Category Archives: Livestock
Recognizing and Avoiding Heat Stress in Cattle
With the recent heat wave occurring across much of the country, it is important for producers to recognize heat stress in cattle. Here are some tips on recognizing and avoiding heat stress in cattle from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and the Department of Animal Science. In warm weather, cattle should always have access to shade and water. Heat stress is more sever with high humidity. Cattle can tolerate higher temperatures with lower humidity. When moving or working cattle, check the forecast for the temperature and humidity of the… Read More →
Students tell story of 44 Farms International Beef Cattle Academy
Members of the 2020-2021 class reflect on the program’s value to their beef operations. COLLEGE STATION, Texas – For cattle producers enrolled in the 44 Farms International Beef Cattle Academy (IBCA), learning is a lifelong pursuit. Participants from South Africa and Texas explain the impacts the program has had on their cattle operations and why members of the beef industry should consider applying. Getting back in the game in South Africa South African veterinarian Dr. Michael Magondo applied for IBCA after inheriting his father’s cow/calf operation. Having spent 20… Read More →
Department of Animal Science named American Brahman Breeders Association friends of the year
The ABBA 2021 Friend of the Year Award was given to Texas A&M University’s Animal Science Department during the ABBA Annual Membership Meeting. This year’s meeting was held in conjunction with The International Open Breeding Cattle Show in Waco, Texas. “Since the beginning, Texas A&M’s Animal Science Department has understood the importance of Brahman and Brahman-influenced genetics in the South’s cattle operations,” Performance Committee chairman Milton Charanza said. “From Dr. Sanders’ work at McGregor Station to Dr. Randall’s work in Overton along with many other researchers, they have… Read More →
Innovative agricultural solutions necessary to advance human health, sustain natural resources
Texas A&M AgriLife shares leading research at global EarthX conference By Carrie Baker, carrie_baker@tamu.edu As the world’s population increases, scientists and agriculturalists face a growing challenge to produce more, higher quality food for consumers while using fewer natural resources and taking care to appropriately manage and conserve the resources that still exist. Patrick Stover, Ph.D., vice chancellor for Texas A&M AgriLife, dean of the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, discussed this challenge as he delivered the keynote address on the second day… Read More →
Livestock judging team wins State Fair of Texas Intercollegiate contest
The Texas A&M Livestock Judging Team did not let the current pandemic stand in the way of success at the 2020 State Fair of Texas. While practicing social distancing and abiding by safety standards, the team brought home top honors, in more ways than one. In addition to being the high team overall, Texas A&M also finished first in the reasons, cattle and sheep and goat divisions, as well as second in the swine division. Austin Graves of Crane, Texas, was the high point individual, beating the runner… Read More →
Forage webinar aims to save ranchers money
xas A&M AgriLife Extension Service experts will host a forage webinar Aug. 21 on the reduction of winter feeding by stockpiling warm-season forages and/or planting cool-season pastures.The three-part forage webinar begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 6:oo p.m. The fee is $35, and the deadline to register is noon Aug. 19. Electronic copies of slides and other program materials will be available prior to the program, and all sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing by registrants. The program will be presented by Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Ph.D., AgriLife… Read More →
D’Souza awarded inaugural Cactus Feeders scholarship and internship
The Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science is proud to recognize Genevieve D’Souza as the inaugural recipient of the 2020 Cactus Feeders Scholarship. As a recipient of this newly formed award, D’Souza will have the opportunity to complete an internship with Cactus Feeders. The department is excited about the possibilities that this new partnership with Cactus Feeders presents. “Receiving the Cactus Feeders Scholarship is a great honor and an outstanding opportunity for me. The internship will supplement my education and training from Dr. Tedeschi by exposing me to… Read More →
Texas Crop and Weather Report – June 30, 2020
Joe Paschal, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, Corpus Christi, said livestock are entering a period he calls the “summer slump,” where weight gains and body condition scores can dip as animals deal with the heat and declining forage quality. Paschal and Jason Banta, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist, Overton, said cattle in much of the state were experiencing typical summer conditions. Rains have reduced drought levels for most of the state, but as temperatures rise, moisture levels and grazing conditions could change quickly without additional rainfall. “Overall,… Read More →
Angus VNR: Above and Beyond Nutrition
All living things need specific amino acids, but people can’t synthesize all of them. No worries—cattle provide them by upcycling proteins from rough forage into nutrious beef. “If you try and consume all of your amino acids or meet your amino acid requirements from a grain source like corn or sorghum, you’re going to have to over consume calories. And so that’ll contribute to obesity and those types of problems,” says Tryon Wickersham, Ruminant Nutritionist at Texas A&M University. Enjoying those amino acids within the nutrient density of… Read More →
Interim Veterinary Guidance on Companion Animal Coronavirus Testing in Texas
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) does not know the exact source of the current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person to person. • The CDC is not aware of any companion animals (i.e. household cats and dogs) in theUnited States infected with SARS-CoV-2. The first case of an animal testing positive for the virus in the United States was a tiger that had a respiratory illness at a zoo in New York… Read More →