2020 NMSU ACES Beef and Livestock Update - Presented by the NMSU Cooperative Extension Service
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2020 NMSU ACES
Beef and Livestock
Update
Presented by the
NMSU Cooperative
Extension Service
BE BOLD. Shape the Future.
College of Agricultural, Consumer
and Environmental Sciences
Cooperative Extension Service
June 2021
CS Ranch
Cimarron, New Mexico
MONDAY: All Things BEEF WEDNESDAY: Natural Resources
MEAT PROCESSING PLANT TOUR SHOOTING, BOW, & TOMAHAWK
Hands on Carcass Breakdown ACTIVITIES
BQA CERTIFICATION FOREST and RIPARIAN TOUR
REPRODUCTIVE MANAGEMENT NIGHT TIME WILDLIFE TOUR
Hands on Labs
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
NUTRITION MANAGEMENT
CS RANCH HUNTING PROGRAM
SELECTION PRINCIPLES
THURSDAY: Range Management
TUESDAY: Marketing & GRASS IDENTIFICATION
Economics Hands on Lab
BUILDING A RANCH BUDGET WEED CONTROL
MARKETING STRATEGIES Hands on Lab
NICHE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES CALCULATING STOCKING RATES
MOCK LIVE AUCTION RANGELAND MONITORING
Educating tomorrow’s leaders in ranch management, today.
nmyrm.nmsu.edu
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2020 NMSU ACES BEEF AND LIVESTOCK UPDATE
Presented by NMSU Cooperative Extension Service
Organizing Committee and Editorial Board
Chair: Craig Gifford, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Extension Animal Sciences and Natural
Resources
Patrick Torres, Northern District Director, Cooperative Extension Service
Tom Dean, Southwest District Director, Cooperative Extension Service
Nancy Flores, Food Technology Specialist, Extension Family & Consumer Sciences
Marcy Ward, Extension Livestock Specialist, Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources
Greg Torell, Assistant Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business
Don Blayney, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business
Leonard Lauriault, Superintendent Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari
Paul Gutierrez, Professor, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business
Lena Sanchez, Graduate Student, Agriculture and Extension Education
Webinar Host Counties
Chaves, Troy Thompson Cibola, Chase Elkins Curry, Mason Grau
Hidalgo, Savannah Graves Rio Arriba, Donald Martinez Socorro, Emily Bruton
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPACT OF NATURALLY OCCURRING BACTERIAL INFECTIONS ON FEMALE FERTILITY
IN CATTLE ............................................................................................................................................. 3
ASYMPTOMATIC DISEASE MAY REDUCE COW FERTILITY ............................................................... 5
HISTONE TOXICITY AND FEEDLOT HEIFER CALVES ......................................................................... 7
COOL-SEASON PERENNIAL GRASS YIELD AND NUTRITIVE VALUE IN NEW MEXICO .................... 9
A COMPARISON OF PEARL MILLET AND SORGHUM-SUDANGRASS PASTURES DURING
THE FROST-PRONE AUTUMN FOR GROWING BEEF CATTLE IN SEMIARID REGIONS.................. 12
EFFECTS OF MATERNAL BYPASS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION DURING EARLY
GESTATION ON SUBSEQUENT PROGENY PERFORMANCE IN BEEF CATTLE ............................. 14
LONG-TERM DECLINING TRENDS IN CHIHUAHUAN DESERT FORAGE PRODUCTION IN
RELATION TO PRECIPITATION AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE ...................................................... 16
HEAT TOLERANCE OF RARAMURI CRIOLLO AND ANGUS-HEREFORD BEEF COWS
GRAZING CHIHUAHUAN DESERT PASTURES IN SUMMER.............................................................. 19
WEIGHT GAIN AND CARCASS QUALITY OF DESERT GRASS-FED RARÁMURI
CRIOLLO VS CROSSBRED STEERS................................................................................................... 22
GENETIC PROGRESS OVER TIME. A CASE STUDY OF TRENDS IN YEARLING BULL
PERFORMANCE AT THE TUCUMCARI BULL TEST STATION. ......................................................... 25
APPLICATION OF PRECISION LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT ON RANCHES IN
NEW MEXICO AND THE WESTERN US............................................................................................... 27
MOTHERING STYLE AND FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF RARAMURI CRIOLLO AND
ANGUS-HEREFORD BEEF COWS GRAZING CHIHUAHUAN DESERT PASTURES IN SUMMER ..... 30
NEW MEXICO’S STATE MEAT INSPECTION OPPORTUNITIES ......................................................... 33
NEW MEXICO BULL MANAGEMENT SURVEY UPDATE .................................................................... 36
GRASS-FED BEEF AS AN OPTION FOR NEW MEXICO PRODUCERS .............................................. 38
IDENTIFYING AND PREDICTING PARTURITION OF SHEEP USING A TRI-AXIAL
ACCELEROMETER....................................................................................................................................43
CHEMOKINE LIGAND 12 (CXCL12) HELPS GOVERN PLACENTAL HOMEOSTASIS BY SERVING
AS A CRITICAL UPSTREAM MEDIATOR OF PLACENTAL VASCULARIZATION IN SHEEP. ........... 45
2
Impact of naturally occurring bacterial infections on female fertility in cattle 1
K.K. Forrest*, V.V. Flores*, C.B. Shuster† C.A. Gifford‖, J.A. Hernandez Gifford*
*Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
88003 ‖Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University, Las
Cruces, NM 88003 †Department of Biology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
88003
Keywords: disease, estrogen, fertility, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to
oocyte negatively impact fertility by disrupting
ovarian E2 production (Magata et al., 2014)
Introduction and compromising oocyte development
The reproductive efficiency of a herd (Zhao et al., 2017).
is an essential component for a beef cattle Therefore, the experiments
operation to be productive and sustainable. presented herein were aimed at
Reproductive failure is one of the most investigating the impact of naturally
significant contributing factors to a female occurring infection and consequent follicular
leaving the herd. Although reproductive LPS accumulation on follicular E2 production
success for cattle producers culminates with and oocyte development in vitro.
uterine fetal development and ends with the
delivery of a healthy calf, it all starts with Materials and Methods
development of the oocyte or egg, inside an Ovary pairs of non-pregnant cows
ovarian follicle. and heifers were collected from a local
The unique follicular microenvironment slaughterhouse. Oocytes (n = 133) and
surrounding the oocyte is essential for its follicular fluid were collected from small
developmental quality. Circulating estrogen developing follicles and combined for each
(E2) produced by ovarian follicles is critical to ovary pair. Oocytes were matured in vitro
female fertility as it contributes to numerous and incubated with fluorescent stains for
physiological events regulating visualization of oocyte quality using confocal
reproduction, including oocyte development microscopy. Follicular fluid was analyzed for
(Wu et al., 1992). Previous studies have concentrations of E2 and LPS.
shown cattle are largely susceptible to a
wide range of pathologies associated with Results and Discussion
Gram-negative bacteria that may manifest in A variety of phenotypes were
clinical or subclinical infections. Clinical evaluated and demonstrated in the oocytes
infections often present apparent and visible
symptoms, whereas subclinical infections
appear asymptomatic and therefore, may go
unnoticed. Bacterial release of
1
Acknowledgments
This research is supported by the NM Agric. Exp. Sta. Las Cruces, NM and National Science
Foundation under grant #MCB1917983 to C.B.S.
