685). http://www.ultrasoundbeef.com
Anthrax is Here — Vaccinate Livestock Now
AUSTIN - Late summertime in certain parts of Texas means livestock producers should be on the lookout for the resurfacing of anthrax in their animals. Among the anthrax cases confirmed this summer are one bovine in Crockett County, one whitetail deer in Kinney County and one whitetail deer in Uvalde County. Anthrax which is caused by Bacillus anthracis is a naturally occurring disease with worldwide distribution, including Texas. “Anthrax cases are not unusual; especially at this time of year. This is peak season for anthrax to resurface and affect livestock and deer,” Dr. Dee Ellis, Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Executive Director and State Veterinarian, said. “Ranchers and livestock owners should be aware of recent anthrax confirmations in their area and consider vaccinating their livestock to protect against the disease.” Anthrax can occur anywhere, but in Texas, cases most often are confined to a triangular area bounded by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick counties. If an animal dies from the disease and isn’t properly disposed of by burning, the bacteria can spill out into the soil and remain dormant for long periods of time. The anthrax bacteria resurfaces on grass or forage under ideal weather and soil conditions during spring and summer months. By the time an animal shows signs of staggering, trembling or convulsions after ingesting the anthrax bacteria, death is expected. TAHC regulations require that the animal carcasses, manure and bedding be incinerated until thoroughly consumed. This practice will keep wild animals from being exposed to the disease and it will also kill the bacteria, preventing another site from being contaminated with anthrax. Anthrax is a reportable disease in Texas. While laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station, are needed to confirm infection, suspected cases also are to be reported to the TAHC. “Outbreaks usually end when cool weather arrives and the bacteria becomes dormant. In the meantime, producers in or near historically affected areas should consult with their veterinary practitioner about the disease in general, and especially the need to vaccinate. TAHC veterinarians are also available to answer any questions.” Dr. Ellis said. The following are general biosecurity tips that can be helpful to livestock producers who suspect they have an anthrax affected animal or carcass: – Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling carcasses or when working with or vaccinating livestock to avoid contaminating any sores or scratches on arms or hands. See your doctor if you develop an unusual-looking sore on your hands, arms or other exposed skin. Although it is very rare to contract skin anthrax, this infection requires treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a physician. – Practice good sanitation. Wash your hands after handling livestock (even if you wear gloves.) Disinfect equipment used on the animals or carcasses. Keep pets and children away from carcasses or bones of dead animals. Move healthy animals away from a pasture where animals have died from the disease. – Properly dispose of animal carcasses by burning to prevent exposure to other animals, such as predators or dogs. – Vaccinate livestock if cases occur in the surrounding areas. Anthrax vaccine is a “live” vaccine, so it must not be administered with antibiotics. Vaccinated animals must be withheld from slaughter for two months. – Restrict the movement of livestock onto or from an affected premise until animals can develop immunity through vaccination (about 10 days). For more information, visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or call 800-550-8242.
Proper Methods of Calf Birth Weight Data Collection
I am often asked if the calf weigh tape is accurate enough to collect birth weight information. As you know, reporting accurate calf birth weight is important for proper calculation of birth weight EPDs. Dr. Parrish and co-workers at Mississippi State University performed a research project that looked at birth weights taken by 1) estimated visual appraisal, 2) estimation using the hoof circumference tape, 3) measurement with a handheld hanging spring scale and 4) measurement using a digital scale. The researchers collected birth weight on 587 calves within the first 24 hours of life. Their results indicate that birth weight records can vary because of the birth weight collection method used. When birth weights were analyzed, visual estimates and hoof tape measurements tended to underestimate high birth weights, whereas hoof tape measurements tended to overestimate low birth weights. Birth weight data was most accurately collected using the spring or digital scales. I personally use a set of bathroom scales and a piece of one inch thick plywood to get birth weights. This sometimes means that the cow has to be penned off so that I don’t get eaten by her while getting the job done. One of my former students invented a metal cage that mounts on the front end loader of his John Deere tractor to set over the calf to the get the weight. Source: Parish et al., 2009. Mississippi State University
Cow Disposition Affects Pregnancy Rate
Producers that routinely breed cows artificially realize that cows that are unruly and nervous are less likely to conceive to artificial insemination. Perhaps the lowered conception rates were because they have been stressed as they are passed through the working facilities and restrained while being synchronized and inseminated. Now it seems that, even in the serenity of a natural breeding pasture, cows with bad dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. University of Florida animal scientists recorded disposition scores over two years on 160 Braford and 235 Brahman x British crossbred cows. They evaluated the effects of cow temperament and energy status on the probability to become pregnant during a 90-day natural breeding season. Cows were scored as 1= calm, no movement to 5= violent and continuous struggling while in the working chute. Also a pen score assessment was assigned as 1= unalarmed and unexcited to 5 = very excited and aggressive toward technician. An exit velocity speed score was measured as the cows exited the working chute as 1= slowest and 5 = fastest. An overall temperament index score was calculated by averaging the chute score, pen score and exit velocity score. Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol concentrations. Cortisol is a hormone released when mammals are stressed or excited. Increased cow temperament score and elevated plasma cortisol concentrations both were associated with decreased probability of pregnancy. These results suggest that excitable temperament and the consequent elevated cortisol concentrations are detrimental to reproductive function of cows. These authors concluded that management strategies that improve cow disposition, enhance their immune status, and maintain the cowherd at adequate levels of nutrition are required for optimal reproductive performance. Source: Cooke and co-workers. 2009 Florida Beef Research Report and Glenn Selk, OSU Extension Specialist
Research Projects
BBU has (or has had) cooperative research projects in feeding and carcass evaluation with Texas A&M University, Auburn University and Texas Tech University. BBU members also participates in feeding and carcass trials throughout the United States.
Results show purebred and crossbred Beefmaster steers are exceptionally efficient in the feedlot and are producing carcasses that generally fall into the Select and Choice grades. With Select grade beef becoming more popular among consumers, these steers are right in line with consumer demands. On-going studies are identifying genetic lines that excel in feeding and carcass traits.
