Cryogenic liquid level measuring probe

Universal probe, which contains a unique frequency discriminator, measures the static and dynamic levels of cryogenic liquids in a hydrogen bubble chamber. The probe allows boiling conditions or other turbulence to be observed throughout all the transition stages

Cow Efficiency Update

No important differences have been found between breed groups and no effect of cow size on cow efficiency has been detected. These results appear to be in agreement with other published reports dealing with cow size and breed differences where (1) the annual energy intake for the cow and calf has been measured, (2) the output resulting from net energy input has been measured, and (3) the cow has been fed sufficient energy to maintain reproduction. These experiments have been conducted in environments from Texas to Canada and with a variety of methods used to determine intake level of the cows. The cow has indicated a marvelous ability to adjust her output to the energy input provided, even in one experiment where the plane of nutrition varied sufficiently to affect reproduction

Evaluating Net Return in Beef Cow-Calf Enterprises

Most research reports are directed toward the improvement of only one or a few of the important traits influencing efficiency of beef production. This is brought about because experiments of a given size can only study a limited number of variables at one time. It has become increasingly apparent that the effects of combining these experimental results must be considered in the application of research results on individual ranches. This has led to the concept of systems research and development of decision-making computer programs. These programs can assist the rancher in making such decisions as choice of management tools, choice of breed and choice of breeding system. The objective here is to outline such a program and to indicate areas of future efforts of this kind

Cow Efficiency

If we are to discuss cow efficiency, perhaps we should define the term so that everyone is thinking about the same thing. Efficiency is usually thought of as a relationship between input and output and is frequently calculated as a ratio of either one to the other. We have used pounds of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) required to produce a pound of product either at weaning or at slaughter. The TDN input is that consumed by the cow for the year from weaning to weaning plus the consumption of the calf from birth to weaning or slaughter. In our situation, calf consumption to weaning is creep consumption. In the producer\u27s situation, it is grass consumed plus creep consumption if it is used

Indexing Beef Cattle

The primary purpose of this circular is to furnish some simplifications in the procedure presently in use in South Dakota for indexing beef cattle. As more data become available, t h e s e methods may change and in that event, supplements will be distributed. Such differences as exist between the shortcut methods presented here and those presently in use will be pointed out as they are taken up in the circular. The methods presented here are based on data taken in private herds in the state as well as in Experiment Station herds. Where there appeared to be a difference, data from private herds were used so that the results would be more widely applicable. This publication is not intended to replace the present Extension Service circular dealing with methods and procedures of performance testing. For details concerning methods, the reader should consult the circular available through the Extension Service

Indexing Beef Cattle (Revised March 1965)

The primary purpose of this circular is to furnish some simplifications in the procedure presently in use in South Dakota for indexing beef cattle. As more data become available, these methods may change and in that event, supplements will be distributed. Such differences as exist between the shortcut methods presented here and those presently in use will be pointed out as they are taken up in the circular. The methods presented here are based on data taken in private herds in the state as well as in Experiment Station herds. Where there appeared to be a difference, data from private herds were used so that the results would be more widely applicable. This publication is not intended to replace the present Extension Service circular dealing with methods and procedures of performance testing. For details concerning methods, the reader should consult the circular available through the Extension Service

Relationships of Cow Heigh to Production Traits in Angus, Charolais and Reciprocal Cross Cows

Records on 115 Angus, Charolais and reciprocal cross cows and their 423 calves born from 1972 to 1976 were used to evaluate the relationships between cow height at the withers and cow and calf traits. Taller cows tended to be heavier, in higher condition and produce calves heavier at birth with higher postweaning ADG. Four of these five strongest correlations of cow height with other cow and calf traits were in an unfavorable direction. Cow height was unrelated to milk production and calf postweaning feed efficiency and lowly associated (-.1

Forage Finishing Exotic Crossbred Cattle

Ruminants make the most efficient use of forage of any of the farm animal species. Recently, increased attention has been given to finishing cattle on high-forage or all-forage rations. This could become more important if the world demand for grain for human consumption increases and less grain is available for livestock feeding. Limited information is available on forage finishing exotic crossbred cattle. When the percent of forage in a ration is increased, the rate of gain will be reduced and the time spent in the feedlot extended. This experiment compares the feedlot and carcass performance of exotic crossbred cattle finished on all-forage vs a traditional high corn grain ration

Growth Hormone as a Predictor of Future Performance in Beef Females

Previous work at this station has established a need for predictors of cow efficiency available at weaning or yearling ages. While the weaning weight of a cow\u27s calf has relatively high accuracy in predicting the efficiency of the dam (60 to 70%), the weaning weight of the cow has only a 1% accuracy. This study was undertaken to determine if levels of circulating growth hormone measurable at young ages would provide a useful means of predicting cow efficiency and other measures of cow performance

Choosing Breeds and Crossbreeding Systems by Computer

The first report dealing with this project appeared in the Cow-Calf Field Day bulletin, August, 1972. That report presented an example to demonstrate the utility of the program for the cow-calf man. The example was based on estimates of performance traits for specific breeds under a particular environment and management situation and on market conditions existing at that time. The management system basic to the program took the weaning calf to 700 pounds in a backgrounding phase and then through a 140-day feedlot phase which was split into a 50-day growing period and a 90-day finishing period. The purpose of this report is to investigate varying certain of the marketing conditions, specifically selling on a retail cut basis rather than a carcass weight basis, and, secondly, eliminating the carcass quality grade as a basis for pricing the carcass. The results should assist the producer in evaluating breeds and crossbreeding systems for the marketing system he thinks will be most commonly used in the future