 |
||||
|
||||
|
|
||||
Three companies deeply rooted in the beef industry - Merial, Allflex USA and AgInfoLink USA -- announced the formation of the Beef Results Network, which uses individual animal management technology to help the beef industry measure productivity and quality. As a result, beef producers will have more factual data at their disposal to make informed production decisions and to improve profitability. "What makes this network unique is its ability to provide a feedback loop of measurable results on individual animals to easily transfer confidential information to selected partners," says Todd Prescott, associate director, marketing, Merial. "The beef industry needs information technology to measure results and make informed decisions." Participating producers will use the Beef Results Network to maintain a data continuum on individual animals, starting at birth and continuing throughout their lives, and concluding at the packing plant. At each stage of production, information such as genetic history, weight history, rate of gain and carcass quality can be captured for future reference. "The network will offer producers a convenient way to incorporate individual animal man- agement into their operations and separate good, profitable cattle from poorer performers," says Glenn Fischer, vice president, Allflex USA. "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it." For example, the network allows producers to sort and cull cattle based on their individual performance, standardize herd health programs and measure net profit or loss on individual animals. By culling poor-performing animals, producers can improve their bottom-line. The Beef Results Network is to provide an information bridge between the producers and the packers. The beef industry must go beyond the conventional wisdom that good-looking cattle are profitable, and instead use factual data to make informed decisions. "For years, the beef industry has been discussing the need to get all stakeholders, including producers, feedlots and packers, to focus on creating the best quality beef for the consumer," Armentrout continues. "As suppliers to and as partners with the beef supply chain, Merial, Allflex and AgInfoLink recognize that we're all in the food business, and we must help identify and eliminate substandard quality beef." |
||||
|
|
||||
|
|
||||
|
All information is copywrited by Feed Lot magazine and cannot be printed or re-printed
without the publishers express consent. Please contact
Feed Lot Magazine for reprint and copy authorization.
|
||||