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Use of Computers in Beef Cattle Research, Extension and Teaching Programs¹

Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853

Abstract

Microcomputers will increase in use and importance and will take over some of the functions previously performed with large computers. Their low cost and increasing capability make it possible for their direct use in the laboratory, animal facilities, classroom and office of the extension specialist, industry representative and livestock producer. Computers on farms will allow more efficient use of resources. They allow easy use of complex prediction and evaluation models, making it possible to evaluate many more variables and alternatives. Individual producers will be able to modify programs to fit their unique resources and conditions, allowing them to set management priorities and to develop the best management systems for their unique conditions. Good software will be developed. However, it must be carefully tested before widespread distribution, and good user's manuals must be developed before software can readily be used by the typical farmer. Research may become more sharply focused on high priority problems, because the use of computer models will facilitate estimation of the individual effects and importance of various researchable problems. The use of microcomputers in the classroom increases student understanding of the relative importance of various management factors and how to use the microcomputer to evaluate them. As students now being exposed move into industry and farm management positions or become farm owner-operators, the use of microcomputers on farms will be accelerated. Model development can be very time consuming but must be carefully done before widespread model use. Most scientists should not be modelers or programmers. Their time is better spent identifying research priorities to provide information needed for models and developing needed research, extension and teaching programs. If programming is needed, Competent programmers are available on most campuses. All faculty should become familiar with how to use microcomputers and how their capabilities can be utilized in their own program.

¹ Invited paper presented in the Extension Symposium, "Use of Computers in the Livestock Industry," 1981 Annu. Meet, of the Amer. Soc. of Anim. Sci., North Carolina State Univ., Raleigh.