3
collected from slaughterhouse ovaries infections may be an underestimated factor
(Figure 1). contributing to compromised fertility, as its
been demonstrated that cows with naturally
occurring subclinical mastitis had reduced
follicular E2 concentrations, compared to
uninfected animals and animals that
previously experienced a clinical event
(Lavon et al., 2011).
Implications
Understanding how LPS impacts E 2
production at the cellular level and
influences oocyte development, may explain
Figure 1. Representative images of cattle oocytes
an unappreciated factor contributing to
matured in vitro. Oocytes were cultured in maturation impaired female fertility. Additional
media for 21 h and stained for visualization of the membrane investigation into this mechanism may also
(red), spindles (cyan), and DNA (white). (A) and (B) are fully
mature (12%, normal). (C) and (D) did not fully mature (46%,
help with understanding how long females
delayed abnormal). (E) and (F) demonstrated irregular who experience an infection will be
developmental characteristics (42%, abnormal). negatively impacted, contributing to more
insight on culling decisions for cattle
Of the total oocytes collected, 12% producers.
successfully matured (Fig. 1 A, B), 46%
failed to complete the entire maturation References
process (Fig. 1C, D), and the remaining Lavon, Y., G. Leitner, E. Klipper, U.
oocytes demonstrated various abnormal Moallem, R. Meidan, and D. Wolfenson.
morphological characteristics during 2011. Subclinical, chronic intramammary
maturation (Fig. 1E, F). Impaired oocyte infection lowers steroid concentrations and
development compromises successful gene expression in bovine preovulatory
fertilization and subsequent embryonic follicles. Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. 40:98-
development, negatively impacting overall 109.doi:10.1016/j.domaniend.2010.09.004.
fertility. The oocytes inability to mature Magata, F., M. Horiuchi, R.
undermines its developmental competency. Echizenya, R. Miura, S. Chiba, M. Matsui, A.
This results in an open female and creates a Miyamoto, Y. Kobayashi, and T. Shimizu.
loss of productivity and profitability for the 2014. Lipopolysaccharide in ovarian
producer. follicular fluid influences the steroid
Varying concentrations of LPS was production in large follicles of dairy cows.
detected in the follicular fluid collected from Anim. Reprod. Sci. 144:6-13.
slaughterhouse ovaries. No treatment was doi:10.1016./j.anireprosci.2013.11.005.
implemented during maturation of the Wu, T. C., L. Wang, and Y. J. Wan.
oocytes used in this current study, indicating 1992. Expression of estrogen receptor gene
these animals may have experienced in mouse oocyte and during embryogenesis.
infection prior to culling. However, follicular Mol. Reprod. Dev. 33:407-412.
E2 concentrations did not differ between the doi:10.1002/mrd.1080330406.
oocyte groups (P = 0.70). Subacute
4
Asymptomatic disease may reduce cow fertility1
E.F. Bruton*, B.H. Aloqaily§, C.A. Gifford‡, K.K. Forrest§, C.A. Löest§, J. C. Wenzel‡, and
J. A. Hernandez Gifford§
*Cooperative Extension Service, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003
‡
Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University, Las
Cruces, NM 88003
§
Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
88003
1
Research supported by N.M. Agriculture Experiment Station, Las Cruces, NM 88003
Introduction Key words: asymptomatic, disease,
estrogen, fertility
Success of a given cow-calf operation
relies heavily on the fertility and productivity Materials and Methods
of the females within the herd. One major
All procedures were approved by the
driver of female fertility is estrogen (E2), a
New Mexico State University Institutional
hormone produced by ovarian follicles,
Animal Care and Use Committee.
necessary for many reproductive events
Fourteen, Angus heifers were
(Simpson et al., 2005).
stratified by body weight into saline treated
Several diseases affecting cattle can
control (CON; n = 7) or LPS treated (n = 7)
negatively influence fertility (Sheldon and
groups. All animals were previously group
Dobson, 2003). In some diseases, a
housed for several months and cyclicity was
bacterial toxin called lipopolysaccharide
confirmed. Heifers were synchronized for
(LPS) is released. Previous studies have
estrus. Saline or LPS was administered on
demonstrated changes in E2 production in
days 2, 5, and 8 of the synchronization
response to LPS (Magata et al., 2014).
protocol. This treatment regime was aimed
These changes in E2 brought on by LPS can
at producing a long-lasting, but
negatively affect fertility which is problematic
asymptomatic immune response. Rectal
due to reproductive failure being a leading
temperatures were collected following each
cause of cow culling.
treatment to confirm immune response.
Bacterial infectionscan occur as
Blood samples were taken every 8
acute infections with visible symptoms or
hours beginning on day 7, a time aimed at
subacute with asymptomatic presentations.
maximal E2 production prior to ovulation.
Perturbed fertility due to asymptomatic
Follicular fluid was collected from each
disease may go undetected until a
animal’s ovaries. Blood and follicular fluid
noticeable problem arises. Therefore,
was analyzed for concentrations of E2.
understanding the impacts of subclinical
infection on fertility is beneficial. This study
aimed to measure E2 production in animals
with asymptomatic immune responses.
5
Results and Discussion fertility in cow-calf settings. Cattle in New
Heifers treated with LPS showed
increases in rectal temperatures following
their first LPS treatment with no other
outward signs of disease. This confirmed
induction of an asymptomatic immune
response.
Blood serum E2 concentrations did
not differ significantly at any time point
(Figure 1). However, there was a 2-fold
decrease in circulating E2 concentration 50 Figure 2. Follicular fluid estrogen (E2)
hours into blood collections in LPS treated concentration in heifers administered
animals. This implies a change in E2 that saline (CON) or lipopolysaccharide
could be deleterious to fertility at later time (LPS)
points. Mexico are susceptible to undetected
infections, reducing reproductive
performance. It is important to monitor herd
health and reproduction through pregnancy
checking, proper vaccination, and immune
system management.
References
Magata. F., M. Horiuchi, R. Echizenya, R.
Miura, S. Chiba, M. Matsui, A. Miyamoto, Y.
Kobayashi, and T. Schimizu. 2014.
Lipopolysaccharide in ovarian follicular fluid
Figure 1. Serum estrogen (E2)
influences the steroid production in large
concentration in heifers administered
saline (CON) or lipopolysaccharide follicles of dairy cows. Anim. Reprod. Sci.
(LPS). 144:6-13.
Surprisingly, E2 concentrations within doi:10.1016/j/anireprosci.2013.11.005
follicular fluid were significantly greater in Sheldon, I. M., and H. Dobson. 2003.
LPS treated animals when compared to Reproductive challenges facing the cattle
saline treated controls (Figure 2), which industry at the beginning of the 21st century.
demonstrates an obvious change in E2 with Reproduction 61:1-13.
subclinical levels of LPS.
This study demonstrated a clear Simpson, E. R., M. Misso, K. N. Hewitt, R. A.
modulation of ovarian E2 production in Hill, W. C. Boon, M. E. Jones, A. Kovacic, J.
response to subclinical LPS injection. These Zhou, and C. D. Clyne. 2005. Estrogen-the
changes in E2 could be detrimental to female good, the bad, and the unexpected. Endocr.
