MANAGEMENT...
Calving Condition
For years, a body condition scoring system has been recommended for visually evaluating the relative fatness or body composition of cows. And, for years, evidence from multiple research studies suggested a body condition score (BCS) 5 as optimal. However, New Mexico State University (NMSU) research provides cause to question this blanket recommendation. Read more.
Cull or be Culled
High feed and fuel prices combined with weather-related forage shortages and a questionable market for beef down the road are all making the “C”option more attractive. But before you load those animals and haul them to the sale barn, you’d better have a plan. Otherwise, you might be leaving money on the table. Read more.
Matching Milk Production
and Cow Size to Resources
Cow weight is probably easier to wrap your mind around than milk production, but research has shown that cows with the genetic propensity to milk heavily require more nutrients year-round, not just when they are milking. Read more.
Kris Ringwall
Beef Talk
Do you know when your cows will calve next spring?
Instead of reactionary decisions, reproductive patterns and cow production are monitored and utilized as part of a management plan. Read more.
Manure Value at Historic Levels
Manure from livestock producers, both large and small, has historically been viewed as a liability because of time needed to scrape, load, haul and spread. However, this is no longer the case. In fact, with the dramatic shift in fertilizer prices for nitrogen and phosphorus, the value of manure has never been higher, and it has never been more economical to use as fertilizer. Read more.
Distillers’ Grains in Cow-Calf Production Systems
The ethanol industry in the United States — and especially Iowa — has increased dramatically, resulting in the production of millions of tons of distillers’ grains coproducts each year. For every one bushel of corn processed, there is a yield of about 2.8 gallons (gal.) of ethanol and 17 to 18 pounds (lb.) of distillers’ grains on a dry basis. Although one cannot be certain of future markets, it appears that large quantities of distillers’ grains will be available to the livestock industry for years to come. Type of ration, storage challenges and nutrient values all play a role in how it is utilized. Read more.
Ron Torell
Back to Basics
Mineral: A necessary input cost
The primary production question crossing my desk this fall deals with areas where input costs can be cut without economically sacrificing production. Many cattlepersons are considering cutting out the complete mineral package from their beef cow management program. “Grandpa got by feeding just plain white salt, so why shouldn’t we go back to that? We have to cut somewhere.” Think again. Read more.
The Effects of Cold Stress on Cattle
When temperatures begin to drop into the single digits, farmers should stop to think about the effect that severe cold weather will have on herd health. The bovine can be very tolerant of cold temperatures. The cow that has a good winter hair coat, adequate body condition, and readily available feed and water can withstand cold extremes that would be fatal to a human. However, even if the cow temporarily withstands these extremes she will pay a price. The price can range from loss of body condition to death from hypothermia. Read more.
Angus Advisor
Click here for December herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.