A New Way to Predict Grazing Cattle Weight Gain on Rangelands From Satellite Imagery

Dec 20, 2021

By Maribel Alonso

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed a unique approach to using satellite imagery to predict cattle weight gain on rangelands. By fusing multiple images over a period of time, scientists were able to monitor how forage quality changes over space and time in rangelands within the shortgrass steppe, and how this relates to the weight gain of free-ranging cattle throughout the summer grazing season.

Managing the grazing season in rangelands can be challenging due to high variability in temperature and rainfall over time. From a manager’s perspective, it is essential to know when and where forage production and quality are changing to optimize free-range livestock weight gain and meet other environmental objectives. This is not just about chasing forage quantity (total amount of vegetation biomass); it is also about looking for the highest-quality forage throughout the season.

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Video: Post-Weaning E. coli Control - Dr. Rodrigo Paiva

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Rodrigo Paiva, DVM and PhD candidate at Iowa State University, explains how post weaning colibacillosis has changed in recent years and why pathogenic Escherichia coli has become more important in swine production. He discusses virulence factors, diagnosis, whole genome sequencing, biosecurity, and practical strategies to reduce disease risk while improving herd health. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Pathogenic E. coli now behaves like a robust, well-equipped truck carrying multiple tools for post-weaning disease."

Meet the guest: Dr. Rodrigo Paiva / rodrigo-paiva-09364355 is a veterinarian and PhD candidate at Iowa State University specializing in swine health, veterinary epidemiology, and post weaning colibacillosis. After several years working in commercial swine production in Brazil, his research has focused on understanding pathogenic Escherichia coli and improving disease prevention in modern production systems. Listen to Dr. Rodrigo Paiva on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.