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Quantification protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fed cattle. Version 3.0

Description

Agricultural activities, including the production of livestock, result in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Beef cattle, in particular, release methane (CH4) as a result of the... More ≫

Description

Agricultural activities, including the production of livestock, result in greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Beef cattle, in particular, release methane (CH4) as a result of the digestion of feed materials in the rumen. These emissions are called enteric emissions and are a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities. Methane and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are also generated from manure storage and handling within beef cattle operations. These emissions are called manure emissions. This protocol for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in fed cattle addresses digestion and manure storage/handling sources of livestock greenhouse gas emissions. The protocol allows users to quantify greenhouse gas reductions using scientifically valid methodology and emission factors resulting from alterations in feeding strategies and other technologies in the finishing stages of beef cattle at feedlots in Alberta.

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Quantification protocol for reducing days on feed for beef cattle. Version 2.0

Description

Agricultural activities, including the production of livestock, result in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Beef cattle, in particular, release methane (CH4) as a result of the digestion... More ≫

Description

Agricultural activities, including the production of livestock, result in greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. Beef cattle, in particular, release methane (CH4) as a result of the digestion of feed materials in the rumen. These emissions are called enteric emissions and are a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural activities. Other emission sources for cattle include methane and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions are generated from manure storage and handling within beef cattle operations. This protocol for reducing the number of days on feed for beef cattle addresses both digestion and manure storage and handling emission sources for livestock greenhouse gas emissions. It allows users to quantify greenhouse gas reductions using scientifically valid equations and emission factors resulting from a reduction in the number of days required to complete the finishing stage of beef cattle in a feedlot resulting in a decrease in both enteric and manure...

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Winter feeding programs for beef cows and calves

Description

Before making management decisions about feeding beef cattle and calves, producers need to answer the following questions: How much feed is available on the farm? What is the quality of the feed?... More ≫

Description

Before making management decisions about feeding beef cattle and calves, producers need to answer the following questions: How much feed is available on the farm? What is the quality of the feed? What is the cost of purchasing feed and supplements? Do the cows need to gain weight during the winter? Are the calves going into a feedlot or back onto grass? What is the required weight gain from the calves? How will interest rates and overhead costs affect break-evens? Plan a winter feeding program well in advance. Use the tools available to sample feed, and obtain feed test results. A balanced ration minimizes costs and improves animal performance.

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Ration options for beef cows

Description

Producers are always encouraged to have their beef cow feed programs set well in advance of the winter. This is even more important when planning through a challenging time, one that may require... More ≫

Description

Producers are always encouraged to have their beef cow feed programs set well in advance of the winter. This is even more important when planning through a challenging time, one that may require extra feed for extra animals due to volatile or weak markets. In times of high feed prices, planning can also help producers manage and potentially reduce overall winter feed costs.

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Residual feed intake (net feed efficiency) in beef cattle

Description

Improving the feed efficiency of a beef cattle herd can mean big savings for producers. One way to achieve this goal is to select breeding bulls that are naturally feed-efficient, since 80 to 90... More ≫

Description

Improving the feed efficiency of a beef cattle herd can mean big savings for producers. One way to achieve this goal is to select breeding bulls that are naturally feed-efficient, since 80 to 90 per cent of the genetic improvement in a herd comes through the sires.

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Grass seed residues for beef cattle feed

Description

Grass seed straws are effective feed alternatives for reducing ration costs for cows in the second to early third trimester. Depending on feed quality, straws are best suited for mature cows that... More ≫

Description

Grass seed straws are effective feed alternatives for reducing ration costs for cows in the second to early third trimester. Depending on feed quality, straws are best suited for mature cows that have good body condition scores. Using straw rations for growing and/or thin animals will result in animals that are nutritionally deprived, which may affect calving and re-breeding success. When using grass seed straw as feed, consider the following: Take the time to ensure rations are balanced. Pay careful attention to the levels of digestible intake protein and minerals. Remember that once the cows have calved, the proportion of the grass seed residues in the ration will have to be reduced to meet the cow's increased energy and protein requirements. Work with a nutritionist or local feed company to get a better idea of the proportion that can be included.

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Beef ration rules of thumb

Description

This fact sheet can both guide producers through a feed test and help them understand the results. With a feed test in front of you, look at the following rules and compare them to the feed test.... More ≫

Description

This fact sheet can both guide producers through a feed test and help them understand the results. With a feed test in front of you, look at the following rules and compare them to the feed test. Remember, these are rules of thumb, which means they hold true most of the time, but variations in management and cow type will affect the end result. These rules of thumb should not be considered a replacement for balancing rations with proven software, but rather an aid to understand the feed and where it fits in the management.

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Economics of feed storage and distribution systems for feeding cattle

Description

this publication will provide some guidelines to those individuals who are interestedin selecting the feed storage and distribution system that will best fulfill their own requirements. The report... More ≫

Description

this publication will provide some guidelines to those individuals who are interestedin selecting the feed storage and distribution system that will best fulfill their own requirements. The report examines several feed storage and distribution systems and the level of investment, labor costs and operating costs of each.

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