Department Updates

New technology, old genetics meet on the range

New technology, old genetics meet on the range

October 16th, 2019

Posted on October 14, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold New Mexico, Texas researchers seek economical, sustainable beef management practices Criollo cows in Chihuahua, Mexico. (Courtesy photo) Precision ranching is a focus of a new Coordinated Agricultural Project led by New Mexico State University, NMSU, in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Research in Amarillo. Working under an almost $9 million U.S….

Horse Health: The Healthy Horse Life

Horse Health: The Healthy Horse Life

October 9th, 2019

Posted on September 23, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold How can you tell if your horse is healthy, or if he could use some extra care? Jennifer Zoller, PhD, is an extension horse specialist at Texas Agrilife Extension and creator of the Texas Horse Health mobile app, a free resource to equine professionals and horse enthusiasts in Texas. She lists…

AgriLife Extension hires beef specialist for Texas Plains

AgriLife Extension hires beef specialist for Texas Plains

October 8th, 2019

Posted on October 1, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold By Kay Ledbetter AMARILLO — Jason Smith has been named as the new Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist in Amarillo, serving the High Plains, South Plains and Rolling Plains. He began Sept. 1. Smith, who is also an assistant professor in the Texas A&M University department of animal…

Is that cow pregnant?

Is that cow pregnant?

October 4th, 2019

Posted on October 1, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold By Robert Fears The first step in increasing calving percentage is to select proven herd sires and then check cows for pregnancy. Characteristics of an ideal pregnancy test are the ability to identify correctly pregnant animals (high sensitivity) and non-pregnant animals (high specificity) as well as being simple and inexpensive to…

Second Annual All Judging Teams Reunion Held

Second Annual All Judging Teams Reunion Held

October 2nd, 2019

Posted on October 2, 2019 by maggielberger The second annual Department of Animal Science All Judging Teams Reunion was held September 13, 2019, at the Brazos County Expo. Former judging team members and their families enjoyed an evening of fellowship, camaraderie, and reliving the good old days. Attendees were greeted with a special treat as they entered the…

Tame Your Selection Criteria

October 1st, 2019

Posted on September 24, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold By Natalie Jones You keep looking to beef quality, maternal and feed efficiency for herd improvement. What about docility? Research says it may have more impact than you realize. A study by Gordon Carstens’ team at Texas A&M University with feedlot Angus, Brangus, Braford and Simbra heifers found the share grading…

Here’s the beef: Basics for selecting a bull

Here’s the beef: Basics for selecting a bull

October 1st, 2019

Posted on October 1, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold Bulls provide the biggest proportion of calf crop genetics, so it is important to select a herd sire that can produce desired offspring. Basics to consider in selecting a bull include breed type, parentage (pedigree), physical appearance, performance records and genetics. Each one of these factors was discussed by Joe Paschal…

Does out-of-season lambing offer profit opportunities?

Does out-of-season lambing offer profit opportunities?

September 23rd, 2019

Posted on September 23, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold With about 85% of the U.S. lambs born between January and May, yet demand for fresh product throughout the year, is there profit opportunity for producers who can shift their lambing season? This topic was explored from several perspectives during the American Lamb Summit, sponsored by the American Lamb Board and…

TAMU International Horsemanship – Slovenia and Italy

TAMU International Horsemanship – Slovenia and Italy

September 23rd, 2019

Posted on September 20, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold Texas A&M International Horsemanship took to the international road again in May 2019. Drs. Jessica Leatherwood and Chelsie Huseman, along with three students, traveled to Slovenia and Italy to conduct horsemanship clinics for both youth and adults. Undergraduate students Carly Fronckowiak, a junior Agricultural Systems Management major, Jarrett Haydon, a senior…

Beef – A Very Natural Product

Beef – A Very Natural Product

September 23rd, 2019

Posted on September 23, 2019 by kaitlyn.arnold BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) – Anti-animal agriculture groups that advocate replacing animal protein with plant-based substitutes that are marketed as all-natural leave out an important point in the argument. Beef is one of the most natural products there is. Ron Gill is a Professor and Livestock Specialist for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. “I…