AGSC 306: SPECIAL TOPICS IN BEEF CATTLE SCIENCE Dr. Glenn R. Wehner 3076 Magruder Hall 785-4593 gwehner@truman.edu COURSE DESCRIPTION Advanced principles in commercial and purebred cattle production with emphasis on management, marketing and nutritional aspects of raising beef cattle OBJECTIVES To continue an in-depth study of beef cattle production initiated in previous classes To help the student understand the complex relationships between management decisions and economic trends in the beef cattle industry To acquaint the student with various production options available to current beef producers To encourage the student to synthesize individual production practices from given class information TEXTBOOK None required COURSE OUTLINE History of beef production Origin of world cattle Zoologic classification Ancient uses Early cattle producers World movements of progenitors Current U.S. cattle producing states Current trends in beef cattle production Feeding area trends Economic trends Reasons for ownership of beef cattle National basing points Price relationships Future implications Breeding Herd Management Seasonal cow requirements Seasonal forage requirements Breeding season schemes Forages manipulations Filling the summer slump Manipulations of pasture composition and its effects Metabolic problems in pasture Cow Herd Management Define production consideration When to start production Calving difficulties Stages of partuition Calving assistance Starting the calf Calf weaning options Open cow decisions Cow herd disease problems Bull power Bull to cow ratios Bull priority of nutrient use Fertility testing Growth rate testing Weaning a heavy calf Influence of postpartum interval Weaning influences Most efficient point for weaning Milk production affects Rations for weaning heavy calves Anabolic agents Production of Quality Calves Acceptable breeds Crossbreeding systems Selection opportunities Production type characteristics Backgrounding systems METHODS The course will consist of three one-hour lectures per week. Field trips as necessary to illustrate classroom material EVALUATION Three one-hour examinations will be given to evaluate students progress in lecture. Additional assignments and reports as deemed necessary to enhance lecture materials REFERENCES Commercial Beef Cattle Production, O’Mary and Dyer Cattle Management, May Beef Production and Management, Minish and Fox Reproduction in Farm Animals, Hafez Feeds and Feeding, Cullison