Rev. 26:322-330. doi:10.1210/er.2004-002
6
Histone toxicity and feedlot heifer calves
V. V. Flores , B. K. Wilson ‡, C. A. Gifford†, and J. A. Hernandez Gifford*
*
*
Department of Range and Animal Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
88001
‡
Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078
†
Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University, Las
Cruces, NM 88003
Introduction feedlot arrival and subsequent respiratory
disease outcome in heifers.
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD)
remains the costliest factor affecting the U.S. Key words: cattle, histone,
beef industry. Although there have been respiratory disease, toxicity
advances in vaccines and increased
Materials and Methods
adoption rates, BRD cases amongst calves
entering feedlots continue to rise. Serum was collected from heifer
calves (n=117; BW +/- 483 lbs.) at
Stress on calves is particularly high
processing upon entering the feedlot.
just prior to and up until entering feedlots.
This leads to many calves dying or Heifer calves were retrospectively
contracting BRD shortly after arrival. Despite assigned to groups consisting of those never
proper vaccination and weaning protocols, needing treatment for BRD and remaining
some NM producers still report problems alive throughout the feeding period (0T;
with BRD after weaning. n=109) or calves that died within 1 wk of
arrival (D; n=8). Calf serum collected at initial
Histones are proteins found in the
processing was tested using a histone
nucleus of cells that condense DNA. When
toxicity assay.
cells are damaged histones are released
and cause damage to surrounding tissue. Briefly, bovine kidney cells were
One hallmark of BRD is massive lung tissue cultured in duplicate in 96-well plates and
damage. In mice and humans, extracellular exposed to 0 (diH2O; control) or 50 μg/mL of
histones have been implicated in respiratory total histones with 1% calf serum for 18 h.
distress syndrome (Xu et al., 2009; Abrams Protective capacity was estimated by
et al., 2013). Additionally, calves that have a measuring the viability of cells incubated
severe case of bovine respiratory disease with and without histones. Decreased
have an impaired capacity to protect against fluorescence correlated to lower cell viability.
histone toxicity (Matera et al., 2015).
However, Matera et al. (2015) utilized
high risk bull calves that were surgically
castrated upon arrival. It is possible that
castration influenced the severity of
respiratory disease. Little is known regarding
histone toxicity in heifer or steer calves
entering the feedlot. The current experiment
evaluated susceptibility to histone toxicity at
7
week after feedlot arrival. Heifers who died
within the first week had a decreased
Results and Discussion
capacity to protect against histone toxicity
Calves that entered the feedlot and who which is similar to bull calves who suffered
never received treatment for BRD and severe cases of BRD (Matera et al., 2015). It
remained alive throughout the feeding period is important to note that in both studies (our
were significantly (P < 0.001) more study and that of Matera et al., 2015),
protective against histone toxicity compared samples were collected at arrival and prior to
to those that died within 1 wk of arrival as any clinical symptoms. Future studies
indicated by a greater serum fluorescence will continue to develop this technology to
(Figure 1). predict which calves may suffer severe or
lethal cases of BRD. Additionally,
determining the mechanism responsible for
protecting against histone toxicity may allow
for the development of improved BRD
treatments or genetic selection against
animals that are highly susceptible to histone
toxicity and severe cases of BRD.
References
Figure 1. Serum samples collected from heifer
Abrams S. T., Zhang N., Manson J., Liu T.,
calves at initial processing was used in histone Dart C., Florence B., Wang S. S., Brohi K.,
toxicity assay. Fluorescent values for calves Kipar A., Yu W., Wang G., and Toh C. H.
that were never treated for BRD and remained 2013. Circulating histones are mediators of
alive (0T) compared to those that died within trauma-associated lung injury. Am. J.
one week of arrival (D) .
Respir. Crit. Care Med. 187:160-169.
Visual appraisal of cells
doi:10.1164/rccm.201206-1037OC
demonstrated the toxic effects of
extracellular histones in the presence of 0T Matera J. A., Wilson B. K., Hernandez
serum (protective) and D serum (non- Gifford J. A., Step D. L., Krehbiel C. R., and
protective) (Figure 2). C.A. Gifford. 2015. Cattle with increased
severity of bovine respiratory disease
complex exhibit decreased capacity to
protect against histone cytotoxicity. J. Anim.
Sci. 93:1841-1849. doi:10.2527/jas.2014-
8334
Xu J, Zhang X, Pelayo R., Monestier M.,
Figure 2. Visual appraisal of bovine kidney Ammollo C. T., Semeraro F., Taylor F. B.,
cells incubated with histones and calf serum
from 0T (left) and D (right) animals.
Esmon N. L., Lupu F., and Esmon C. T.
2009. Extracellular histones are major
Few heifers required multiple mediators of death in sepsis. Nat. Med.
treatments for BRD, but several heifers 15:1318-1321. doi:10.1038/nm.2053
experienced acute mortality within the first
8Cool-season perennial grass yield and nutritive value in New Mexico
M.A. Marsalis†, M. Place†, D. Price†, and C. Havlik†
†
New Mexico State University, Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas, NM 87031
Keywords: hay, nutritive value, orchardgrass, pasture, tall fescue, yield
Introduction: + urea), and 52 lb/ac P2O5 (11-52-0).
Additional 2018 fertilizer applications (lb/ac)
Cool-season perennial grasses are grown
occurred on: June 11 (133# N); July 10
throughout New Mexico for pasture and hay
(95# N); Aug. 15 (95# N); and Sept. 21 (48#
operations. Little is known about variety
N, 52# P2O5, 47# K2O, 19# S). First
performance of tall fescue and
‘established’ season cuts began on May 8,
orchardgrass, two of the most popular
2018, for tall fescue. Orchardgrass harvests
grasses in New Mexico. New varieties of
began on May 31, 2018. Additional 2018
tall fescue have been released in recent
harvests for both tall fescue and
years that contain ‘novel’ or ‘friendly’
orchardgrass occurred on: May 31, Jul. 2,
endophytes that give the plant persistence,
Aug. 8, Sept. 11, and Nov. 6. Year 2
while not harming livestock. Testing of
(2019): Fertilizer was applied on the
these grass varieties is necessary in New
following dates: Apr. 2 (22 # N/ac; 104 #
Mexico in order to make reliable
P2O5/ac), June 6 (76 # N/ac), July 15 (69 #
recommendations to growers in the variable
N/ac), and Sept. 10 (76 #N/ac). Harvest
climate zones across the state. The NMSU
dates were: May 24, July 8, Aug. 28, and
Los Lunas Agricultural Science Center
Oct. 22, 2019. Irrigations (approx. 1/month)
(ASC) tests varieties that have potential in
ran from March to October in both years.
the flood-irrigated systems in north-central
New Mexico, and higher elevations of Freshly mowed plant material was raked
southern New Mexico. onto a tarp and weighed. A sub-sample of
Materials and Methods: each plot was collected for dry matter
determination and nutritive value analysis.
