RSS 1.0Animal Systems
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Arizona Cooperative Extension is an outreach arm of The University of Arizona and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). The repository collection includes current and historical Extension publications on these topics: Animal Systems; Consumer Education; Farm Management and Safety; Food Safety, Nutrition and Health; Gardening/Home Horticulture; Insects and Pest Management; Marketing and Retailing; Natural Resources and Environment; Plant Diseases; Plant Production/Crops; Water; and Youth and Family. Current publications are also available from the Cooperative Extension Publications website.
QUESTIONS?
Contact College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Publications at pubs@cals.arizona.edu.
Recent Submissions
-
Livestock Hauling ConsiderationsTransporting livestock, of any kind, presents a host of challenges that need to be considered before a person ever hooks up to any kind of trailer. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) now offers a course for producers to take that goes over the various aspects of transporting livestock, especially cattle. This new course is called Beef Quality Assurance Transportation (BQAT) and is offered through the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. Before hauling livestock, producers should consider some key elements before they begin. What am I hauling? Where am I going? And finally, how am I going to get there safely? These and various other elements need to be considered to successfully haul livestock and will be addressed here.
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Economics of Virtual Fence (VF) SystemsThis analysis explores the economic considerations of investing in virtual fence (VF) systems, examining their application for representative cow-calf operations under different operating conditions. Virtual fencing (VF) is a tool for livestock management that uses collars and a radio or cellular systems to influence the movement of livestock using auditory and electrical cues (Antaya et al. 2024). Users program the system to establish invisible barriers on a landscape. The system detects the location of animals and if animals approach or cross a “virtual” fence, they receive an auditory or electrical cue encouraging them to move away from the barrier. VF systems have the potential to offset physical fencing costs, enable adoption of adaptive management practices (Boyd et al. 2022; Boyd et al. 2023; Golinski et al. 2023; Verdon et al. 2021), and save ranchers time in locating animals, among other benefits (Campbell et al. 2018; Boyd et al. 2022; Schillings et al. 2024). Commercial VF systems have varying fee structures and require labor to operate which is an additional cost of adoption. Cost and economies of scale are factors that affect livestock producers’willingness to adopt technologies (Pruitt et al. 2012; Lima et al. 2018).
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Specifics on Collar Deployment by CompanyA virtual fence (VF) system typically consists of three main components: (1) a software interface that allows users to draw VF lines and define boundary zones on a digital map, establishing designated grazing areas and exclusion zones; (2) a GPS-enabled collar fitted around an animal’s neck, equipped with technology to track movement and deliver auditory and electrical cues to guide or restrict livestock distribution; and (3) base stations and/or cellular towers that facilitate communication between the software and the collars. Although there are similarities across systems, each company offers a distinct collar design. This educational material provides details on the attachment mechanisms, collar assembly, required deployment tools, and recommendations for achieving proper collar fit for each vendor.
-
The Modified Grazing Response Index – an improved planning tool for rotational grazing of livestockThe Grazing Response Index (GRI) is a simple and effective grazing evaluation tool that was initially developed at Colorado State University by Floyd Reed, Roy Roath, and David Bradford in 1999. The goal of the GRI is to rapidly assess the effects of grazing and provide data to aid in the development of grazing plans for the following year. While the GRI has proven to be simple and effective grazing assessment tool, updates to its basic framework are needed to reflect recent scientific findings and broaden its applicability in grazing regions where year-round grazing is typical. One notable limitation of the GRI is that it does not account for dormant season grazing, which is common in many southwestern rangelands systems where winters are milder. As a result, we propose the Modified Grazing Response Index (MGRI), an updated version of the GRI, tailored to the needs of the southwestern United States and other areas that may have year-round grazing.
-
Groundwater Fluoride Exposure and Potential Effects on Arizona LivestockFluoride (F-) is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in surface and groundwater. It is present in water sources due to the erosion of F- containing rocks and soil found throughout the United States. While chronic, long-term F- exposure in livestock, particularly cattle, may lead to dental and skeletal fluorosis, the risk to human health through meat consumption remains low, though uncertain due to limited previous research. Despite this limitation, previous work has demonstrated that chronic F- accumulation in cattle, primarily through water, feed, forage, and crops, is an important consideration for livestock health. Due to its widespread occurrence in groundwater through Arizona, continued research is needed to address knowledge gaps regarding F- accumulation in cattle and refine our knowledge of how to effectively diminish risks to maintain livestock health and well-being.
