UNL BeefWatch October 2013

Beta-agonists: What are they and should I be concerned?

Beta-agonists are approved feed additives and are deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, where they act to enhance lean muscle gain, increase growth rate, and increase feed efficiency.  Photo courtesy of Lindsay Chichester.Beta-agonists are approved feed additives and are deemed safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), where they act to enhance lean muscle gain, increase growth rate, and increase feed efficiency. There are differences between specific beta-agonists, but those approved by the FDA include ra Continue reading…

 

Nebraska BQA: Herd Health Plan/Protocol

 An appropriate Herd Health Plan/Protocol ensures all cattle are raised with good health management practices.  Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.Nebraska Cattlemen have demonstrated a commitment to the integrity of today’s beef products through implementing sound cattle management practices. Consumers are looking for beef raised in a healthy and safe environment. An appropriate Herd Health Plan/Protocol ensures all cattle are raised with g Continue reading…

 

The XXIII Range Beef Cow Symposium

The XXIII Range Beef Cow Symposium will be held in Rapid City, SD.The XXIII Range Beef Cow Symposium will be held in Rapid City, SD December 3-5, 2013 at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. It has been jointly hosted by the Extension Service and Animal Science departments of University of Nebraska, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University, and Univers Continue reading…

 

Testing Forages for Nitrates

High nitrates could be a problem for cattle producers planning to feed or graze annual forages thus testing for nitrates is recommended.  Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.High nitrates could be a problem for cattle producers planning to feed or graze annual forages, thus testing for nitrates is recommended. When reading a nitrate analysis report, producers should look at how the nitrate levels are expressed. The method used in expressing nitrates will determine what Continue reading…

 

Testing Forages for Quality Can Save Dollars

Sampling and testing forages for quality can make designing a feeding program easy and economical.  Photo courtesy of Jerry Volesky.As producers strive to reduce feed costs by investigating avenues to increase grazing days, many still have to use harvested forages in their year-round feeding program. Sampling and testing forages for quality can make designing a feeding program easy and economical. Nutrient concentration can var Continue reading…

 

Composting Large Animal Carcasses

Temporary bin composting (Source: www.eXtension.org)Nebraska used to limit mortality composting to carcasses weighing less than 600 lbs, but this restriction has been removed from state statute, opening the door to a new carcass disposal option for beef cattle and other large livestock. Although Nebraska has maintained a size restriction on mortality Continue reading…

 

Cooking Tenderness into Every Beef Cut

 How do you know which cuts to grill and which cuts to slow-cook?  Photo courtesy of Troy Walz.“I have never eaten such a tough or dry steak,” the man told me. I began to ask him about the cut (it was a steak high in collagen) and how he prepared it (steak seasoning and pepper), and how he cooked it (slapped it on the grill for 20 minutes).

The grocery store called the cut “the Husker Steak” Continue reading…

 
Originally published October 1, 2013 - Submit an Item