Skip to main content
ARS Home » Plains Area » Bushland, Texas » Conservation and Production Research Laboratory » Livestock Nutrient Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #100353
Title: IS THERE A ROLE FOR NUTRITIONISTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT FOR FEEDYARDS?

Author
item Cole, Noel
item GREENE, L - TAES - AMARILLO

Submitted to: Proceeding of Plains Nutrition Council Symposium
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The effects of beef cattle feedyards on ground water, surface water, air quality, wildlife, and the general environment is a growing concern among many groups. The recently released USDA-EPA Draft Unified National Strategy for Animal Feeding Operations and new EPA air quality regulations on PM-10 and -2.5 particulates are just a few examples of that concern. Most High Plains feedyards have a good record of compliance with current environmental regulations. However, it is very probable that regulations will change and become even stricter in the future. Consulting nutritionists play an important and vital role to the cattle feeding industry. However, with new, ever stricter environmental regulations, the consulting nutritionist may need to play an important role in environmental compliance for feedyards in the future. Possible roles for the consultant include the following: 1) an information source for the public and cattle feeders, 2) certified specialist for writing of nutrient management plans, 3) adopting/adapting new technologies, and 4) balancing cost of gain and animal performance with environmental/waste management concerns. The consultant may benefit by serving as a private sector specialist in writing nutrient management plans. To continue to succeed, consultants will need to prepare for the inevitable changes that will occur in cattle feeding and become a part of the debate.