Research and Extension activities in livestock production

Livestock projects at the Carrington Research Extension Center are designed to be of direct benefit to the beef, bison, and aquaculture producers throughout the state and region. The research and educational efforts in these diverse program areas are accomplished in response to present needs and visionary concepts of future meat production. This publication provides results and information on activities accomplished during the recent past.
Welcome Scott Birchall, Extension Livestock Waste Specialist. Scott will be working closely with individual producers to develop environmentally sound waste management plans that meet state regulations. Also welcome to Shawn Sanders, Aquaculture Research Specialist. Shawn is working on nutritional studies using North Dakota feedstuffs for tilapia. We also welcome Steve Metzger, Farm Business Management Instructor, who moved his office into the Research Extension Center from Carrington High School. Steve works with many individual producers to analyze enterprises, including livestock, as part of the business analysis of the whole farm.

Areas of livestock effort
Beef cow/calf production with alternative management systems and non-traditional feeds shows tremendous potential to add value to cropping system biomass, spread the risk of single enterprise farming, and contribute to sustainable farming both biologically and economically. As a cow/calf state, combining feeds and cows with proper management is central the this Center's effort. Similarly, value added concepts in beef feeding have been proven to be feasible when management and economies of scale are optimized. The tremendous variety and quantity of feedgrains and processing co-products in the region generally insure competitive feedstuff pricing for North Dakota stockmen but requires careful procurement of feedstuffs and management of the cattle.
The bison industry is flourishing and deserves legitimate research effort. Producer input to the North Dakota legislature in 1997 resulted in an appropriation for initiation of a bison research facility. Grants supplement the appropriated funds for construction. The bison research program will focus on nutrition of bulls from weaning to market and companion studies will be conducted at opportunity.
Waste management is becoming increasingly visible and restrictive for all livestock producers. All of us are interested in protecting the surface and ground water resources and reducing point source pollution. This new grant funded program will provide a methodical approach for producers to meet regulatory constraints using practical solutions.
Fish consumption is increasing rapidly in the US. Reduced wild ocean catches suggest fish farming will be increasing. North Dakota has many of the basic requirements for successful indoor recirculating aquaculture; good quality water, abundant high protein feedstuffs, heat in the form of coal, and innovative and adaptive farmers. The aquaculture research program will contribute substantially to the body of knowledge on efficient fish production.

We hope the information in this publication is useful to you and leads to improved quality of life or "success" as a grower of food for an increasing world population. If you have questions or comments, please call one of us at (701) 652-2951.

Shawn Sanders, B.S.
Aquaculture Research Specialist

Scott Birchall, M.S.
Extension Waste Mgmt. Specialist

Karl Hoppe, Ph.D
Extension Livestock Specialist

Vern Anderson, Ph.D.
Animal Scientist

Acknowledgments
Our appreciation is expressed to the following for cooperation, contributions, and support of beef and bison studies at the Carrington Research Extension Center during the recent past.

• AgGrow Oils LLC
• AGP Grain, Inc.
• Alltech, Inc
• Butts Feedlot
• Carrington School District
• Certified Angus Beef Program
• Dakota Growers Pasta Company
• Dexter Johnson Consulting
• H. C. Davis Sons, Manufacturing
• IBP, Inc.
• National Bison Association
• North American Bison Cooperative
• North Dakota Buffalo Association
• North Dakota Barley Council
• North Dakota Agricultural Products Utilization Commission
• North Dakota Army National Guard
• North Dakota Livestock Endowment
• North Dakota Mill and Elevator
• North Dakota State University:
• Animal and Range Sciences Department
• Agriculture and Bioengineering Department
• Agricultural Economics Department
• Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences Department
• Northeast Bison Association
• Northern Crops Institute
• Northwest Bison Association
• Powder River Livestock Handling Equipment
• United States Department of Agriculture
• Alternative Crops Program
• Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program
• Wolsky Construction

Trade names and companies used are for clear communication. No endorsement is intended nor criticism implied of products not mentioned.