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Collar Deployment BasicsVirtual fence (VF) is a management tool that uses invisible barriers, established using Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates, that influence livestock movement with a combination of auditory and electrical cues. A VF system includes the following elements: (1) a software interface to draw VF lines and the boundary zone on a digital map, which defines the grazing area and exclusion zone; (2) a GPS- enabled collar fitted around the circumference of an animal’s neck or other wearable device that contains technology to track livestock movement and deliver auditory and electrical cues to influence or limit livestock distribution; and (3) base stations and/or cellular signal to transmit and receive communication between the software and wearable device (Antaya et al., 2024a; Ehlert et al., 2024). In this fact sheet, we will provide an overview of the components that make up a VF collar. Then, we will focus on collar deployment, the process to prepare for collaring events, and suggest strategies to safely place VF collars on livestock while ensuring proper fit.
-
Limitations to Estimating Production on Rangelands“Each ranch is different from every other ranch, each pasture is different from every other pasture, each pasture is different every year, and the pasture changes throughout the year.” - Larry Howery, UA Cooperative Extension Rangeland Management Extension Specialist (retired) Rangeland management is a difficult venture requiring decision-makers to use various ecological data and assessments to evaluate continually changing conditions. Estimating aboveground net primary production (ANPP) is a frequently used tool for rangeland management and monitoring. ANPP, or production, is the amount of aboveground plant biomass accumulated over a specific time period (Byrne et al. 2011). Rangeland or forage production is typically measured annually after the growing season and is often used to calculate or re-evaluate carrying capacity, stocking rates, or as an indicator of ecological condition, etc. There are various methods to collect production data ranging from direct methods, indirect methods, and non-destructive methods such as remote sensing. Traditional ground-based methods are often labor-intensive and insufficient to collect reliable estimates because vegetation growth is highly variable and can exceed 40% variation on an interannual basis (Reeves et al. 2019). Despite the popularity of collecting production data for range management purposes, inaccuracy and sampling errors from each method should be carefully considered before implementing management decisions based on production data alone. Range managers and producers should be aware of the limitations of using production data to inform management decisions.
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Exploring the Complexities and ChallengesAcross the Western United States, ranchers and land managers rely on thousands of miles of physical wire fencing to manage livestock on extensive rangelands and pastoral systems (Hayter, 1939; Netz, 2004). This type of fence has improved rangeland conditions in many places by allowing the implementation of various grazing systems (Holechek et al., 2011). However, wire fencing can fragment landscape connectivity, pose risks to wildlife, require significant financial investment, and offer little flexibility to implement adaptive management strategies (e.g., adjust pasture size, manipulate grazing distribution, limit potential for over-use, avoid sensitive habitat) within a given pasture (Jakes et al., 2018).
-
Animal Disease Traceability Rule Affecting CattleThe Animal Disease Traceability rule has been amended to now require the use of an electronic identification device (EID) tags that can be read both electronically and visually for certain classes of cattle and bison transported across state lines. The new rule will take effect November 5, 2024. Greater animal disease traceability is crucial to maintain commerce and reduce the economic impact on producers and the industry in the case of significant disease outbreak.
-
Identifying and Mitigating Ionophore PoisoningIonophores (e.g. Monensin, Rumensin, etc.) are toxic and can be deadly in equids (horses, donkeys, mules). Livestock, goats, and poultry can get health benefits from ionophores in their feed since they promote growth and act as a natural antibiotic. However, 1/10th of a safe amount for livestock can cause heart damage and death in horses. The feed label will clearly say “medicated”, list the specific ionophore, and warn about toxicity for horses. That is why it is critical to keep feeds separate and clearly labeled in the feed area, and to make sure horses are not sharing pens/feed with livestock receiving the medicated feed. One Oklahoma Ranch lost almost 80 horses (August, 2024) due to human and possibly mechanical error at the feed mill. Learn more about risk mitigation for your horse/livestock operations.
-
Considerations for Implementing Artificial Insemination on Arizona Cow-Calf OperationsArtificial Insemination (AI) is an advanced reproductive technology with several potential benefits to a cow-calf producer’s profitability. Arizona producers who implement AI on their operation may increase calf crop value by creating more uniformity and introducing high-quality genetics into their herd. However, there are also factors and costs related to cattle management, facilities, labor, and marketing that producers should consider when deciding to implement AI.
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Strategies for Collar ManagementAcross the Western United States, ranchers and land managers rely on thousands of miles of physical wire fencing to manage livestock on extensive rangelands and pastoral systems (Hayter, 1939). This type of fence has improved rangeland condition in many places by allowing the creation of managed grazing systems (Holechek et al., 2011). However, physical fences can fragment landscape connectivity, pose a risk to wildlife, and impose major financial investment on land managers and producers (Jakes et al., 2018).
