Tag - Animal Health/Management/Performance/Welfare

Topic

Vegetables for sale at a farmers market stand.

Research and Extension ensure everyone has ample access to affordable, safe, nutritious food

Invasive pests damage crops, costing U.S. agriculture an estimated $30 billion every year. Pest management research and Extension stabilize the food supply chain. Researchers and Extension specialists in Oregon, developed cost-effective alternatives to glyphosate for herbicide-resistant Russian thistle control, protecting more than 30,000 acres of wheat and preventing over $1 million in yield losses so far.Oregon State University Extension Service. [...]

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A river bisects a field and forested riparian area

Research and Extension support resilient ecosystems

Recent studies and programs are conserving and protecting water used for drinking, fishing, irrigation and recreation.  Washington research helped establish 25 anaerobic digesters across the Pacific Northwest, turning dairy manure from more than 143,000 cows into biogas that provides more than 126 million kilowatt-hours of renewable energy per year. Digesters decrease water quality risks associated with nutrient runoff from manure [...]

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A drone flies over a field.

Research and Extension make agricultural systems more efficient, profitable, competitive and resilient

Strategies and tools for managing crop pests and diseases have increased productivity and profitability. For example: Extension units across the nation offer plant and pest diagnostic clinics. In New Mexico, free diagnoses saved producers an estimated $36,000 in testing fees in 2025, while also supporting biosecurity and export compliance. In Indiana, lab results and recommendations saved clients $890,000 in reduced [...]

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Youths wearing life vests stand on a dock as they fill out forms while an adult explains the process

Extension introduces youths to career opportunities in agriculture and STEM

The United States is facing a dearth of skilled and educated workers across the agricultural industry. With many young people being several generations removed from agriculture within their families, and removed from where their food comes from, introducing youths to the variety of careers in agriculture and food systems and teaching related skills can build a new generation of [...]

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a young girl holds a chick

Extension program bridges poultry knowledge gap for Mississippi youths

Most Mississippi youths have limited exposure to agriculture and little understanding of poultry production, food systems and related careers, despite poultry being the state’s leading agricultural commodity. Declining agricultural literacy and fewer hands-on learning opportunities leave key concepts such as animal care, food production and biosecurity poorly understood.  Mississippi State University Extension addresses this gap through Poultry Hatch-Out and the [...]

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Wellness on Wheels truck

Empowering community resilience

Community resilience support is a critical function of the land-grant system because it equips individuals, families and local organizations with the knowledge, tools and partnerships needed to adapt to economic, environmental and public health challenges. Through research-based education and Extension outreach, land-grant universities strengthen local capacity, promote equity and help communities not only recover from disruption but build long-term [...]

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two researchers examine a cow

A safer treatment for mastitis, helping herds and farmers’ bottom lines

Mastitis, udder inflammation/infection, is a leading health issue in dairy herds, responsible for an estimated $2 billion in annual losses for U.S. farmers. New England dairy farms face unique challenges managing this disease due to high care costs for small-scale operations and restrictions on antibiotic use in organically certified dairies. There is a growing need for alternative, non-invasive methods [...]

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screwworm fly

The U.S. prepares for a potential screwworm outbreak

As a New World Screwworm (NWS) outbreak spreads from Central America to Mexico, states in the Southwest are ramping up efforts to raise awareness among livestock producers of the current status, management methods and the impacts this devastating pest may have on livestock in the event of a U.S. outbreak.  Numerous presentations have been offered in-person and online in Oklahoma [...]

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dairy cows in a barn

Supporting meat and dairy industries

Meat and dairy provide critical protein and a wide variety of other products for consumers and represent economically important industries across the country, not just for producers, but also for processors, groceries and restaurants. Research and Extension professionals at land-grant institutions support livestock and related industries in many ways through education on economically efficient production practices and research on [...]

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a person wearing PPE examines goats in a barn

Safeguarding farms through improved biosecurity

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service has been stepping up producer education in biosecurity and agroterrorism, and pest and disease surveillance and control, to safeguard the state’s agriculture and economy. Representatives from more than 100 counties and different agricultural sectors have participated in new agro- and bioterrorism training to increase awareness and expertise related to emerging risks in [...]

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Making aquaculture more productive, safe and economical

The seafood industry is economically vital and provides an important source of protein for the world. Challenges to aquaculture include inefficient production methods, expensive feed inputs and food safety. Land-grant efforts are protecting and promoting this booming industry. Here are a few examples of that work: As feed is the most expensive cost of aquaculture, researchers in Alabama are developing feeds [...]

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A researcher injects a tick embryo under the microscope.

International collaboration to attack the cattle fever tick

Building on previous success developing genetic tools to combat deer ticks, researchers in Nevada are partnering with those in Uruguay to genetically modify cattle tick genes.  Cattle fever ticks were largely eradicated in the United States but sporadically show up in outbreaks tied to cross-border movement. Current control methods rely heavily on chemical pesticides, which can harm humans, pass into [...]

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Scientists test a sample for C. perfringens at the MAFES H. H. Leveck Animal Research Center.

