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Romosinuano cattle, a South American breed, may pass along more
traits that are ideal for cattle production in the southeastern
United States. ARS brought 143 Romosinuano embryos from Venezuela
to Florida where researchers implanted them in surrogate cows.
Objective: to evaluate the foreign breed's qualities that are
most desirable for cattle herds in the southeast. Romosinuanos
mature quickly, resist insect pests and heat, and have consistent
carcass quality and good temperament. Southeastern cattle producers
now have to select for one or two traits at the sacrifice of other
desired ones. Because of U.S. import restrictions, it took five
years and the cooperation of the Venezuelan government to arrange
this embryo transfer. The only U.S. herd with Romosinuano genes
is highly inbred and therefore not the best predictor of the breed's
true potential.
Subtropical Agricultural Research Station,
Brooksville, FL
Chadwich Chase, Jr., (904) 796-3358
A new formula for estimating a dairy herd's manure production
and nitrogen content may help dairy farmers use less commercial
fertilizer and make their farms both cleaner and more efficient.
ARS researchers developed the formulas, which use data already
in a farmer's records. Various factors are taken into account,
such as where a cow is in her milk-producing cycle and the fiber
and protein in her diet. Currently, industry standards use a "one
size fits all" method to project waste data. But ARS research
found predictions were more accurate when a cow's milking cycle
was taken into account. Testing the new and old formulas on 600
dairy cows, researchers found accounting for pregnancy and other
factors increased accuracy on estimates of nutrient content and
total waste mass. When farmers can make accurate predictions about
nitrogen content in herd manure, they can use animal waste more
effectively--including replacing commercial fertilizers. Across
the country, state governments are requesting that farmers reduce
waste runoff to protect waterways. Agricultural engineers may
be able to use the new formula to build better storage and handling
systems.
Nutrient Conservation and Metabolism Unit,
Beltsville, MD
Vic Wilkerson, (301)344-8620
Last updated: July 10, 1996
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