In descending order, by date published.
2/13/2024 (new)
Authors: David Harmon, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Global warming has become a key focus of all agricultural sectors during the late 2010s and early 2020s. Discussion on identifying and increasing adoption of sustainable practices, shifting from gasoline to electric automotive engines, and producing alternative sources of energy continually permeate the airwaves. These various proposals are accompanied with new terminology and concepts that may not be fully defined for the audience. As a livestock producer, it is important to know and understand how new legislation for limiting greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural sector could be directed toward the farm gate.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 343 kb
Pages: 3
11/20/2023 (new)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Minerals are an essential nutrient for beef cattle. If minerals are not consumed in the diet, deficiencies can occur. At the same time, overconsumption of certain minerals can result in toxicity. Providing the proper balance of each mineral without overconsumption is necessary for optimal performance, as minerals are essential for supporting growth, reproduction, lactation, and health.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 1.25 mb
Pages: 5
10/26/2023 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Mary McCarty, Katherine VanValin
The yak (Bos grunniens) is a unique domestic animal. These animals were developed in the extreme environment of the Himalayas, where food resources can be extremely limiting. The yak provides food (meat and milk), fiber (hair), and are beasts of burden (used for pack, transportation, plowing, etc.) for the local populations. The number of yaks in the world is limited, creating a need to understand and control reproduction in the yak to improve genetic diversity.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 2.60 mb
Pages: 3
10/26/2023 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Mary McCarty, Katherine VanValin
The yak (bos grunniens) is a member of the bovine family and plays a vital role in the life of the people of the Himalayan region (China, Mongolia, India, Nepal, etc). The Himalayas is an especially harsh region with long, cold winters and sparse vegetation for most of the year. As with all bovine, nutrient availability, both quality and quantity of available foodstuffs, and current status of body reserves or degree of fat stored in the body dictate the ability of the cow to conceive during a breeding season. Even though conception rate (probability of conception at a single estrus event), is high (70+%), pregnancy rate (probability of conception at the end of a breeding season) is typically only 40%-60% in their natural environments because a high proportion of female yaks fail to have an estrus during the breeding window. Understanding the major factor reducing pregnancy rate is important to creating and implementing management protocols to improve the reproductive ability of female yaks.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 2.21 mb
Pages: 4
9/27/2023 (new)
Authors: Donna Amaral-Phillips, Chad Lee, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Nick Roy
Corn silage is often referred to as the "king of forages" and for good reason. With adequate and timely rainfall and normal environmental temperatures during the growing season, corn silage can yield 20 to 25 (or more) tons as fed per acre. Even in years with limited soil moisture, this crop can provide needed forage when harvested and stored properly although whole plant yield and/or grain content is often reduced.
Departments: Adair County, Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 5.41 mb
Pages: 16
9/25/2023 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Ted Kalbfleisch, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Mary McCarty
The domesticated yak (Bos grunniens) arrived in North America in the late 1890s. A few animals were imported into Canada and North American zoos and became the foundation of the North American genetic pool. Research was conducted in Alaska hybridizing them with Highland cattle in the early 1900s. A handful of yaks were imported into the United States in the early 1900s and again later in the 1980s. However, the genetic diversity of the North American yak is limited, necessitating a need to manage breeding programs to reduce inbreeding.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 3.64 mb
Pages: 4
5/1/2023 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Mary McCarty
Having issues with cows breeding back and raising a calf every year? Are your heifers taking longer to reach puberty than you think they should? Are some calves born weak and not able to stand quickly? Reproduction is closely associated with body-fat stores and muscling. Fat cells produce a hormone, leptin, that plays a role in the hormonal cascade regulating reproduction. Learning how to assess body reserves or condition as a management tool can help improve your reproductive efficiency and farm profitability.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Menifee County
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 7.38 mb
Pages: 6
10/24/2022 (minor revision)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Megan Romano, Ray Smith
