Texas Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources

Assessing the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Feeder Cattle Prices in Northeast Texas

Jose A. Lopez — 2023-08-20

Even though the COVID pandemic has affected many industries, beef continues to be a prominent commodity in the United States. This study quantifies how COVID has affected feeder cattle prices in Northeast Texas for the period 2019-2021. One stage from farm to fork within the beef industry that serves as a solid component for the longevity of the beef industry is preconditioned cattle sales. Preconditioned cattle seem to be a less-risky and better-suiting market to some feedlots, which can also bring a competitive nature in the auction ring dependent upon characteristics such as breed, weight, and gender. This study found preconditioned feeder cattle price differences among various COVID stages at NETBIO auctions in Northeast Texas.

Determination of Blood Micromineral and Fat-Soluble Vitamin Values for White-tailed Deer

Megan Greenwood — 2023-08-27

This study was to determine baseline values for whole blood and serum micromineral and vitamin concentrations for white-tailed deer (Odocoileis virginianus) in an attempt to establish dietary requirements. Open does (n=223) were sampled during fall breeding procedures. Captive-raised does housed at high fenced ranches (n=3) throughout Texas were used. Blood samples were analyzed for micromineral levels (Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, and Zn) and fat-soluble metabolites (vitamin A, vitamin E, and cholesterol). Age of the doe and ranch were used as main effects. Sampled averages were 6.31 ng/mL Co, 1.04 µg/mL Cu, 220.41 µg/mL Fe, 4.43 ng/mL Mn, 4.23 ng/mL Mo, 172.48 ng/mL Se, 0.54 µg/mL Zn, 275.25 ng/mL vitamin A, 1.80 µg/mL vitamin E, and 79.61 mg/dL cholesterol. Ranch played an important role in micronutrient levels, with the exception of cholesterol (P=0.26). Micronutrient least squared means were affected by age for Se, Zn, and vitamin E (P<.01). Pregnancy status was determined (n=93) via blood 30-37 d after breeding procedure. Females that became pregnant at initial breeding attempt had higher serum Zn (P<.01) and vitamin E (P=0.03) levels. The establishment of circulating blood micronutrient levels will serve as a baseline for future white-tailed deer nutrient requirement research.

Short-term Intake of Mesquite Beans Affects Ruminal pH but not Intake by Cattle and Goats

Cody B Scott — 2023-11-28

Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa Torr.) beans provide ruminants a food source high in sugars and carbohydrates. Although nutritious, mesquite beans may induce acidosis. Two studies were completed in 2019 to assess the effect of mesquite bean consumption on rumen pH and intake. In the first study, 5 cows were fed a basal diet with 0, 20, and 40% of their diet in mesquite beans over a period of 28 days. As the amount of mesquite beans in the diet increased, rumen pH levels decreased. Rumen pH reached levels near 5, but cows apparently did not experience acidosis; all cattle continued to consumed mesquite beans and the basal diet, regardless of the amount of mesquite beans consumed. In the second study, 22 yearling nanny goats were placed in individual pens. All goats were fed 300, 500, and 700 g of mesquite beans each per day in addition to alfalfa pellets (2.5% BW) to meet maintenance requirements. Eleven goats received water was with 2% sodium bicarbonate to attenuate acidosis while 11 goats received water without additional sodium bicarbonate. Goats that received sodium bicarbonate consumed less mesquite beans indicating that goats did not experience acidosis at the levels fed in this study.

Challenges and Training Needs of Texas Small Producers: Results from 2017-2019 Needs Assessment Survey

Katie Tritsch — 2023-12-11

Abstract

From 2017-2019, survey data was gathered on the challenges and needs facing small-scale agricultural producers in Texas. The needs assessment survey instrument was developed using stakeholder input from the first Small Producers Initiative stakeholder meeting at Texas State University in August 2015, and evidence from the literature. Fifteen challenges and 43 specific training needs were identified and included in the survey instrument. Results provide insight into the myriad challenges and needs of Texas small producers. The top five challenges were: 1) lack of access to capital (71%); 2) aversion to acquiring debt to finance a larger operation (68%); financing (66%); organic certification requirements (64%); costs of regulations and permits (64%).