Beef producers must step forward to insure that they are producing a safe and wholesome food product for consumers. To meet this challenge, most producers will not need to make major changes in their operations. Adoption of tried and proven recommended management practices will insure that animals produce a safe food product while increasing the profit potential of the beef operation. If not managed properly, some beef production practices will lead to public concern. Identification of heavy-use areas, confined production areas, water facilities and access, nutrient and pasture management, dead animal disposal, water safety concerns, and an over-all assessment of farm management practices. Concerns should focus on improving the environment with proper bio-security.
Information and Resources
Strategic Resource Management for Forage-Livestock Systems in Drought
Utilizing available forage resources in cattle operations is essential for overall feeding objectives when drought periods have
affected hay crops and forage availability in pastures. In the Southeastern US, winters are normally mild, but hay is still the main forage source to feed cattle from November to March. Knowing how much it costs to feed cattle with hay and supplements, a longer grazing season will reduce variable feeding costs and improve whole-operation profitability. Consequently, during and after a drought period, the decision-making process requires yet more attention to management practices in a forage-based system.
How to Manage Toxic Gases and Suffocating Manure Gases
This document is ultimately an educational tool designed to help livestock producers understand the CAUSES of hazardous atmospheres in manure storage. Practices are presented that will PROTECT livestock producers and their employees from the dangers manures gases pose. With proper knowledge and awareness, and using safety methods that are in common use in regulated confined space settings, manure storage fatalities can be prevented.
Water Quality for Beef Cattle
As one of the six classes of essential nutrients, water is often overlooked, even though it is the most important nutrient
for all living beings. An adequate supply of high-quality drinking water should always be available to promote cattle
health and production status.
Bio-security for the Beef Herd
Bio-security incorporates those management practices aimed at keeping new diseases off the farm and keeping diseases from spreading from group to group on the farm. Bio-security is the cheapest and most effective method of disease control, since vaccinations cannot eliminate disease and treatment can only reduce losses.
Disposal of Large Animal Mortalities in Tennessee
Animal deaths are a regrettable but sometimes unavoidable part of livestock production. Once an animal dies, it is important to handle and dispose of the carcass in a way that reduces the potential for impacting the health of humans and other livestock and minimizes the impact to the environment, such as pollution of groundwater or surface water.
Cattle Mortality Disposal Options in Tennessee
Proper disposal of the resulting carcass in a timely manner is important. Several options are available, with specific benefits or limitations.
