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2008 Beef Research Report
Introduction to Livestock Research and Education
North Dakota State University and the Carrington Research Extension Center
present this annual feedlot research report as Volume 31 of beef cattle
research. Research trials are conducted to support current and future livestock
production and cattle feeding in North Dakota. The research is conducted
to enhance financial returns and improve quality of life for those involved
in animal agriculture. The researchers involved sincerely appreciate the
financial support of several commodity groups and state and federal grant
programs as listed in the acknowledgments.
Beef Feedlot Research
NDSU has increased its feedlot research program in the past several years
through collaborative efforts of an informal research team including scientists
and extension faculty from the Carrington Research Extension Center, the
Animal Sciences Department and other NDSU organizations. Cattle feeding
in North Dakota has been proven to be economically competitive when animal
husbandry, business management, and economies of scale are optimized.
The focus areas for feedlot research are nutrition (with North Dakota
feedstuffs), feedlot management, mitigating environmental stress, optimum
nutrient management, genetics of North Dakota cattle, and economics.
Beef Cow/Calf Research
Beef research at the Carrington Center also includes cow/calf studies
with a mission to study the synergies of crop production and ruminant
livestock. The cow herd can add value to low-cost crop residues, new and
co-product feeds, and create a more biologically and economically sustainable
farming operation. Cows can lower the financial risks associated with
crops-only farming.
Livestock Nutrient Management
Management of livestock manure is becoming a more visible and sensitive
program area that affects all livestock producers. Containing runoff is
essential for permitted operations. Composting manure and determining
nutrient value of manure are current program focal points.
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