Extension & Outreach

Does proper nutrition at the very beginnings of a calf’s life have a significant impact as the animal grows up? The answer to that question could mean tens of millions of dollars to cattle producers across the country who suffer losses of $600 million annually due to poor calf health at feedlots.

A team of researchers and Cooperative Extension Service experts at New Mexico State University is embarking on a four-year, $397,505 project to pin down the impact of improved calf nutrition even before the animal is born and when it is very young, and to relay the findings to stakeholders across the Southwest.

Clint Löest, an associate professor in NMSU’s Department of Animal and Range Sciences, said the findings of an earlier research project gave scientists the idea that proactive steps in the early stages of a calf’s life can lead to improved performance at the feedlot.

"We’re already done some previous research to validate our theories," Löest said. That research showed similarities with the concept that proper prenatal care for humans can result in far fewer health challenges later in life. "We think the same could be the case in beef cattle."

The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service’s National Research Initiative. In addition to the involvement of both research and Extension faculty from NMSU, the project will involve collaborators from the University of Arizona and Texas A&M University. Also participating will be an advisory committee made up of members of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Feeder Committee.