Grass-finished beef pilot project: Cattle performance and welfare

The study compared growth results for Angus cattle raised under feedlot conditions and under a grass-finishing regimen. Outcomes used to answer this question included growth and carcass characteristics, behavior and animal welfare parameters for weaned cattle that were raised using grain feeding or pasture management systems

DPLA Exchange and SimplyE, an open platform for e-content services

This presentation describes a pilot program spearheaded by the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) to test a new model for a library-owned and library-centered ebook marketplace for popular ebooks, together with free public domain and openly-licensed ebooks. The goal of the program is to demonstrate how DPLA can help libraries maximize access to ebooks for their patrons. For the pilot, DPLA sought out a mix of library types including a state library, a consortium, and both a large public library and one serving smaller and rural populations. The diverse group of pilot libraries are: Alameda County Library (CA); Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA); Connecticut State Library (CT); Califa Library Group (CA, KS); St. Mary’s County Library (MD) and Yavapai Library Network (AZ)

The role of guanxi networks in the performance of women-led firms in China

This exploratory paper examines how knowledge acquired via guanxi (networks and connections) have enabled women-led firms in China to overcome a number of significant barriers and challenges in order to start and grow a successful business. We draw upon two case studies, in order to illustrate how they have utilized guanxi as a means of overcoming these barriers. We investigate the way in which guanxi facilitates the business owner in engaging in a process of entrepreneurial learning (Harrison and Leitch 2005; Politis, 2008) – and making connections and contacts – by which she is able to improve the firm’s performance. Further research is necessary to build upon a small number of studies that have already cleared the ground in terms of guanxi. More reliable and country-wide, but disaggregated, statistics on small businesses would be a welcome start, including information on their owner-manager’s or owner-managers’ gender

Survey-Based Examination of Demographics, Potential Causes and Treatments of Aberrant Behavior Syndrome(Berserk Male Syndrome) in Camelids

The objective of this study was to examine potential signs, causal factors and treatment interventions for camelids displaying Aberrant Behavior Syndrome (ABS), also known as Berserk Male Syndrome. A survey was developed for camelid owners and veterinarians with camelid experience using Survey Monkey software. Respondents were asked to describe the behaviors associated with the most recent case of ABS they were involved with, information about the animal displaying ABS, and evaluation of the efficacy of treatment interventions used. The majority of respondents identified a general demographic of an intact male camelid raised by its biological mother with daily or weekly handing by humans. Aggressive behavior emerged at one to three years of age, and was directed more frequently at humans than at other animals. Treatment interventions included behavioral modification, castration, moving and/or isolating the animal. All treatments had a higher rate of failure than success. The results of this survey indicate a need for research to identify causal factors and treatments for this behavioral disorder

"Enter the dragoness": Firm growth, finance, guanxi, and gender in China

Purpose: The purpose of this exploratory paper is to theorise and examine gender differences in the impact of financial capital on Chinese firms' growth, and investigate the role of guanxi (connections and networks) in the process of obtaining finance. Design/methodology/approach: A structured questionnaire is used to collect comprehensive financial data from 18 women to 69 men, which is analysed empirically. Findings: Women appear to be no more disadvantaged from obtaining finance than men in China and in some respects appear to be in a better position. Both women- and men-led firms are significantly stronger in relation to having access to enough finance to grow than at the start-up phase. A majority of participants in this study used guanxi to access finance. Furthermore, the paper finds that guanxi is used equally by men and women, and that guanxi-sourced finance comprised a significant proportion of the overall capital obtained. Research limitations/implications: One major limitation of the study is that, of the 87 questionnaires returned, 21 per cent are women and 79 per cent are men and, although the findings are not representative or generalisable, the results do suggest a number of possible avenues for future research. Originality/value: The paper has illuminated the under-explored area of the financing of growth in women-led firms in China. This research agenda is particularly important because small- and medium-sized enterprise finance in China is a key need-to-know area, there is a paucity of specific research on financing women entrepreneurs in China and of the phenomenal rise of women's entrepreneurship in China. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Book reviews

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45711/1/11336_2005_Article_BF02289628.pd

Grass-Finishing High Value Beef: A Pilot Project in Northern United States

This project examined the feasibility of producing USDA Choice beef—without grain-based finishing—through genetic selection and pasture management. Purebred Angus heifers with high-marbling potential and small/medium frame size were born spring 2011. Heifers were allotted to either pasture (grass-finishing) or feedlot (grain-fed) treatments based on liveweight and intramuscular fat content. When reaching market weight (±1,000 lb) heifers were harvested and carcass data was collected. Feedlot cattle were marketed on August 27, 2012. The grass-finished cattle were marketed on November 1, 2012. Starting and end weights were similar for both treatments but feedlot cattle reached market weight 50% faster (3.9 vs 2.1 lb/day). The average intramuscular fat percent was not different at the start of the trial but there was a trend of grain-fed cattle to have greater intramuscular fat. Rib eye area, yield grade, and number grading Choice were numerically higher for feedlot cattle. This project demonstrated that it is feasible to combine high marbling genetics with pasture management to produce Choice beef in Iowa. Grass-finished cattle were able to achieve 2.1 pounds of gain per day and 60% of the grass-finished cattle ultimately graded Choice. Selection of small-framed, high-marbling potential beef cattle is essential because of the relatively low-energy density of the grass-based diet and the limited grazing season. Efforts to improve pasture quality and extend the grazing season would be beneficial to meet this goal