On Sept. 13, 2017, 14 tall fescue and 12 Samples were dried using a forced-air oven
orchardgrass varieties were planted on a at 125⁰F for 72 hours. Dried samples were
Belen loam soil at the Los Lunas ASC, at ground to pass a 1-mm sieve and were
25 lbs seed/acre. Final measured, submitted to a forage-testing laboratory.
individual plot dimension was 68 ft2.
Results and Discussion
Irrigations began on Sept. 14, 2017,
immediately after planting, followed by a Total seasonal yields (dry tons/ac) and
second establishment irrigation on Sept. 20. nutritive value (crude protein, in vitro true
The field received repeated rains after this dry matter digestibility, and digestible
date sufficient to complete stand energy) for 2018-2019 of tall fescue and
emergence. Subsequent 2017 irrigations orchardgrass varieties are presented in
were on Oct. 20 and Nov. 21. Tables 1 and 2, respectively. Tall fescue
Year 1 (2018): On Mar. 19, 2018, the entire performed considerably better than
orchardgrass with respect to yield and
field was fertilized with 52 lb/ac N (11-52-0
9persistence. In general, orchardgrass Irrigated pasture and hay producers in New
nutritive value was higher than tall fescue. Mexico have multiple options for variety
Protein and energy values for both species selection of tall fescue and orchardgrass,
were considered excellent for hay or both of which have potential for excellent
pasture. Nutritive value was more affected yields and nutritive value for multiple
by harvest date (cut) than by individual classes of livestock. Time of year and plant
variety differences. maturity affect quality more than variety;
and digestibility and energy tend to
increase later in the season.
Summary and New Mexico Impact
Table 1. 2018-2019 yields and nutritive value of tall fescue varieties and cuts at Los Lunas, NM.
2-Year
Results - All Cuts 2018 2019 Average
Total Total Total
Brand/Company Hybrid/Variety Dry Matter Crude Digestible Dry Matter Crude Digestible Dry Matter
Name Name Endophyte† Yield Protein Energy IVTDMD†† Yield Protein Energy IVTDMD† Yield
tons/ac % Mcal/lb % tons/ac % Mcal/lb % tons/ac
Pennington Seed Max Q II - Texoma Novel 10.1 17.5 0.991 83.5 6.5 11.6 1.018 81.4 8.3
El Air KY 31 E+ 10.1 18.7 0.996 83.3 6.5 12.7 0.999 81.7 8.3
Mt. View Seeds Teton 2 E- 10.2 18.2 0.992 82.3 6.2 12.9 1.021 81.6 8.2
Old Mill Brutus Low E+ 10.1 17.7 0.994 82.1 6.3 12.2 0.991 80.1 8.2
DLF Seeds Martin 2 E- 10.2 18.9 1.010 82.9 6.2 13.1 1.022 81.5 8.2
C&C/Barenbrug Drover E- 9.8 17.6 0.995 82.1 6.3 12.7 1.004 79.8 8.0
DLF Seeds Martin 2 (Protek) Novel 9.9 17.0 0.999 82.1 6.1 12.5 1.019 81.1 8.0
Barenbrug/C&C BarOptima Plus E34 Novel 9.7 19.5 1.010 84.0 6.1 13.7 1.024 82.0 7.9
DLF Seeds Tower (Protek) Novel 9.5 17.4 0.990 82.9 6.3 12.4 1.017 81.6 7.9
Mt. View Seeds Estancia Novel 9.5 16.7 0.995 83.6 6.2 12.2 0.997 81.2 7.9
El Air / Old Mill Fawn E- 9.5 17.8 1.000 82.6 6.1 12.3 1.014 80.2 7.8
Univ of Kentucky Lacefield Max Q II Novel 9.5 18.8 1.003 83.6 6.0 12.8 1.022 82.1 7.8
Barenbrug/C&C Bar FAF 131 E- 8.5 16.9 1.011 83.3 5.8 12.8 1.043 81.6 7.2
Pennington Seed Max Q - Jesup Novel 8.6 17.4 1.001 83.2 5.7 12.7 1.026 82.1 7.2
Average 9.7 17.9 0.999 83.0 6.2 12.6 1.015 81.3 7.9
Cut* 1 1.5 18.1 0.980 82.5 2.3 8.5 1.010 76.6
2 0.8 17.5 0.947 81.8 1.7 12.2 0.959 79.9
3 1.8 19.8 0.980 82.6 1.5 14.1 1.023 81.4
4 2.3 17.3 0.975 81.1 0.8 15.7 1.069 87.1
5 1.6 18.9 0.981 82.7 . . . .
6 1.7 15.6 1.133 87.0 . . . .
Least Significant Difference P > 0.05 (Variety) 0.7 0.8 0.009 0.6 NS NS NS 1.0 0.6
Least Significant Difference P > 0.05 (Cut) 0.2 0.5 0.007 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.016 0.7
†E+ = toxic endophyte present; E- = no endophyte present; Novel = non-harmful endophyte present
††IVTDMD = In vitro true dry matter digestibility
*Average of all varieties per cutting.
10Table 2. 2018-2019 yields and nutritive value of orchardgrass varieties and cuts at Los Lunas, NM.
2-Year
Results - All Cuts 2018 2019 Average
Total Total Total
Brand/Company Hybrid/Variety Dry Matter Crude Digestible Dry Matter Crude Digestible Dry Matter
Name Name Yield Protein Energy IVTDMD† Yield Protein Energy IVTDMD† Yield
tons/ac % Mcal/lb % tons/ac % Mcal/lb % tons/ac
Granite Seed Co. Persist 4.2 18.6 1.107 83.5 5.3 15.2 1.046 80.1 4.7
Great Basin Seed Paiute 4.1 18.4 1.109 83.3 5.0 15.6 1.048 80.7 4.5
Great Basin Seed Potomac 4.0 18.9 1.125 84.2 4.9 16.3 1.064 82.3 4.5
Seed World Tekapo 3.7 18.1 1.102 83.2 5.1 14.6 1.042 79.9 4.4
Allied Seed FSG 5060G 3.6 19.1 1.123 84.3 5.0 16.1 1.046 81.8 4.3
Old Mill Dawn 3.6 19.3 1.119 84.2 5.0 15.6 1.050 81.2 4.3
El Air Quick Draw 3.8 19.3 1.136 84.2 4.7 15.7 1.060 81.8 4.2
Great Basin Seed Hallmark 3.5 19.0 1.114 83.7 4.6 15.7 1.072 82.1 4.1
American Seed Co. Pennlate 3.5 19.1 1.084 84.2 4.3 15.7 1.045 82.1 3.9
Barenbrug/C&C Intensiv 3.3 18.8 1.105 84.8 4.0 15.7 1.053 82.3 3.7
Barenbrug/C&C Baraula 3.1 19.0 1.095 84.3 4.3 15.9 1.032 81.8 3.7
Great Basin Seed Latar* 5.7 17.9 1.057 82.9 4.6 15.6 1.042 81.7 ……..
Average 3.8 18.8 1.106 83.9 4.7 15.6 1.050 81.5 4.2
Cut** 1 0.8 12.6 1.074 81.9 3.2 10.6 0.983 77.6
2 0.6 20.2 1.103 83.6 1.2 13.9 1.013 80.1
3 0.6 19.4 1.039 83.6 0.2 16.3 1.122 81.7
4 0.6 21.2 1.085 80.6 0.1 21.7 1.082 86.5
5 1.1 20.5 1.230 89.8 . . . .
