PROGRAMS:

Computer Software for Animal Management
A number of software packages have been developed and are available from the Department of Animal Science at UC-Davis. Besides the ones described on the software packages page, more detailed software for rangeland planning, cattle growth and lactation, cow culling are available for software developers or researchers.

Back In The Black
Beef cattle prices tumbled over 30 % in 1995 creating severe economic and financial hardships for many ranchers. "Back In The Black" is a two part course that helps ranchers assess the economic health of their business and determine the profitability of management decisions.

1. In session one a facilitator guides ranchers through a workbook as they assess the condition of a hypothetical, but typical, California ranch. Production and financial records or projections are utilized along with estimates of opportunity costs fo r land and capital. Important parameters analyzed include gross margin per production unit and overhead or indirect costs. At the conclusion of the session participants evaluate the economic consequences of several management options for this business.
2. In the second part of the course participants enter their ranch data into an EXCEL 5.0 template with multiple input, report, and analysis sheets An option for easily changing any input data is included in one summary income and expense sheet, allow ing rapid evaluation of changing management options on profitability.

California Beef Quality Assurance Program
The consuming public demands that their perceptions of quality and food safety be met. The fortunes of the beef industry are tied to satisfying their perceptions. Producing safe, high-quality beef efficiently begins on the ranch with the birth of each calf. Those procedures that we employ as we manage that calf, and the cowherd in general, all have potential for ensuring wholesome beef. The members of the California Cattlemen's Association (CCA) have implem ented a Beef Feedlot Quality Certification Program (QCP) and a Beef Cow-Calf Quality Assurance Program (QAP) to establish the highest quality and safety standards for beef production; to improve the quality and marketing for California beef; and to educate California producers to meet the above o bjectives. The program meets the special needs of the California consumer and the California cattle industry, based on California data.

Feedlot Program
The California Cattlemen's Association Feeder Council (CCA/FC) and the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) has successfully implemented a Feedlot QCP to express an industry-wide commitment to q uality beef production. Animal Health and Feed Handling training have been developed. The first covers general food safety principles, cattle handling procedures, injections, implanting, sanitation and disinfection procedures, drug or antibiotics use, records and inventory. Feed Handling sessi ons focus on feed additives including ionophore use, and inventory and monitoring programs. It covers feedstuffs, including storage, contamination and sampling procedures. Both programs include lecture, demonstration, and hands-on instruction. Coopera tive extension personnel have led training sessions for feedlots, and have set up a committee to continually review animal health record keeping and pesticide monitoring procedures. The CCA/FC QCP Review Commit tee meets annually and directs the program. UC Cooperative Extension has also completed two videos, both in English and Spanish, for continuing education. Monitoring the success of the program and feedlot practices is ongoing. The five-year feedlot monitoring research project is complete, and compliance with requirements of the program is high. Over 90% of feedlot cattle in California are on a quality assurance program.

Cow-Calf Program
The goals of the Cow-Calf QAP program require education of cow-calf producers and their employees. A four-hour curriculum was developed by UCCE and has been delivered locally by county associations, county Livestock Advisors and veterinarians to over 4, 000 people. Materials include an Instructor's Notebook, training videos, and Producer Handbooks. The training shows the relevance and need of such a program, the considerations of consumers, the need to avoid residues, and the opportunity to become a m ore successful producer in a more efficient industry. After this, the program continues in two areas--carcass quality concerns (needle marks, residue concerns, and genetics) and preventive health and herd management programs (veterinarian relationships , year-round management schedule, drug administration, and record keeping). Local associations have generated funds necessary for their training programs, including the cost of training materials through registration fees.

To be part of the QAP, cattle producers must agree to a list of requirements, which are flexible and may change. First, the owner or manager of the Cow-Calf unit must attend QAP training, and sign an agreement for the ranch. An animal health program is developed, including a list of protocols and vaccinations. Keeping dated treatment records and checking withdrawal times before sale of animals is required. QAP record forms for animal health protocols and individual animal treatment identification ha ve been developed and their use is encouraged. These records may be made available to purchasers of all animals from QAP ranches. With enthusiasm generated from the initial training program, and upon recommendation of the CCA Cow-Calf QAP Task Force, continuing education in four areas is being developed. Two curriculums-Advanced Animal He alth (Vaccine and Antibiotic Use) and Genet ics & Value-Based Marketing, have been developed. Advanced Animal Health uses veterinarians and a computer assisted presentation. The Genetics program requires use of live cattle and carcasses; it has been presented at state universities (Chico, Fresn o, San Luis Obispo) and at UC-Davis. The other two areas identified for curriculum development is HACCP and Animal Handling/Welfare. Funds generated from the initial training programs are held by CCA and avail able for this work.