-
Why FDA Approved Medications Matter for Your 4-H AnimalsParticipants in youth livestock competitions learn more than just how to raise and show animals—they also play a role in our food system. It’s important to know which products and medications are allowed for use on livestock because many of these animals enter the human food chain after the show. By understanding and following the rules, youth help ensure that meat and animal products meet strict safety standards. This not only protects public health but also upholds the fairness of the competition, teaches ethics, and shows responsibility in animal care. Learning these guidelines is key to building a safer and more sustainable future for agriculture. Youth who raise livestock projects have the responsibility to make sure their animals’ products are safe and healthy. Exhibitors must follow the same rules and regulations as all livestock producers, even for breeding animals that aren’t being sold. To prevent drug residues from entering the human food chain, only FDA-approved products (like medications or treatments) can be used. When using any product—whether it’s over-the-counter or prescribed by a vet—you must follow the label carefully. The label explains which illnesses can be treated, which species can be treated, how to give the medicine, and how long the withdrawal time is. This guide is here to help you understand the products you can use and how to use them safely. If you’re ever unsure about treating your animal or whether a product is allowed, ask your veterinarian for help.
-
Purchasing Chicks for Backyard Flocks – Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you’re considering backyard or hobby poultry-keeping, it’s natural to have a lot of questions about purchasing and raising chicks to be healthy, productive hens. This guide will answer some of the most frequent questions that arise before you buy your first chicks and covers some essential information about general chicken raising needs, acquiring chicks and some key terminology.
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: Training and Animal WelfareIn Arizona and other western states, ranchers and land managers rely on thousands of miles of permanent wire fencing to manage livestock on extensive rangelands (Hayter 1939; Netz 2004). This type of fencing has improved rangeland conditions in many places by aiding in the application of grazing systems (Holecheck et al. 2011). However, wire fencing can fragment landscape connectivity, pose a risk to wildlife, and is a major financial investment. Moreover, it offers limited flexibility in adjusting pasture size, actively manipulating grazing distribution, or avoiding high-use areas or sensitive habitats within a pasture (Jakes et al. 2018).
-
Foundations of Virtual Fencing: The Vital Role of High-Quality GIS DataIn Arizona and other western states, ranchers and land managers rely on thousands of miles of permanent wire fencing to manage livestock on extensive rangelands(Hayter, 1939). This type of fencing has led to improved rangeland conditions in many places by aiding in the application of grazing systems. However, wire fencing can fragment landscape connectivity, pose a risk to wildlife, is a major financial investment, and provides little to no flexibility to rapidly change pasture size, manipulate grazing distribution, or avoid areas of high use or sensitive habitat within a pasture (Holechek et al., 2011; Jakes et al., 2018). As a result, there are constraints on the use of permanent fences as a tool for managing riparian health, post-fire vegetation recovery, or improving livestock distribution. While electric fencing can be used to address some of these problems (Barnes and Howell, 2013), electric fencing can be hard to implement across large pastures and requires a significant time investment to setup and move. Virtual fence (VF) technology is an emerging precision livestock management tool used to address these limitations and increase management flexibility and adaptive capacity to respond to changing.
-
What is Virtual Fence? Basics of a Virtual Fencing SystemIn Arizona and other western states, ranchers and land managers rely on thousands of miles of permanent wire fencing to manage livestock on rangelands. Patented in 1874, this type of fencing has been widely used to control the timing and distribution of livestock grazing across the landscape (Ray and Schamel 1997). When combined with modern rangeland management principles, the use of wire fencing has led to improved rangeland condition in many places by aiding in the application of grazing systems (Holecheck et al. 2011). However, permanent fencing also results in significant management limitations. Wire fencing can fragment landscape connectivity, pose a risk to wildlife, and can be a major financial investment for ranchers and land management agencies to establish and maintain (Jakes et al. 2018). Additionally, permanent fences provide little to no flexibility to rapidly change pasture size, manipulate grazing distribution, or avoid areas of high use or sensitive habitat within a pasture. As a result, there are constraints on the use of permanent fences as a tool for managing riparian health, post-fire vegetation recovery, or improving livestock distribution. Precision livestock management technologies have emerged in recent years to address these limitations and increase management flexibility and adaptive capacity to respond to changing environmental conditions as part of a larger grazing management system that balances economic and ecological outcomes (Trotter 2010; di Virgilio et al. 2018; Lima et al. 2018). Virtual fencing is one such technology.
-
The Brown Dog Tick and Epidemic Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Arizona and northwestern MexicoThe brown dog tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus, has a worldwide distribution and is found throughout the United States (US) and Mexico. This tick is driving epidemics of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in Arizona and northwest Mexico. As the name suggests, the tick mainly takes blood meals from dogs, but it will also feed on humans and other mammals, and can carry serious disease causing pathogens. In the early 2000’s it was found to transmit Rickettsia rickettsii, (a gram-negative, intracellular, coccobacillus bacterium) that causes RMSF in Arizona. This was the first time this tick species has been associated with the disease in the US (Demma et al. 2005). Similar outbreaks occurred at the same time in Sonora and more recently in Baja California (Alvarez- Hernandez et al. 2017).
-
4-H Project Essentials - Livestock Feeding Glossary of TermsThis resource is intended to give 4-H leaders, youth, and families an overview of key terminology involved in the feeding of livestock.