Least Significant Difference P > 0.05 (Variety) NS 0.9 0.013 0.6 0.5 NS NS 0.9 0.5
Least Significant Difference P > 0.05 (Cut) 0.2 0.8 0.008 0.5 0.3 1.3 0.019 0.8
†IVTDMD = In vitro true dry matter digestibility
*Latar orchardgrass was mixed with annual ryegrass at seeding which dominated the stand in year 2018.
**Average of all varieties per cutting.
11Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural BE BOLD. Shape the Future.
College of Agricultural, Consumer
Science Center at Tucumcari and Environmental Sciences
T
he Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari (REKASCT)
is known for conducting locally driven, globally relevant research related
to crop (including forages) and livestock production under irrigated and
dryland conditions. These efforts focus on: improving the quality, safety, and
reliability of food and fiber products, which enhances agricultural profitability;
stimulating economic development using natural resources; sustaining
the environment and protecting natural resources with sound practices, and
improving the quality of life for the people of New Mexico.
FUTURE GOALS
Replace, upgrade, and/or construct buildings and facilities to meet the
demands of ongoing and increasing programs.
Evaluate the cropping potential and environmental impacts of using
treated municipal wastewater for agricultural irrigation.
Address rangeland health issues in northeastern/east-central New Mexico.
Discover horticultural crop options for small farms with few available
resources, particularly in regard to water.
Only center reusing treated municipal
water for irrigation, providing a year
round source for irrigated research.
Capacity to conduct both crop and
livestock research.
Over 30 external partnerships/
collaborators, including five
international connections
(continued on back)
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is an engine for economic and community
development in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through academic, research, and Extension
programs. New Mexico State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educator.
NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.2019 IMPACTS
Beef herd improvements have been made for more than half a century due to feed efficiency
testing. This has led to an estimated value exceeding $800,000 annually to New Mexico’s
beef cattle industry.
Alfalfa variety testing potentially returns $46 million to New Mexico’s growers. Differences
between the highest- and lowest-yielding varieties in irrigated alfalfa tests statewide ranged
from 1.11 to 1.61 tons per acre in 2019. If sold as hay, this translates to a potential difference in
returns of $273 to $396 per acre due to variety.
Strip-tillage for corn production has environmental and economic benefits in New Mexico.
Corn constitutes about 17% of New Mexico’s irrigated crop area. The strip tillage yield
advantage in corn in New Mexico is estimated to be $12.9 million over conventional
tillage in addition to energy savings and the advantages of controlling soil erosion and
improving water- and nutrient-use efficiency.
Manure application costs can be cut by up to 60% by applying manure only in the strip-till
zone. Additionally, three years after a single 10 tons /A manure application, with or without
incorporation, grain sorghum biomass continues to be greater by no-till planting into the
original strip-till zone.
ONGOING RESEARCH
Reviewing results of applying of a multi-nutrient source to potassium-deficient soils for
boosting alfalfa yield and nutrient value.
Continuing to test bulls and heifers for improved beef herd genetics. This testing has led to an
estimated value of $800,000 annually to New Mexico’s beef cattle industry.
Evaluating conditions to improve yield and quality for guar producers. Growing guar
domestically would reduce production and importing costs drastically.
Continuing the search for summer annual legumes to grow with summer annual cereal forages
and management practices to improve forage yield and nutritive value.
Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari
New Mexico State University
6502 Quay Rd. AM 5, Tucumcari, NM 88401
Phone: 575-461-1620
Email: tucumcar@nmsu.edu
Web: tucumcarisc.nmsu.edu
New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment StationA comparison of pearl millet and sorghum-sudangrass pastures during the frost-prone
autumn for growing beef cattle in semiarid regions 2
Leonard M. Lauriault*, Leah Schmitz†, and Eric J. Scholljegerdes†
*
New Mexico State University, Rex E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center at Tucumcari, NM
88401
†
New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM
88003
Keywords: Growing cattle; Pearl millet; Prussic acid toxicity; Sorghum-sudangrass;
Summer/autumn pastures
Introduction guidelines set by the New Mexico State
University Institutional Animal Care and
Warm-season annual grass forages such
Use Committee.
as sorghums [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench
and S. bicolor ✕ S. sudanense (Piper) Sorghum-sudangrass (SS) pasture was
Stapf.] and pearl millet [Pennisetum compared to pearl millet (PM) with two
glaucum (L.) R. Br.] are well-adapted to replicates in each of 2013 and 2014 to
semiarid regions (Machicek et al., 2019), determine their relative effect (forage) on
such as New Mexico, for pastures with growth of growing beef cattle during late
excellent and near equal animal summer and autumn. Pastures were
performance during summer (Fontaneli et planted (35 and 20 lb seed/ac for SS and
al., 2001). New Mexico is prone to PM, respectively) in June each year and
unpredictable early frosts beginning in sprinkler-irrigated with treated municipal
September. Sorghum forages produce toxic wastewater (Class 1B) throughout the pre-
levels of Prussic acid throughout the plant grazing and grazing periods. Each year
when stressed, including frost and freeze labelled pre- and post-emergence
damage, while pearl millet does not (Hanna herbicides were used to control weeds and
and Torres-Cardona, 2001). However, little fertilizer was applied based on soil test
is known about the use of either forage recommendations.
during the frost prone-autumns of New Pastures (approximately 4.5 acres each)
Mexico. This study aimed at comparing had three 16 ft2 exclosures uniformly
sorghum-sudangrass and pearl millet on
distributed prior to grazing. Six pregnant
performance of growing beef cattle during
beef (Bos taurus L.) heifers were assigned
the late summer and autumn seasons.
Method(s) to each pasture by initial body weight (644
± 59 lb in 2013 and 730 ± 92 lb in 2014) to
All animal handling and experimental
have similar stocking densities. Grazing
procedures we in accordance with
was initiated on August 13, 2013, and
The study was funded by state and federal funds appropriated to the Agricultural Experiment Station at New
1
Mexico State University.
Mention of a product by name does not constitute endorsement.
Appreciation is expressed to Jason Box, Patricia Cooksey, Shane Jennings, Jared Jennings and Hubert Roberts
for secretarial and technical support.
