Gene Pirelli

Emeritus

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Content by Gene Pirelli

Status of Selenium and Other Essential and Toxic Elements in Oregon Grazing Sheep (in English)

Simple Summary: This study evaluated blood mineral levels in 370 healthy sheep from 56 farms across Oregon, a region known for selenium (Se)-deficient soils. The goal was to assess the prevalence of mineral imbalances and identify practical sampling methods for on-farm monitoring. We found that 28% of sheep were Se-deficient, and 27% of farms had average Se levels below the deficiency threshold (

Daniella Hansen, Christopher J. Russo, Katherine R. McLaughlin, Gene Pirelli, Massimo Bionaz | Jun 2025 | Online resource

Beef Production for Small Farms: An Overview

Covers three general types of small-scale cattle enterprises: (1) cow-calf breeding herds, (2) growing and feeding operations, and (3) backgrounding operations. Also covers feeding and keeping cattle healthy, marketing ...

Gene Pirelli, Dale W. Weber, Susan Kerr | Feb 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

How to stimulate early pasture growth and cut livestock feed cost

In parts of Oregon, pasture forage for grazing livestock is lacking early in the growing season. That forces livestock producers to rely on costly harvested forages for supplemental feed. There is another option. Research has ...

Shelby Filley, Gene Pirelli | Jan 2022 | OSU Extension Catalog

Demonstration of forage root dynamics (in English)

Check out this video demonstration of the forage root cycle captured at an OSU Extension Service pasture program. Gene Pirelli, OSUES Livestock & Forages Specialist (retired) holds a clump of grass he dug up and washed the ...

Gene Pirelli | Oct 2021 | Video

Beef Cow-Calf Management Guide

Raising cattle for profit requires a detailed management plan that sets production goals and timelines days, weeks and even years in advance. These guidelines for health, nutrition and reproductive management will help beef cattle producers make critical decisions.

Scott Duggan, Gene Pirelli, Charles Estill, Juliana Ranches, Dale W. Weber | Aug 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog

Care and Management of New Feeder Pigs

You can keep your pigs healthy and gaining weight by following some key recommendations. In this publication you'll learn about housing, feeding, and health considerations when raising feeder pigs, both for a ...

Gene Pirelli, Dale W. Weber, Scott Duggan, Melissa Fery, Nathan Parker | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

OSU Beef Nutrition Workbook (in English)

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

Nutrient Management for Pastures: Western Oregon and Western Washington

Describes nutrient management practices for pastures to produce forage as a main feed source for western Oregon and Washington livestock.

Amber Moore, Gene Pirelli, Shelby Filley, Steve Fransen, Dan M. Sullivan, Melissa Fery, Tom Thomson | Jan 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog

Oregon Carcass of Merit Procedures and Guidelines

The Oregon 4-H Carcass of Merit Program offers recognition to Oregon 4-H members who breed and/or buy, feed, and raise animals whose carcasses meet the "ideal" for red meat: lean, early maturing, high yielding, and containing minimal external fat.

Matt Kennedy, Randy Mills, James Thompson, Gene Pirelli, Chad Mueller, Vicki Avery, Mark Boggess, Dave Hobson, Ron Rowan, Clay E. Weber | Jul 2018 | OSU Extension Catalog

Pasture management: Understanding plant and root growth in the fall

A healthy pasture is a vital resource for a livestock operation, and it requires year-round attention. One of the most critical periods is the fall when decisions dictate how much forage will be produced for the season.

Gene Pirelli, Steve Fransen | Aug 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

The Western Oregon and Washington Pasture Calendar

This publication describes—by climatic zone—perennial pasture plant growth and how management actions can affect growth, both positively and negatively. Optimal management of forages by season is the basis for the Pasture Calendar.

Steve Fransen, Gene Pirelli, Marty Chaney, Larry Brewer (retired), Scott Robbins | Nov 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog

Livestock Grazing Nutrition and Management (in English)

A video on grazing nutrition and management fro livestock. Includes information on cows, horses, pigs, etc.

Gene Pirelli | Mar 2017 | Online resource

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus poses deadly threat to piglets

The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus was confirmed to have spread to Oregon in 2016 after being first detected in the US in 2013. The virus largely affects young piglets and has a mortality rate as high as 100 percent.

Charles Estill, Gene Pirelli, Brad R. LeaMaster | Jan 2016 | OSU Extension Catalog

Selenium supplementation strategies for livestock in Oregon

Learn the role of selenium in livestock diets and details about selenium supplementation rates and methods. Guidelines for assessing livestock's selenium status and research summaries can be useful to Oregon livestock producers.

Shelby Filley, Hayley White, Gene Pirelli, Jean A. Hall | Apr 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog

Applying Lime to Raise Soil pH for Crop Production (Western Oregon)

This publication describes how to estimate lime application rate and lists criteria for choosing liming materials (source), lime application method (placement), and how often to apply lime (frequency).

Nicole Anderson, John M. Hart, Dan M. Sullivan, Neil W. Christensen, Donald A. Horneck, Gene Pirelli | Apr 2021 | OSU Extension Catalog

Tansy ragwort

Tansy ragwort, an invasive weed that can harm certain types of livestock, is making a comeback in western Oregon. Find out how to control it and protect your animals.

Shelby Filley, Andy Hulting, Gene Pirelli, Eric Coombs | Jul 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog

Evaluating Soil Nutrients and pH by Depth in Situations of Limited or No Tillage in Western Oregon

Many nutrients and lime are not mobile in the soil. When applied to the soil surface without tillage, these materials remain in the top 2 inches, especially in production systems that lack tillage. If a soil ...

Nicole Anderson, John M. Hart, Donald A. Horneck, Dan M. Sullivan, Neil W. Christensen, Gene Pirelli | Mar 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog