Adding Value to Beef Production Through the Use of Livestock Technology
by Kindra Gordon, field editor, Angus Journal
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Dec. 4, 2013) — With projections for the world population to grow to more than 9 billion people by the year 2050, food production will also need to increase — by as much as 70% — to meet global demand. Use of technology in agriculture will be key to meeting that growth, emphasized Steve Paisley as he addressed the audience gathered for the second day of the Range Beef Cow Symposium being hosted Dec. 3-5 in Rapid City, S.D.
In addition to improving production, technology is helping the beef industry use environmental resources more efficiently, said Steve Paisley, beef cattle specialist with the University of Wyoming.
Paisley, an Extension beef cattle specialist with the University of Wyoming, noted that technology is already helping beef producers do more with less. He used the example that beef numbers nationwide have declined, while beef production has been able to increase. “That’s testament to our industry that we are using technology to improve.”
In addition to improving production, Paisley emphasized that technology is also helping the beef industry use environmental resources more efficiently.
Paisley credited producers for implementing many changes during the last 50 years, but he added, “We have to continue to change.”
He concluded by sharing a list of technologies that producers have not maximized the use of yet that can continue to improve and add efficiency to the U.S. cow herd. These include better use of:
- Crossbreeding. Currently only about 44% of operations utilize this tool.
- Genetic information or EPDs. An example would be the use of feed efficiency information on bulls being purchased for the herd.
- Artificial insemination (AI). Paisley noted that costs of AI and labor needs are being reduced with the many synchronization programs that are available.
- Implants. Currently, 10% or fewer operations use implants, which can increase average daily gain by 0.10-0.13 pounds (lb.) per day.
- Recordkeeping. Only 12%-15% of operations use any type of computerized records. Paisley noted that individual animal identification as a part of a recordkeeping system can help provide information for continued performance improvement.
- Forage analysis and ration evaluation.
- Managing forage resources — from rotational grazing and water to use of crop aftermath and byproducts
- Managing risk.
The bottom line: “Opportunities remain for improvements,” Paisley concluded.
Paisley spoke Wednesday at RBCS XXIII. Visit the Newsroom at www.rangebeefcow.com/2013 to view his PowerPoint or listen to his presentation.
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The RBCS is a biennial educational symposium offering practical production management information. It is sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service and animal science departments of the University of Wyoming, South Dakota State University, Colorado State University and the University of Nebraska.
Comprehensive coverage of the symposium is available online at www.rangebeefcow.com. Compiled by the Angus Journal editorial team, the site is made possible through sponsorship of LiveAuctions.tv and the cooperation of the host committee.
Editor’s Note: This article was written under contract or by staff of the Angus Journal. To request reprint permission and guidelines, contact Shauna Rose Hermel, editor, at 816-383-5270.