12September 10, 2014. Minerals (Hi-Pro Beef Initial and final forage availability of SS was
Range Mineral) were supplied ad libitum in greater than PM, but the rate of subsequent
each pasture. Prior to grazing and every 28 growth of the forages and removal by the
days (grazing period), cattle were held off- animals was consistent across pasture
feed, but with water and weighed. On those types and availability was never limiting.
dates, standing forage was harvested near Forage type did not influence the calving
each exclosure leaving a 2-inch stubble percentage of the heifers. Average daily
using a self-propelled forage plot harvester gains of growing cattle grazing pearl millet
equipped with a weighing system. A was greater in one year, likely due to greater
subsample of each harvested sample was nutritive value, but no different from SS on
collected and dried in a forced-air oven at average across years. Additionally, season-
140°F for 48 hours to determine dry matter long gains/acre differed between forages
percentage and yield. Grazing of SS with PM having greater gains than SS (359
pastures ended on October 22, 2013, and vs. 285 lb/acre for PM and SS, respectively,
November 11, 2014, due to anticipated with a >98% likelihood that those numbers
hard freeze or frost, which did occur are different). This was largely due to the
overnight or the following day. Grazing longer grazing season afforded by PM after
ceased on the PM pasture on November 5, the freeze (average of 19 additional days on
2013, and December 4, 2014, which were pasture for PM vs. SS). That increase in gain
the next scheduled weigh days each year came at nearly equal costs for establishment
and because it was anticipated that PM and management of the pastures (only seed
forage would soon become limiting. Heifers cost differences between the species) and
were weighed when removed from test animals, thereby, adding value to the
pastures and transferred to graze a non- system.
experimental pasture. Data were
Summary
statistically analyzed to compare pasture
type (SS or PM), measurement period, New Mexico cattle growers can use pearl
year, and their interactions requiring a 95% millet to avoid the danger of Prussic acid
confidence to accept a difference as being poisoning caused by grazing sorghum
significant. forages during the frost-prone autumn
period
Results
References Development and Use. CRC Press, Boca
Raton, LA. p. 193-200,
Fontanelli, R. S., L. E. Sollenberger, and C.
doi:10.1201/9781420038781.
R. Staples. 2001. Yield, yield distribution,
and nutritive value of intensively managed Machicek, J. A., B. C. Blaser, M.
warm-season annual grasses. Agron. J. Darapuneni, and M. B. Rhoades. 2019.
93:1257-1262. Harvesting regimes affect brown midrib
sorghum-sudangrass and brown midrib
Hanna, W. W., and S. Torres-Cardona.
pearl millet forage production and quality.
2001. Pennisetums and Sorghums in an
Integrated Feeding System in the Tropics. Agron. 9, 416. doi:10.3390/agronomy90804
In: W.D. Pitman and A. Sotomayor-Rios,
editors, Tropical Forage Plants:
13Effects of maternal bypass protein supplementation during early gestation on
subsequent progeny performance in beef cattle
A. Selman, L. Lemke, J. Woodbury, J. Beard, S. Rosasco, E. Scholljegerdes, and A.
Summers
New Mexico State University, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Las Cruces, NM
88003
Key words:3 Fetal programming, gestation, levels of ruminally undegradable protein
supplementation, by-pass protein, growth during early gestation
Introduction Materials and Methods
Calf development and productivity is crucial All procedures were conducted in
to a successful cattle operation. Improper accordance with an approved NMSU
nutrition during pregnancy can have long- Institutional Animal and Care Committee
term effects on subsequent progeny in protocol. Over two years, twenty-eight
humans, which is called fetal programming cows were randomly assigned to one of
(Barker et al., 1993). Fetal programming is three feeding treatments fed during early
any alteration to the dam whether it be gestation. The treatments were: 1) a basal
genetic, environmental, or dietetic that has diet formulated to meet or exceed
a direct effect on progeny performance and requirements for early gestation (CON); 2)
survival (Funston et. al, 2010). In previous a basal diet plus a protein supplement
studies, supplemental protein that resists consisting of 36% of the protein being by-
degradation in the rumen (known as pass (LRUP); and 3) a basal diet plus a
ruminally undegradable protein or by-pass protein supplement consisting of 50% of
protein) and is available at the small protein being by-pass (HRUP). Cows were
intestine can positively affect progeny body individually fed diets and supplements
weight, feed efficiency, and reproductive during the first trimester of pregnancy.
success (Funston et. al, 2010). After which, all were managed in a dry-lot
and fed a common diet.
However, little research is available that
demonstrates this response when fed Cows, calved and progeny were weaned at
during early gestation when fetal organs are 7 months of age. At approximately 10
developing. Our hypothesis is maternal months of age, calves were individually fed
supplementation of high levels of ruminally a common diet in a Broadbent Calan gate
undegradable protein during early system. Calves were fed ad libitum a ration
pregnancy will positively affect feed that was 10.4% Protein and 75.0% TDN.
efficiency and growth of progeny. Calves were weighed bi-weekly and serum
Therefore, our objectives were to determine was collected.
the growth characteristics of progeny born At the conclusion of the feeding period,
to dams supplemented with high or low steers were finished at the New Mexico
1
The work was graciously supported by the NMSU
Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA-Hatch funds.
14State University Campus Education and supplements with 36% or 50% of the
Research Center and then harvested at the protein coming from by-pass protein during
University of Arizona Food Product and early pregnancy can improve offspring
Safety Lab. growth rates up to weaning. By-pass
Results and Discussion protein can typically be found in
supplements containing corn by-products
Weaning weights tended to be greater for (e.g. dried distillers’ grains) or animal
calves born to dams supplemented with proteins (non-ruminant animal products).
HRUP averaging 84 lbs. greater than CON Although more work is needed to further
and 47 lbs. greater than LRUP. Likewise, determine how by-pass protein can impact
dry matter intake during the feeding period reproductive performance of female
was greater for progeny from dams fed offspring.
supplemental protein during early gestation.
Literature Cited
However, average daily gain and feed
Barker, D. J. P., C. N. Martyn, C. Osmond,
efficiency was not different among the
C. N. Hales, and C. H. D. Fall. 1993.
treatment groups. Carcass traits, including
Growth in utero and serum cholesterol
hot carcass weight, marbling score, ribeye
concentrations in adult life. B.M.J.
area, and yield grade, were not statistically
307:1524-1527. doi:10.1136/bmj.
impacted by maternal protein
307.6918.1524
supplementation, However, numerically, hot
carcass weights were 53 lbs heavier for Funston, R. N., J. L. Martin, D. C. Adams,
HRUP compared to CON. That result has and D. M. Larson. 2010. Winter grazing
the potential to garner producer’s greater system and supplementation of beef cows
income if ownership is retained. during late gestation influence heifer
progeny. J. Anim. Sci. 88:4094-4101. doi
We conclude that despite dietary intake
10.2527/jas.2010-303
increasing in progeny from dams fed
supplemental ruminally undegradable
protein during early gestation, growth
performance is not impacted to a large
degree. Weaning weights of calves from
treated groups showed promise of being
greater when dams were supplemented but
future research is needed to determine if
differences in intake would remain as
animals grew with age and if and how
supplementation might impact other
production parameters such as
reproduction.
Summary and New Mexico Impact
Cow nutrition during pregnancy is
something producers should manage very
carefully. Poor nutrition during this time can
have long-term impacts on subsequent calf
performance. This research has
demonstrated that providing protein
15The Sustainable Southwest Beef
Coordinated Agriculture Project
(CAP) is funded by USDA
National Institute of Food and
Agriculture, Agriculture and Food
Research Initiative’s Sustainable
Agricultural Systems (SAS)
program.
The
Sustainable Southwest
Beef CAP
Grant #2019-69012-29853
A five-year USDA-NIFA funded project that promotes ranch and rangeland resilience
in the Western US. The diverse team is evaluating:
1. Heritage Raramuri Criollo cattle,
2. Precision ranching technologies, and
3. Supply chain options
as strategies to help keep ranching and rangelands ecologically and economically
healthy as climate, markets, and policies change.Long-Term Declining Trends in Chihuahuan Desert Forage Production in Relation to
Precipitation and Ambient Temperature
Matthew M. McIntosh*, Jerry L. Holechek†, Sheri A. Spiegal‡, Andres F. Cibils†, Richard E.
