ABSTRACT Forage-based beef producers in the Western United States are faced with numerous challenges to remain sustainable and profitable. Several technologies are available to assist ranchers, but the American public must be convinced that ranchers are sound stewards of public and private lands. New coalitions to resolve environmental conflicts have been formed over the last 10 yr that seem to have helped educate the public that proper grazing management is a sustainable practice. Methods are available to help ranchers economically evaluate enterprises and aid producers in deciding which technologies to adopt. New developments in fencing, water development and placement, and supplement placement should improve cattle distribution in large pastures. The use of complementary forages remains one of the most profitable technologies available. Swath grazing technologies are being tested to decrease feeding costs. Developments in plant genetics offer a variety of applications to beef producers that could improve animal performance. In the future, molecular technologies involving transgenic organisms may offer the opportunity to produce “designer” forages, ruminal microbes, and animals, but such applications have yet to be tested. Adoption of technologies that improve environmental quality and enhance profits for forage-based beef cattle producers will influence their sustainability.
Implications
Forage-based beef cattle producers in the Western United States face two large challenges in the future. First, they must demonstrate that their production methods are compatible with the desires of the American public, especially when public land grazing is involved, and second, they must remain economically viable in times of increased competition. A number of technologies that are simple and relatively inexpensive are currently available to help meet these challenges. Advances in electric fencing, water development and supplement placement offer practical solutions to improve distribution problems. The use of complementary forages has proven to be one of the most profitable improvement practices for livestock producers in the Western US. Other technologies such as genetic modification of plant and ruminal microbial species are not currently available, but they may substantially change the way livestock producers operate in the future.
Key Words: Beef Production, Forages, Genetic Selection, Rumen Microorganisms, Transgenic Plants
© 2003, by the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved.
J. Anim. Sci. 2003. 81(E. Suppl. 1):E18-E26
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