BQA Program Resources
Below, you will find various resources that are available
1999 Market Cow & Bull Quality Audit
The results of the 1999 Market Cow & Bull Quality Audit show that quality changes in market cattle are slow. The 1999 results show that market cattle beef is not much better and not much worse - than in 1994. The audit is a follow-up to the 1994 Non-Fed Beef Quality Audit.
Researchers found that defects in live cows and bulls and their carcasses resulted in a value loss of $68.82/ head in 1999. That's slightly less than 1994's $69.90.
To overcome these problems and to promote value in market cows and bulls, researchers concluded that producers should manage their cowherds to minimize quality shortcomings and defects; monitor the health and condition of market cows and bulls; and market them in a timely manner.
Click here to order the 1999 Market Cow & Bull Quality Audit Report
Shot Up and Shot Down
You’d think it impossible to mistake cattle for wildlife, fence posts and road signs. Yet, a growing number of beef carcasses are turning up with buckshot and birdshot, too often detected after carcasses have already been fabricated and sent on to one meat manufacturer or another. It’s a safe bet part of the buckshot and birdshot problem originates with frustrated, ignorant or downright depraved hunters who inadvertently or intentionally end up shooting range cattle. That’s one reason shot is found more often in cows and bulls. The more exposure they have—the longer they’re alive—the better the odds they have of getting shot. The bottom line is that both national and state Beef Quality Assurance programs, in conjunction with federal monitoring continue to make U.S. beef the safest and highest quality in the world. With that said, the beef industry must apply the same basic principles of beef quality assurance and bio-security to eliminate the birdshot/buckshot.
Click here to order the Shot Up and Shot Down brochure.
Johne’s Disease – Should You Be Concerned?
Imagine a thief sneaking into your herd and subtly robbing economic returns for years before you even suspect a problem. That’s how Johne’s Disease (pronounced yo-nees) works. This bacterial infection disease can wreak havoc on the performance of individual cow herds, increase the liability of anyone selling breeding stock, and could jeopardize consumer confidence in the entire beef industry.
Click here to order the Johne's Disease Brochure.
Bovine Leukosis Virus
BLV is a retrovirus infection in beef cattle that evades the natural protection of an animal’s immune system. This untreatable disease can be transferred from mother to calf through the placenta, from biting insects or contaminated management tools such as needles. While this disease cannot be spread to humans, it can cause consumers to question the safety of the beef they consume.
Click here to order the BLV Brochure.
Other Resources Available