Estell‡
*Graduate Research Assistant, † Professor, Department of Animal and Range Sciences New
Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003; ‡ research Animal Scientist, US Department
of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM
88003.
Key words: Climate change, Forage, Grazing capacity
Acknowledgements: This research was supported by the New Mexico Agricultural
Experiment Station (Project 072944). It was funded with a grant from the US Dept of
Agriculture National (USDA) Institute of Food and Agriculture, Hatch Funds to J. L. Holechek
and A. F. Cibils (Grant # 1019148). Partial funding was provided by the USDA Agricultural
Research Service Jornada Experimental Range and the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research
(LTAR) network.
Introduction clipping, drying, and weighing annual growth
Rising temperatures and more across a ~2,500 ac pasture from 1967 –
frequent droughts are posing new 2018.
challenges to livestock producers in the Stocking rates were closely controlled
southwestern United States and arid lands in our study pasture which was lightly
elsewhere (Havstad et al., 2018). Various stocked for 25-30% utilization under
models predict climate change will adversely continuous year-long grazing for the whole
affect the Chihuahuan Desert into the next
study period. Precipitation data were
century, and specifically range livestock
recorded via four evenly spaced rain gauges
production, because it is dependent on
perennial grass growth (Briske et al., 2015). monitored monthly throughout the whole
However, site-specific information regarding study. Temperature data were collected at
climate change impact on Chihuahuan the neighboring USDA – ARS Jornada
Desert vegetation is lacking and urgently Experimental Range headquarters
needed (Briske et al., 2015). throughout the entire study period.
We analyzed a 52-yr time series Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
(1967 − 2018) of precipitation, ambient (NDVI) data, a remotely sensed vegetation
temperature, and perennial grass production green-up indicator, was acquired for the
(PGP), as well as a 14-yr (2001 − 2014) 2001-2014 period from MODIS satellite
satellite image time series to evaluate recent images, and growing season metrics were
trends in annual vegetation growth patterns. calculated using TIMESAT procedures
developed by Jönsson and Eklundh (2004).
Materials and Methods
Vegetation of our study area is typical
Results and Discussion
of the Chihuahuan Desert. Perennial
Perennial grass production was
grasses of interest were primarily black
positively associated with December
grama, dropseeds, and threeawns.
through September precipitation (r =
Perennial grass production was determined
0.69; P < 0.01) but negatively associated
using clipping methods, which involved
with spring and summer (May − September)
16maximum average ambient temperature
(r = − 0.47; P < 0.01; P= statistical
significance, r = regression correlation
coefficient). Perennial grass production
decreased by 43% in the second
(1993 − 2018) compared with the first half
(1967 − 1992) of our study (147 vs. 85 lbs
dry matter • ac− 1; P < 0.01). Precipitation
was lower and more erratic in the second
half of the time series, decreasing by 18.6%
(10.4 ± .6 vs. 8.5 ± 0.6 in; P = 0.01).
Conversely, mean maximum and mean
ambient temperatures were higher during
the 1993 – 2018 vs. the 1967-1992 periods
(max temperature: 76.1 ± 0.3 vs. 77.5 ±
0.3°F; P < 0.01; mean ambient temperature:
57.9 ± 0.3 vs. 59.5 ± 0.5°F; P < 0.01).
MODIS-derived green-up analysis
showed that growing seasons began and
ended later and became shorter (P < 0.05)
over the 14 yr analyzed (Figure 1). During
this period, increasing maximum spring and Figure 1. Seasonal changes in mean
summer (May − September) ambient Normalized Difference Vegetation Index
temperatures were associated with (NDVI) for our research site from 2001 to
decreasing growing season NDVI values 2014. Green sections of the curve denote
(P < 0.01). growing season for each year based on
Over the 52-yr study period, satellite greenness analyses.
Chihuahuan Desert rangelands at our
research site lost 43% of grazing capacity Summary and New Mexico Impact
based on PGP. Nine drought years occurred The 43% mean reduction in PGP in
in the second half of our study compared our second 26-yr study period (1993 − 2018)
with 2 years in the first half. Our research means that a ranch that could support 250
supports predictions by climate scientists cow-calf pairs in the late 1960s may now
that higher temperatures, more frequent sustainably support only 150 pairs. As this
droughts, and lower, as well as more erratic, scenario plays out, the ranching industry will
precipitation will adversely influence grazing need to rapidly adopt innovation strategies,
capacity of rangelands in the southwestern like use of adapted livestock genetics, to
United States. stay in business.
17Havstad, K.M., J.R. Brown, R. Estell, E.
Elias, A. Rango, C. Steele, 2018.
References Vulnerabilities of Southwestern US
Rangeland-based animal agriculture to
Briske, D.D., L.A., Joyce, H.W. Polley, J.R. climate change. Clim. Change 1–16.
Brown, K. Wolter, J.A. Morgan, B.A.
McCarl, D.W. Bailey, 2015. Climate-change Jönsson, P., Eklundh, L. 2004. TIMESAT—
adaptation on rangelands: Linking regional a program for analyzing time-series of
exposure with diverse adaptive capacity. satellite sensor data. Comput. Geosci. 30:
Front. Ecol. Environ. 13: 249–256. 833–845.
18Heat tolerance of Raramuri Criollo and Angus-Hereford beef cows grazing Chihuahuan
Desert pastures in summer
S. Nyamuryekung’e*, A. F. Cibils*, R. E. Estell†, A. L. González†, S. Spiegal †, M. McIntosh*
*
Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM,
88003, USA; † Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Jornada Experimental
Range, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA
Acknowledgements Hatch project 1000985 (A. Cibils) and SAS
This research was a contribution from the CAP grant # 12726269.
Long-Term Agroecosystem Research
(LTAR) network. LTAR is supported by the Keywords
United States Department of Agriculture. Chihuahuan Desert, Climate Change,
Partial support was provided by the USDA Raramuri Criollo, Thermotolerance
National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
Introduction used temperature loggers attached to blank
Heat stress is a prominent challenge intravaginal CIDRs (Controlled Internal Drug
for beef cattle producers in the southwestern Release device) devoid of hormones to
United States because of extended hot record animal body temperature (BodyT),
weather periods that are exacerbated by and GPS collars to record position and
higher relative humidity during the summer ambient temperature (CollarT) in the
monsoon season. Climate change trends in proximity of the cow. All sensor data were
the region will likely intensify existing logged at 10 min intervals. A landscape
weather-related challenges and affect the thermal map (LandT) was developed from
economic viability of the beef industry at Landsat satellite imagery to examine habitat
large (Reeves et al., 2017). use in relation to surface temperature. Air
Heat tolerance varies among cattle temperature (AirT) was recorded by a
breeds and is defined as an animal's ability nearby weather station.
to regulate its core body temperature when BodyT dynamics for cows of each
exposed to conditions of thermal stress breed was initially explored (BodyT vs. Time)
(Renaudeau et al., 2012). The objective of for each of the deployment periods. Data
this study was to compare foraging patterns were then processed within four daytime
of Raramuri Criollo (RC) and Angus x segments (ToD): dawn (sunrise – 9AM); pre-
Hereford (AH) cows in relation to ambient noon (9AM – noon); post-noon (noon –
heat and body temperature during summer 3PM); and dusk (3PM – sunset). Analysis of
in the Chihuahuan Desert. variance was used to determine the effect of
breed (AH or RC) and ToD on animal BodyT,
Materials and Methods CollarT, LandT selection, or animal
Cows of each breed (mean BW ~545 movement variables. We also conducted
kg and ~350 kg for AH and RC, respectively) within breed analyses comparing cool
grazed separately in two adjacent rangeland morning vs. hot afternoon values of all
pastures (~1,100 ha, each) at the Jornada variables.