Nitrates are natural constituents of all plants. Under normal conditions, plants take up nitrate through their roots and transport it to the leaves for use in photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis decreases under adverse environmental conditions (e.g., drought; leaf damage due to disease, hail, frost, insects, or herbicides; cool and cloudy weather; and other plant stressors). When photosynthesis is reduced, nitrate transportation to the leaves slows also. Potentially toxic nitrate concentrations can remain in the lower stalks and stems.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 804 kb
Pages: 5
7/18/2022 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Beef cattle have defined requirements for vitamins. In some instances, vitamin supplementation may be necessary to avoid deficiencies. Vitamins are classified into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins, such as riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin, as well as vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Supplementation for beef cattle generally focuses on vitamins A and E. This is because the rumen microbes synthesize the water-soluble vitamins and vitamin K in sufficient quantities to avoid deficiencies. Vitamin D requirements can often be met by exposure to the sun and would therefore only be of concern for cattle in confinement housing.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 795 kb
Pages: 2
7/18/2022 (new)
Authors: Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Among the variety of supplementation options currently available for beef cattle operations, a mineral can be one of the most challenging to select. Mineral tags contain important information regarding the contents of a mineral supplement and are regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Understanding the information on a mineral tag will aid in the comparison of multiple products and help to ensure the selected mineral product will meet the needs of specific animals.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 217 kb
Pages: 4
3/24/2021 (new)
Authors: Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Various factors such as delayed planting, early frost, drought or suppressed market prices may lead one to consider feeding soybeans to cattle. Soybeans can be fed to beef cattle as an energy and protein source. Depending upon the stage of development, soybeans will have varying degrees of feed value and a feed test for nutrient content is recommended.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 308 kb
Pages: 3
3/23/2021 (major revision)
Authors: Les Anderson, Michelle Arnold, Darrh Bullock, Kenny Burdine, Roy Burris, Ben Crites, Jimmy Henning, Steve Higgins, Steve Isaacs, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Lee Moser, Gregg Rentfrow, Kylie Schmidt, Ray Smith, Chris Teutsch, Lee Townsend, Katherine VanValin, Paul Vijayakumar
Kentucky is ideally suited for cattle production. The main feed for cattle is a renewable resource Kentucky has in abundance--forages. The majority of the state's terrain favors cattle production over row crops. Kentucky farms cover 14 million acres, with approximately half of that occupied by forage grasses and legumes. Our natural resources and climate permit the growth of most cool-season and warm-season species. Water is readily available in all areas of the state, and we have a relatively long growing season.
Departments: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Food Sciences, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Entomology, Plant and Soil Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 4.50 mb
Pages: 164
9/29/2020 (new)
Authors: Donna Amaral-Phillips, Greg Halich, Chad Lee, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Kentucky is in the upper transition zone which allows for the growth of warm- and cool-season forages. Corn, a warm season grass, grows well in the state and may be harvested for either grain or silage. Corn harvested as silage can be an economical alternative for beef cattle. Implementing sound management strategies and determining the nutrient content to balance rations will allow for successful feeding of corn silage to beef cattle.
Departments: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 690 kb
Pages: 4
7/13/2020 (reprinted)
Authors: Greg Halich, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Lee Meyer, Gregg Rentfrow, Ray Smith
Will pasture-finished beef eventually become a commodity with lowered product prices? These and other questions must be evaluated by those considering pasture-based beef finishing. As with any new enterprise, however, the learning curve is steep, and success requires a commitment to working through the many production, marketing, and processing details. This reference guide provides a foundation for this process.
Departments: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 1.51 mb
Pages: 48
7/2/2020 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Darrell Johnson, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Katherine VanValin
Kentucky has several bourbon distilleries and one fuel ethanol plant. The spent grains from the production of ethanol is utilized as a protein source in livestock feed. Shutdowns for fuel ethanol plants may also occur as a result of unfavorable profit margins when crude oil prices are low. Most distilleries and fuel ethanol plants will have a scheduled maintenance shutdown each year. During a shutdown, availability of distillers grains and other coproducts from these plants may be limited or unavailable. So, the question is what else can I feed in place of distillers grains?
