Research, education improve livestock health

Livestock producers are continually searching for the best management strategies to protect animal health, which is essential to productivity and profitability as well as the animal’s well-being. Maintaining healthy animals also protects human health.

Here are a few examples of how land-grant universities are contributing:

• When the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) threatened domestic poultry in Oregon, Extension responded rapidly with public outreach on biosecurity measures to help prevent spread of this deadly disease in backyard flocks and poultry raised by 4-H’ers.
  _{Oregon State University; project supported by state appropriations. See full statement.}
  
  
• The Idaho Range Livestock Symposium keeps livestock producers and rangeland professionals abreast of current issues, trends and information to ensure that operations remain profitable and rangelands are used sustainably. Speakers at the 2023 symposium shared science-based, industry-relevant information on beef cattle nutrition, hay testing and quality, poisonous plants and animal health, water quality and virtual fencing.
  _{University of Idaho. See full statement.}
  
  
• A team of Extension specialists provides research-based information and resources to boost the health, production and profits of South Dakota dairies. Extension is also teaching dairy science students about the National Dairy FARM Animal Care program and animal handling.
  _{South Dakota State University; project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Texas, the Texas A&M AgriLife Sheep Shearing School demonstrates proper use and maintenance of shearing equipment and proper animal handling to minimize stress and reduce risk of injury. It also teaches proper wool harvesting and packaging methods to optimize wool marketability. Attendees have come from all over Texas and 11 states.
  _{Texas A&M University; project supported by fee-based funding. See full statement.}
  
  
• The University of Vermont Extension’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center hosted a workshop to help commercial sheep and goat producers (dairy, meat and fiber) develop individualized herd health protocols for their farms.
  _{University of Vermont, project supported by USDA competitive and Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In New Mexico, the Southern Regional Livestock School has worked with close to 250 youth in five southwest counties to promote education for youths and families seeking knowledge-based skills to enhance livestock production projects. About 90% believed the course material covered by instructors was extremely to moderately useful in improving their understanding of overall animal care and preparation.
  _{New Mexico State University, project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Wisconsin, livestock producers are increasing their understanding of biosecurity best practices, specifically cleaning and disinfection techniques and lines of separation for both livestock and visitors. This ensures the health of livestock and allows them to grow efficiently while producing a reliable source of wholesome and nutritious consumable products for Wisconsin communities.
  _{University of Wisconsin; project supported by state appropriations. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Ohio, researchers investigated different fatty acid feed supplements to understand their effects on performance in lactating dairy cows and found that those containing mainly palmitic acid might be more appropriate than those containing mainly stearic acid. The information can be immediately applied to commercial dairy farms.
  _{The Ohio State University; project supported by Hatch funds. See full statement.}
  
  
• In Texas, the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, held on campus each August, is recognized by producers, industry leaders and educators as the largest and most comprehensive Extension beef cattle program in the nation. The 2023 short course had 2,003 in-person and 181 virtual participants.
  _{Texas A&M University; project supported by fee-based funding and private grants. See full statement.}

Photo courtesy USDA.