Experimental Range. The study was
replicated over two years (2016-17). We
19Results and Discussion
Figure 2 Core body temperature (BodyT oF,
solid lines; Primary Y-axis) and ambient
temperature in the proximity of cows (CollarT
o
F, dashed lines; Secondary Y-axis).
Temperature is plotted against four time of
Figure 1 Core body temperature (BodyT) day segments: dawn; pre-noon; post-noon;
monitored with intravaginal temperature and dusk. Asterisks signify breed differences
loggers (iButton sensors) set to record data within time of day.
every 10 min for two weeks. (RC; red AH;
blue line) Comparison of cooler dawn (coolest)
vs. post-noon (hottest) hours, revealed
Average BodyT of cows of both increasing AirT (22.64 vs. 29.84 oC P< 0.01)
breeds showed a clear diurnal cyclic pattern that was associated with selection of cooler
(Figure 1). RC cows appeared to accumulate patches in the pasture by RC (45.85 vs.
less body heat during the day perhaps due 45.13 oC P< 0.01) but not AH cows (45.47
to a superior ability to dissipate heat load. vs. 45.35 oC P= 0.49). RC cows appeared to
BodyT and CollarT of cows of both breeds increase movement rates during hot
increased as a day progressed. However, afternoon vs. cool morning hours and were
RC cows maintained lower body therefore apparently able to select cooler
temperature (BodyT) during the hottest landscape patches, which may have helped
afternoon hours despite being exposed to them dissipate heat more effectively
apparent higher local ambient temperatures (Nyamuryekung’e et al. in review). Raramuri
(CollarT) (Figure 2). Heat dissipation rate is Criollo cows appear to exhibit greater
a function of surface area to volume ratio. thermotolerance than Angus-Hereford beef
RC cows in this study had an estimated cows.
surface area-volume ratio that was 16% Summary and New Mexican Impact
greater than that of AH counterparts (RC: Mitigating heat stress challenges
0.096 vs. AH: 0.083 cm2*cm-3). projected to affect beef cattle in the
southwestern US might depend on the use
of adapted cattle genetics. Our results
suggest that heritage breeds such as the
Raramuri Criollo could be a valuable tool for
ranchers seeking to adapt to challenges
20associated with a hotter and drier
Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem.
University Approvals
All animal handling protocols were
approved by New Mexico State University
IACUC (protocol: 2015-021).
References production from Western US rangelands.
Rangel. Ecol. Manag. 70, 529–539.
Nyamuryekung'e, S., Cibils, A., Estell, R.E.,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2017.02.005
McIntosh, M., Gonzalez, A.L., D.E.,
VanLeeuwen, D., Spiegal, S.A., Martha, A. Renaudeau, D., A. Collin, S. Yahav, V. De
Grazing behavior and body temperature of Basilio, J.L. Gourdine, R.J. Collier, 2012.
heritage vs. commercial beef cows in Adaptation to hot climate and strategies to
relation desert ambient temperatures. alleviate heat stress in livestock production.
Journal of Arid Environments in review. Animal 6, 707–728.
Reeves, M.C., K.E. Bagne, J. Tanaka, https://doi.org/10.1017/S175173111100244
2017. Potential climate change impacts on 8
four biophysical indicators of cattle
21Weight Gain and Carcass Quality of Desert Grass-fed Rarámuri Criollo vs Crossbred
Steers
Matthew M. McIntosh*, Andrés F. Cibils*, Richard E. Estell†, Shelemia Nyamuryekung’e*,
Alfredo L. González†, Qixu Gong‡, Huiping Cao‡, Sheri A. Spiegal†, Sergio A. Soto-Navarro*,
Amanda D. Blair**
*
Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces,
NM 88003, USA, †United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service,
Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA, ‡Department of Computer Science,
New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA, **Department of Animal Science,
South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD 57007, USA
Keywords: Beef cattle, grass finished steers, heritage genetics, livestock behavior
Introduction acceptable weight gains and carcass
A majority of climate models predict qualities when finished on grass. We
that the American Southwest will become evaluated two cohorts (cohort: 1 = 31; cohort
increasingly hotter and drier with more 2 = 26) of Rarámuri Criollo (RC), Mexican
variable precipitation regimes (Polley et al., Criollo (MC) and Criollo x beef-breed
2017) which will accelerate shrub crossbred (XC) steers to investigate effects
encroachment (Gherardi and Sala 2015) and of biotype on growth and carcass traits.
will likely continue to cause significant
declines in forage resources for livestock Materials and Methods:
(McIntosh et al., 2019). The grass-finished, All animal handling protocols were
local, and organic meats market was valued approved by the New Mexico State
at $1 to 3 billion in 2015 (Cheung and University Institutional Animal Care and Use
McMahon, 2017) and is estimated to be Committee (Protocol 2016-019). Steers
growing at an annual rate of 100%; however, were weighed approximately once every 2-
only 20% of US grass-fed beef is produced mo. Steers entered the study at 15 mo.
in the western states (Cheung and (Cohort 1) and 7 mo. (Cohort 2) and were
McMahon, 2017). Use of low-input desert- developed and finished on rangeland at 30
adapted beef cattle biotypes like Rarámuri mo. Average daily gain was calculated for
Criollo cattle (Anderson et al. 2015), is one each biotype and cohort by subtracting the
of several climate adaptation strategies finial weight from the start weight and
gaining momentum among ranchers in arid dividing by the total number of days that
systems (Holechek et al. 2020). Viability of steers were in the study. Steers were
these enterprises increasingly depends on provided cake supplement from 8-15 mo. of
producers’ willingness to implement climate- age. Weight and carcass data were
smart management approaches to meet analyzed using analysis of variance.
ever-increasing demand for healthy beef
products (Spiegal et al. 2020). Results and Discussion
Criollo cattle producers often Final live weights of XC (cohort 1 =
crossbreed their cows with improved beef- 849.6 ± 21.2 lbs; cohort 2 = 1064.8 ± 21.8
breed bulls or retain and/or develop their lbs) were greater than RC (cohort 1 = 763.2
yearlings on rangeland because of limited ± 20.3 lbs; cohort 2 = 932.8 ± 17.2 lbs) and
markets for Criollo calves. However, it is MC (cohort 1 = 776.7 ± 18.5 lbs; cohort 2 =
unknown if Criollo steers can achieve 943.8 ± 21.6 lbs), but all reached marketable
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