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Regulatory Services
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 300 kb
Pages: 2
6/1/2020 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler
The growth of the bourbon industry has provided an increase in distillery byproduct feedstuffs that can be utilized by cattle as a source of energy and protein. Learning the nutritional characteristics of these feedstuffs will facilitate proper feeding, allowing for improved cattle performance.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 130 kb
Pages: 3
9/17/2019 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Michelle Arnold, Darrh Bullock, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Weaning is the process of separating suckling offspring from their dam. Weaning is a management procedure applied by the herd manager. Cattle are herd animals and their gregarious nature can lead to stress as a result of this separation. Managing the weaning process can aid in reducing stress for the animals and livestock managers.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 821 kb
Pages: 4
7/30/2019 (reviewed)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Sarah Wightman
Winter feeding of cattle is a necessary part of nearly all cow-calf operations. In winter months, livestock producers often confine animals to smaller "sacrifice" pastures to reduce the area damaged from winter feeding. A poorly chosen site for winter feeding can have significant negative impacts on soil and water quality. Such areas include locations in floodplains, such as those along creek bottoms or around barns near streams. These locations are convenient, flat areas for setting hay ring feeders; however, their negative effects on water quality outweigh the convenience.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 737 kb
Pages: 4
11/21/2016 (reprinted)
Authors: Roy Burris, Bob Coleman, Jimmy Henning, Garry Lacefield, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Ray Smith
A rotational grazing program can generally be defined as use of several pastures, one of which is grazed while the others are rested before being regrazed. Continuous grazing is the use of one pasture for the entire grazing season.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 887 kb
Pages: 16
7/17/2015 (new)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler
In the Southeastern United States, acute interstitial pneumonia has been produced by ingestion of the leaves and seeds of perilla mint (Perilla frutescens). Perilla ketone is the toxin absorbed from the rumen into the bloodstream and carried to the lungs where it damages the lung tissue in cattle.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 507 kb
Pages: 3
11/3/2014 (new)
Authors: Donna Amaral-Phillips, Roy Burris, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Nutritional supplement blocks and tubs are convenient for beef producers, require no investment in feeding troughs and require a limited area for storing. One of the most attractive features is that they lower the labor needed to supplement livestock. Many producers use these products to provide supplemental nutrients to cattle consuming low-quality forages or as a mechanism to promote a more consistent intake of minerals. These products are also attractive to producers who have off-farm employment as they eliminate the need for daily feeding. Yet, they often come at a greater cost per unit of nutrient than more conventional feedstuffs. Since there are differences in the blocks and tubs being marketed today, familiarity with how to compare products and determine their differences will enable producers to decide which product best fits their needs.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 159 kb
Pages: 4
9/18/2014 (new)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Magnesium is a vital component of normal nerve conduction, muscle function, and bone mineral formation. Hypomagnesemic tetany or "grass tetany" is a disorder caused by an abnormally low blood concentration of the essential mineral magnesium (Mg). Synonyms for this disorder include spring tetany, grass staggers, wheat pasture poisoning, or lactation tetany.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 121 kb
Pages: 3
8/12/2014 (new)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Although infrequent, brassica crops can cause animal health disorders if grazing is managed improperly. Most brassica-related disorders in cattle tend to occur during the first two weeks of grazing while adjusting to the forage. The primary potential disorders are polioencephalomalcia or PEM, hemolytic anemia (mainly with kale), nitrate poisoning, and pulmonary emphysema. Other possible clinical disorders include bloat and rumen acidosis, and metabolic problems such as hypomagnesemia and hypothyroidism with goiter. Glucosinates present in brassicas are precursors of irritants that can cause colic and diarrhea. Large bulbs may lodge in the esophagus and lead to choking. Certain brassicas (specifically rape) can cause sunburn or "scald" on light-skinned animals, especially when grazed while the plants are immature. Other potential problems include oxalate poisoning and off-flavoring of meat and milk.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 913 kb
Pages: 3
1/7/2014 (new)
