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Beef cattle

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Announcements

Livestock webinar series for farmers

Join us for a monthly livestock webinar series hosted by the OSU Extension Service Small Farms Program. Read more...
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OSU Extension Service provides up-to-date information on beef cattle in Oregon and throughout the country, and facilitates the communication among producers, industry personnel, and OSU – Extension faculty.

Resources include areas such as:

RancHER 2022 webinar recordings

RancHER 2022 was hosted in November and December of 2022. RancHER was idealized and organized by Juliana Ranches at Oregon State University. RancHER aims to bring information to cattle producers by highlighting the work of talented women in this field.

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Latest resources

Electronic ID systems

This article explores the transformation of a sheep operation's record-keeping and identification system, detailing the shift from traditional tagging methods to advanced Electronic Identification (EID) technology. The author shares insights on the challenges faced with the old system, the benefits of adopting EID tags for improved efficiency, data accuracy, and animal management, and analyzes the economic implications of this investment.

Oct 2024 | Online resource

On-farm benefits of using EID

The article discusses the benefits of using Electronic Identification (EID) in sheep farming. It highlights how EID technology enhances management practices by providing accurate tracking of individual animals, improving record-keeping, and facilitating better health monitoring. The use of EID can lead to increased efficiency, easier data collection, and improved breeding decisions, ultimately benefiting farm productivity and animal welfare.

Oct 2024 | Online resource

Animal health, feeds, and livestock identification

This website provides essential information on Animal Health and Livestock Identification from the Oregon Department of Agriculture. It focuses on promoting livestock health and safety through effective identification and traceability practices. Users can access resources on regulations, disease prevention, and best practices for managing animal health, supporting the well-being of Oregon’s livestock and the agricultural community.

Oct 2024 | Online resource

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News

Extension cattle specialists seek to uncover how wildfire smoke affects cows

Researchers are testing health metrics in the cattle such as blood samples, lung ultrasounds, and analysis of immune function.

Henry Carnell | Nov 20, 2024 | News story

Dormant-season grazing is a win for all, Extension researcher shows

One of the biggest contributors to wildfires is invasive grasses, otherwise known as “fine fuels.” Extension researcher Sergio Arispe conducted eight years of incredibly successful research with contracted grazing beyond what was ...

Henry Carnell | Oct 28, 2024 | News story

OSU Sagebrush Habitat Team responds to threats to vast ecosystem

Created in 2016, the team works in general themes related to its mission, including: sagebrush ecosystem management, wildlife conservation and management, and related trainings and outreach.

Vanessa Schroeder, Dustin Johnson | Jun 2024 | Impact story

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Management guide

We encourage cow-calf producers to evaluate their individual operation(s) and use these suggested management guidelines to determine a system that works best for their ranch, environment, and facilities. This article covers general cattle management issues related to the production year including suggested herd health programs.

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Calves

New Calf Information and Care

People buying a new calf often have questions about the animal's care. Here are some answers to common questions about food, housing and health care.

Jenifer Cruickshank | Jun 2023 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Strategies for easing the weaning process for beef calves

Weaning is one of the most stressful periods for a beef calf and directly impacts the calf’s gain performance and economic viability. Here's a look at strategies to reduce calf stress at weaning.

Barbi Riggs, Chad Mueller, Reinaldo Cooke | Apr 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

More calving resources

Meat

USDA Carcass Beef Grades and Standards

The amount of beef from a carcass is termed "yield" and is the pounds of closely trimmed retail cuts you get. Of course you want to get a large percentage of meat from your animal. This website contains the legal definitions that can help you understand what goes into this measurement.

Shelby Filley, USDA | Jun 2020 | Online resource

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Custom-exempt Slaughter and Processing Facilities in Oregon for Beef, Pork, Lamb and Goat

Oregon livestock producers selling retail cuts of meat by the package to consumers are required to have livestock slaughtered and processed at a USDA-inspected facility. However, some producers choose to sell live ...

Rebecca Thistlethwaite | Jul 2022 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Beef Cutting Guides

Cutting guides from Cattlemen's Beef Board.

Jul 2020 | Online resource

More meat resources

Small-scale meat farming

The cost and supply of food is concerning to many these days. Disruptions in the cattle, sheep, and swine markets, particularly in the slaughter-packer sector, have indeed threatened the availability of meat and put pressure on prices at the supermarket and at the livestock producer level. This has caused us to rethink the way we produce and process food. Some are considering backyard slaughter of livestock. Many important steps need to be taken prior to and after the actual slaughter of any meat animal. These are necessary for safety and meat quality.

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Photo credit: Chris Robert - Unsplash.com (Cropped from original)

Nutrition

A guide to protein nutrition for cattle

Cattle require protein for vital body and productive functions. Without it, their growth, milk production and overall health are impaired. Here's a look at the basic concepts of protein nutrition for cattle.

Bruno I. Cappellozza | May 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Water nutrition and quality for beef cattle

Inadequate water intake by beef cattle can limit growth and production, which can translate to narrower profit margins for producers. That's why it's important to understand water nutrition and quality for beef cattle.

Sergio Arispe | May 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

OSU Beef Nutrition Workbook

A comprehensive workbook covering many aspects of beef cattle nutrition. Includes worksheets for users to apply the concepts to their own operations. Chapter titles are: 1. Animal Nutrient Requirements 2. Forage Value 3. Evaluating Feeds 4. Minerals and Vitamins 5. Ration Balancing 6. Supplements and Supplementation Strategies 7. Body Condition 8. Heifer Nutrition and Development

David Bohnert, Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli, Peter Schreder | Oct 2019 | Online resource Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Breeding and genetics

Understanding EPDs for Selecting Bulls - Sergio Arispe and Morgan Johnsrud

In this video, Dr. Arispe and Morgan (Select Sires) discussed several aspects of EDP values for bull selection and different traits that producers should consider when selecting bulls. Other resources from presentation: Slides Breed EPD averages for and $Values

Sergio Arispe, Morgan Johnsrud | Jan 2021 | Video

How temperament affects the performance and quality of beef cattle

For beef cattle, temperament defines their fear-related responses to human handling. Recent studies show that cattle temperament has a wide range of effects, from their ability to reproduce to the quality of meat.

Reinaldo Cooke | Apr 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

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Upcoming Events

Dec 12

Feeding Up your Market Steer — with Scott Duggan, Livestock Agent

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST Online
Dec 17

Livestock Webinar Series: Getting Started with Livestock

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm PST Online
Jan 9

QPR Training - Saving Lives in Agriculture (in English)

3:00 pm - 4:30 pm PST Online
Jan 9

January Livestock 4-H Advisory Committee Meeting

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Oregon City, OR
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Meet Our Experts

Juliana Ranches
Assistant Professor, Extension Beef Specialist
David Bohnert
Director

Contact for questions associated with beef cattle management, grazing behavior, supplementation, and ration evaluation

Sergio Arispe
Associate Professor, Livestock and Rangeland
Photo of Shelby
Shelby Filley
Regional Livestock & Forages
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Can one cow contaminate my well water?

Q: We have 1 mini Hereford on an acre that is downhill from our well. During the rainy months, I am worried that the rain will dissolve the cow manure and affect our water. Is that accurate? Or is that only a concern ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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