 |
|
|
|||||
|
|
May 28, 2004 Calf AID Program Unveiled Beef producers in North Dakota will have an opportunity to be on the leading edge of technology advancements within the industry by participating in the Calf AID program, according to Kris Ringwall, Dickinson Research Extension Center director and North Dakota State University Extension livestock specialist. The Calf AID equipment and concept were officially unveiled May 24, to U. S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND). Dorgan viewed the First Responder Team in action on DREC land two miles from Dickinson and heard reports from Ringwall and members of the Calf AID team. “Calf AID is a collaborative effort between beef producers, scientists and research entities to identify calves, provide new wealth to producers and verify the quality of beef produced today in North Dakota and across this country,” Ringwall says. Joining the Dickinson Research Extension Center First Responder Team in the consortium are North Dakota State University, Dickinson State University, North Dakota Stockman’s Association, Hettinger Research Extension Center Discovery Team, North Dakota State Veterinarian and Vet Corps, North Dakota Livestock Marketing Organizations and North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement Association. Additionally, the Calf AID project will provide producers with options for management strategies. One of the outcomes can be a complete data analysis of livestock herd performance. The purpose of Calf AID is to implement the United States Animal Identification Plan (USAIP) procedures for electronic identification and agri-security programs in beef cattle operations. Other objectives are:
The Calf AID team has fully mobile corrals, chutes, scales and head gates to provide professional, top of the line assistance to beef producers who embrace the need for technological updates and need assistance handling their cattle. The North Dakota Vet Corps, which is made up of a group of 21 veterinarians from across the state, are committed to be part of the Calf AID team, according to Ringwall. The Vet Corps will be a resource for producers to assist them with the implementation of the Calf AID program. “The Calf AID program calls for the use of vaccines and other veterinary supplies,” Ringwall says. “It is important for producers to have one-on-one relationships with their veterinarians for the development of a herd health protocol and other beef production issues. We encourage producers to work through their local veterinarians on health and management issues.” In response to the interest in electronic cattle tracking within the industry, the Calf AID program will provide an electronic identification tag (EID) along with all the equipment, labor and handling facilities to process calves for a fee of $4 per cow/calf pair. In addition to providing electronic ID tags free of charge for calves, the Calf AID team will also provide other services such as recording weight, frame score, body condition score and administer preconditioning shots at weaning time. “The goal is to work 10,000 calves this year,” Ringwall says. Cows, yearling heifers, yearling steers and bulls can also receive the electronic ID, however, there will be a minimal charge for these tags. Other services are also available and can be coordinated with the producer’s veterinarian. Signup information is being developed and will soon be available, according to Ringwall. Producers who want to participate in the program can contact the DREC by phone at (701) 483-2045 or (701) 483-0028. To signup by e-mail, contact chaps@ndsuext.nodak.edu. ### Source: Kris
Ringwall, (701) 483-2427, kringwal@ndsuext.nodak.edu
|
Market Advisor: |
|
North Dakota State University |
