“Alternative methods of improving cow-efficiency in times of stress” is the theme of the first annual Dr. Kenneth and Caroline McDonald Eng Foundation Research Symposium this fall. Set for noon to noon, Sept. 12-13, at the Johnny Carson Center on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) campus, the program includes updates on cow-calf efficiency research performed in the past year at the UNL, Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Oklahoma State University (OSU).

The research is underwritten by a $2-million endowment by the Eng Foundation to the three universities, with the stipulation that updates be provided to the public in an annual symposium. Eng says the foundation’s goal is to improve the long-term economic sustainability of the cow-calf sector of the U.S. beef industry through development and adoption of technologies to reduce costs of feed inputs by 25%, while maintaining productivity and beef product quality.

"I’m doing this to remember Caroline and our mutual love for the land and cattle, and the people who work in it," Eng says. Prior to her accidental death in June 2010, Caroline served as chief financial officer of Eng Ranches, the Engs’ land, cattle, research and consulting operations.

Pre-registration for the meeting is $100, or $125 at the door. You can learn more by contacting the Dr. Kenneth & Caroline McDonald Eng Foundation at 210-865-8376 (Kenneth Eng), or 575-743-6331 (Annie Powell), or email [email protected]. Send registration fees to: Dr. Kenneth & Caroline McDonald Eng Foundation, P.O. Box 272, Winston, NM 87943

Sept. 12

1-1:15 p.m. – Introduction by Larry L. Berger (UNL), H. Russell Cross (TAMU), Clint Rusk (OSU) and Kenneth Eng.

1:15-1:45 p.m. – 15 years of hands-on experience with confined cow production – Kenneth Eng

UNL Segment – Larry Berger, moderator

1:45-2:15 p.m. – Nutrition of confined cows – Karla Jenkins

2:15-2:45 p.m. – Reproduction and early weaning of confined cows – Rick Rasby

2:45-3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15-3:45 p.m. – Health and management of confined cows and calves – David Smith

3:45-4:15 p.m. – Economics of confining cows and calves – Terry Klopfenstein

4:15 p.m. – Questions and answers – Larry Berger

5-7 p.m. – Open house

Sept. 13

TAMU segment – Russell Cross, moderator

8-8:45 a.m. – Defining value and requirements in cow rations: What is a calorie worth – Jason Sawyer

8:45- 9:30 a.m. – Variation in RFI and feed efficiency of growing heifers and cows and implications for intensified cow-calf production – Gordon Carstens

9:30-10 a.m. – Break

OSU segment – Clint Rusk, moderator

10-11 a.m. – Feeder design for minimizing roughage loss, ammoniation to improve roughage value, and ionophores for confined cow production

11-11:40 a.m. – The nutritionist and veterinarian role – Bill Dicke, Dave McClellan and Dee Griffin

11:40 a.m.-noon – Questions & answers, and wrap up – Kenneth Eng

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