The use of sexed semen in the dairy industry has grown rapidly. However, high costs and low fertility have limited the use of this potentially valuable tool. This study used simulation to evaluate 160,000 combinations of key variables in 3 spheres of influence related to profit feasibility: (1) market (e.g., milk and calf prices), (2) dairy farm management (e.g., conception rates), and (3) technology (e.g., accuracy of sexing). These influential variables were used to determine the most favorable circumstances in which managers or technicians can effect change. Three distinct scenarios were created to model 3 initiatives that a producer might take with sexed semen: (1) using sexed semen on heifers, (2) using sexed semen on heifers and a fraction of the genetically superior cows, and (3) using sexed semen on heifers and a fraction of the genetically superior cows, and breeding all other cows with beef semen. Due to the large number of management, market, and technology combinations, a response surface and interpretive graphs were created to map the scope of influence for the key variables. Technology variables such as the added cost of sexed semen had relatively little effect on profitability, defined as net present value gain per cow, whereas management variables such as conception rate had a significant effect. Milk price had relatively little effect within each scenario, but was important across scenarios. Profitability was very sensitive to the price of dairy heifer calves, relative to beef and dairy bull calves. Scenarios 1 and 2 added about $50 to $75 per cow in net present value, which ranged from $0 to $200 and from $100 to $300, respectively. Scenario 3 usually was not profitable, primarily because fewer excess dairy replacement heifers were available for sale. Dairy heifer price proved to be the most influential variable, regardless of scenario.

The goals of this study were to define the current methods for training entry-level workers on Colorado dairies, to measure the relationship of training methods to the incidence of work-related injuries on those operations, and to characterize the nature and cause of injuries reported by participating workers. Seventy-two workers from 15 dairies from Weld, Morgan, Larimer and Yuma counties volunteered to be interviewed privately in the language of their choice. Training methods were classified by content (task training versus safety training), method of delivery (on-the-job verbal instruction, on-the-job demonstration, on-the-job supervision, classroom- based, and / or reading materials); and instructor (supervisor and/or co-worker). The majority (84.7%) of interviewed workers were Mexican-born, Spanish-speaking males. Most workers reported the training to be a combination of verbal instruction, demonstration and supervision. Twenty-nine of 72 (40.3%) of all participants suffered at least one work-related injury in the 12 months prior to the interview. Entry-level safety training had no protective effect (P = 0.463) on the reported incidence of injury in dairy workers in the previous year. However, workers that received task-related training were four times less likely to suffer a work-related injury (P = 0.008). Training conducted by a co-worker also had a significant protective effect against work-related injuries (P = 0.028). Dairy workers identified direct contact with livestock or machinery as the main cause for work-related injuries, and most injuries occurred while medicating sick cows and milking.

The frequency of injection-site lesions in muscles from top sirloins and rounds in fed cattle carcasses is well documented; this study characterizes the frequency and severity of lesions in muscles from rounds of beef and dairy cow carcasses. Audits were conducted in 1998, 1999, and 2000 on 3190 rounds from cow carcasses. Outside round muscles were cut into 1.25-cm slices to characterize lesions. In 1998, 31% of beef rounds and 60% of dairy rounds had an injection-site lesion. Frequency of lesions in beef rounds significantly declined 5 percentage points between 1998 and 1999 and 6 percentage points between 1999 and 2000. The frequency of lesions in dairy rounds significantly declined 9 percentage points between 1998 and 1999 and 16 percentage points between 1999 and 2000. Frequencies of injection-site lesions in muscles of beef rounds were significantly lower than those in muscles of dairy rounds in all 3 yr. Injection-site lesions were most common between the hooks and pins of the hindquarter of beef cattle and between the pins and hocks of the hindquarter of dairy cattle. Clear lesions and woody calluses exceeded 89% and occurred more frequently than did other kinds of lesions in muscles of beef and dairy rounds in 1998, 1999, and 2000 audits. Of all injection-site lesions, between 3 and 5% were cystic in muscles of beef rounds, similar to the 2 to 4% of cystic lesions found in muscles of dairy rounds. Although yearly data indicate trends in declining frequencies of injection-site lesions, the need remains for educational programs and continued improvements in beef quality assurance practices among both beef and dairy producers.

No abstract

To respond to meat safety and quality issues in dairy market cattle, a collaborative project team for 7 western states was established to develop educational resources providing a consistent meat safety and quality message to dairy producers, farm advisors, and veterinarians. The team produced an educational website and CD-ROM course that included videos, narrated slide sets, and on-farm tools. The objectives of this course were: 1) to help producers and their advisors understand market cattle food safety and quality issues, 2) help maintain markets for these cows, and 3) help producers identify ways to improve the quality of dairy cattle going to slaughter. DairyBeef. Maximizing Quality & Profits consists of 6 sections, including 4 core segments. Successful completion of quizzes following each core segment is required for participants to receive a certificate of completion. A formative evaluation of the program revealed the necessity for minor content and technological changes with the web-based course. All evaluators considered the materials relevant to dairy producers. After editing, course availability was enabled in February, 2003. Between February and May, 2003, 21 individuals received certificates of completion.