Authors: Glen Aiken, Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Roy Burris, Lowell Bush, J.R. Bussard, Andrew Foote, Ben Goff, David Harmon, V.B. Holder, Isabelle Kagan, Nicole Kenney, D.H. Kim, S.E. Kitts, Jim Klotz, Anne Koontz, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Kyle McLeod, Jim Strickland, Eric Vanzant, Bill Witt
The intent of this report is to provide highlights of our research and extension activities. We have a vested interest in the beef industry in the state and nation, and hope this report provides a window into our programs. We believe that after viewing this report, a greater appreciation will be garnered with respect to our involvement in the multiple fields of study related to beef production. The faculty, staff and student activities are advancing our understanding of basic science principles of livestock production as well as applied research that producers and the industry can benefit from immediately, as well as in the future. Extension educational programs, on-farm demonstrations, and other activities aid in transferring this knowledge to producers, allowing for increased awareness and adoption of management change.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, USDA-ARS
Series: Special Report (SR series)
Size: 975 kb
Pages: 40
3/21/2013 (new)
Authors: Steve Higgins, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Sarah Wightman
Kentucky's cattle industry represents the largest beef cattle herd east of the Mississippi, ranking eighth in the nation for number of beef cows. This industry is extremely important to Kentucky's economy. This publication discusses site evaluation strategies, production area management techniques, and a variety of facility types for intensive cattle production that preserve natural resources and improve production.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 3.80 mb
Pages: 12
2/6/2013 (new)
Authors: Kenny Burdine, Greg Halich, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Cory Walters
Extended dry conditions have impacted the corn crop severely in many areas of the state this year. As the condition of the corn crop deteriorates, many have been forced to look at salvage options such as cutting corn for silage and possibly hay for some fields. Due to the extreme weather conditions this year, this publication will focus on valuing drought-stressed corn silage.
Departments: Agricultural Economics, Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 445 kb
Pages: 6
9/24/2012 (major revision)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, John Johns, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Patty Scharko
Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis (IBK), also known as pinkeye, is a costly disease for the beef producer. Tremendous losses stem from poor weight gain and loss of appetite in affected animals suffering from visual impairment and ocular pain.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 325 kb
Pages: 4
12/5/2011 (new)
Authors: Roy Burris, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Feeding distillers grains derived from the production of spirits or ethanol for fuel is an acceptable practice for beef cattle production. The use of these products as both an energy and a protein supplement has been beneficial as the cereal grain prices have increased making these coproducts more cost competitive.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 231 kb
Pages: 4
3/11/2011 (new)
Authors: Les Anderson, Darrh Bullock, Roy Burris, Lowell Bush, Blair Knight, Kevin Laurent, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Jim Matthews, Kyle McLeod, Lori Porter, Jim Randolph, Gregg Rentfrow, Keith Schillo, Meg Steinman, Jim Strickland, Laurentia van Rensburg, Eric Vanzant
The 2010 Research and Extension Beef Report highlights advances in understanding of basic scientific principles of livestock production as well as applied research from which producers and the industry can benefit. Extension educational programs, on-farm demonstrations, and other activities help transfer this knowledge to producers so they can adopt of management changes as appropriate.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, UK Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, USDA-ARS
Series: Special Report (SR series)
Size: 2.10 mb
Pages: 89
3/10/2011 (new)
Authors: Michelle Arnold, Roy Burris, David Ditsch, Garry Lacefield, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Ruminal tympany, or bloat, can result in lost animal performance and in severe cases, death. It occurs as a result of a buildup of fermentation gases in the rumen. Bloat may be categorized as frothy bloat, which is caused by the formation of a stable foam in the rumen, or free gas bloat, which is due to excessive production of gaseous compounds from fermentation or as a result of an obstruction preventing the escape of gas compounds. Legume bloat is a frothy bloat condition.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences, Plant and Soil Sciences, Veterinary Science
Series: Interdepartmental (ID series)
Size: 400 kb
Pages: 4
3/24/2010 (major revision)
Authors: Roy Burris, Jeff Lehmkuhler
Utilization of growth-promoting implants in the beef cattle industry provides an opportunity for improving production efficiency. Within the animal, they promote protein synthesis, resulting in a 10 to 30% increase in growth along with a 5 to 10% improvement in feed efficiency.
Departments: Animal and Food Sciences
Series: Animal Science (ASC series)
Size: 225 kb
Pages: 4
