[ New Research ] [ Deer ] [ Goats ] [ Elk ] [ PHYGROW ] [ National NRCS Survey ]

This study was conducted to assess the managerial and economic impact of 1) the use of Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict dietary quality in free-ranging herbivores and 2) the use of the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (NUTBAL), a computerized decision support system, to assess the nutritional status of herbivores. The study was conducted in a two-phase mail survey. Surveys were sent to 350 ranches in 31states at the beginning of the study (April 1997) to obtain general ranch and herd attributes and to acquire information on the familiarity with NIRS/NUTBAL. The response rate for the first survey was 57%. The 200 respondents were then surveyed at the end of the study (December 1998) to assess the economic impacts and practical implications gained from using this system. The response rate for the second survey was 79%. Of these, 67 % operated a cow/calf operation, 5% stocker/feeder, 20% cow/calf and stocker/feeder and 8% were ewe/lamb, nanny/kid and dairy operators. It was noted that the average ranch size was approximately 7772 acres. The majority (74%) of the ranchers were unfamiliar with NIRS/NUTBAL technology, 22% had only heard of the technique, and 4% were previously active users. NIRS/NUTBAL was perceived as being a valuable management tool by ranchers participating in the program for more than one year more so than for those ranchers participating for less than one year (P<0.05). Ranchers who "always" or "frequently" received recommendations from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) client representatives (client rep) believed that NIRS/NUTBAL is a valuable management tool compared to those who "infrequently" or "never" received recommendations from the client reps (p=0.004). In addition, they were more likely (p=0.0002) to continue to use the technology upon completion of the study. Thirty-five percent of respondents who reported a decrease in feed costs, recorded an average decrease of 15.5%, varying from a 3 to100% reduction, while not reducing weaning or conception rates. Thirty-four percent of respondents who were cow/calf producers reported an average increase in total added dollar of $26.50 per cow exposed due to, reduced feed costs, an increase in conception rates, and an increase in weaning weights. Sixteen percent of respondents who were cow/calf producers reported an average increase in sellable beef of 19 lbs. per cow exposed due to an increase in weaning weights and conception rates.

Send mail to  ganlab@cnrit.tamu.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: October 14, 2001