Billion-dollar bacterial test for poultry

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is estimated to cost $6 billion in annual losses to the poultry industry, where it causes the death of cells and tissue in the bird’s intestinal lining. It thrives in birds with prior gut damage and those that feed on diets high in wheat or fishmeal. Often, birds do not display symptoms until they have already [...]

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chicken

Artificial intelligence helps protect from Avian influenza

In the fight against the costly impacts of avian influenza, protecting poultry flocks from contact with wild birds is an important deterrent. However, the methods for effectively controlling wild birds are limited. In Georgia, researchers developed a novel method for detecting wild birds on farms, using night vision technology and artificial intelligence.  To aid in monitoring wild bird activities near [...]

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cattle in a field

Tech solutions for livestock management

Livestock producers face challenges such a shrinking labor force, limited veterinary access and rising costs. Artificial intelligence, precision agriculture technologies and genome sequencing have shown promise in improving livestock management, but up-front costs have generally restricted adoption to large-scale dairies. Small farms need economically feasible, effective tools tailored to their specific operations. Here are a few examples of that work: Researchers [...]

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a farmer couple smile at a calf

Supporting producer safety, health and well-being

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggests that agriculture is one of the most dangerous businesses in the United States. An estimated 160 agricultural workers are injured every day, resulting in more than 58,000 injuries a year. According to a 2019 USDA report, approximately 19% of farmers have a disability. Land-grant universities are providing training to reduce injuries, support behavioral health and enable [...]

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A smiling woman in a green shirt and maroon cap crouches in a sunny field, harvesting a head of deep red leaf lettuce. She is working in a well-tended garden plot with irrigation lines, representing local agricultural impact and food production

Strengthening the agricultural workforce for the future

The workforce is changing. Across industries and states, trained workers are in demand to support local food systems, meet community needs, ensure safety and increase productivity. Land-grant universities are rising to the challenge of meeting these needs through partnerships, trainings, certifications and hands-on learning opportunities that strengthen the agricultural workforce. Here are a few examples of that work: Health and safety [...]

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a rancher tends to her horses

Ranch Management University program helping new landowners understand agriculture, natural resources

In Texas, many inherit land properties without any formal training in soil health, livestock management, wildlife habitat or water stewardship. The result can be land that is under-utilized, mismanaged or environmentally degraded. The David McKnight ’73 Ranch Management University program offered by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension helps new and inexperienced landowners understand the fundamentals of natural resource management.   Through applied [...]

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lavender field

Newest weapon against lice: lavender, cloves and thyme

A team of Extension professionals in Vermont have developed and tested a nonchemical alternative to treating winter lice infestations in cattle and sheep to bypass increasing resistance to insecticide and environmental impacts from chemicals.  The solution is essential oils. Mineral oils steeped with lavender, clove and thyme are known to have insecticidal properties. Lab and farm trials both showed the treatment [...]

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farmers watch a demonstration at a field day

Hands-on learning through trials and demonstrations

Lack of awareness and understanding of the latest research and technologies can impact profitability on small farms. Land-grant universities provide hands-on learning opportunities where producers can learn from one another, see real-time demonstrations and learn about the latest research trials to support decision-making. Here are a few examples of that work: Turmeric, a tropical plant that thrives in Guam, has been [...]

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Scientists stand in a pasture with a bull in the foreground

Fine-tuning livestock production systems to overcome challenges

Livestock researchers are exploring new ways to achieve higher profitability through reproductive research, technology and traditional education outreach to help offset rising production costs. Here are a few examples of that work: In Louisiana, the Geaux Beef Heifer Development Program was created to support producers with expert-guided, forage-based heifer development. The program utilized artificial insemination or natural breeding combined with expert [...]

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women holding a hen

Creating healthier, higher-yielding eggs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found several ways to increase egg production, ensuring a steady inventory hits the grocery supply chain.  With more eggs coming from cage-free housing, as much as 40% in 2024, commercial egg producers have heightened interest in understanding which hens are most adaptive to this environment.  In cage-free housing, thousands of hens can fly freely [...]

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Tahirah Johnson examines testing samples under a magnifying glass in a research lab on the University of Maryland Campus in 2024.

Innovative methods for safer, healthier food production practices

Regional food production is critical to local economies and supporting American food systems. Rising reports of foodborne illnesses, increased antibiotic resistance and newer production systems like soilless agriculture necessitate a better understanding of the risks and options to improve the safety and health value of food products from produce to shellfish and tree nuts. 1890 land-grant universities are examining [...]

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storm over farmland

Preparing for extreme weather

Extreme weather can affect communities, farms, businesses and livelihoods. These weather events, such as drought, wildfires and flooding can pose harm to people, livestock, plants and water quality. As extreme weather becomes more frequent and more intense, land-grant universities are equipping farmers, ranchers and communities with the proper tools to be prepared for and recover from its impacts. Here are [...]

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a group of smiling students

Advancing higher education and career readiness

Sectors across the agricultural landscape need more educated and skilled workers to support our national and local food systems. 1890 land-grant universities offer different pathways to introduce students to career opportunities and prepare them for employment. Here are a few examples of that work: In Tennessee, Extension leaders brought a cohort of undergraduate students to the Farm Credit Mid-America headquarters to [...]

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