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MANAGEMENT...

0514mg-cow-disposition-552

Cow Disposition Affects Pregnancy Rate

The process of synchronization and AI is no longer an excuse
for nervous cattle.

Now we have another good excuse to cull cows due to bad temperament. Producers who routinely breed cows artificially realize that cows that are unruly and nervous are less likely to conceive to artificial insemination (AI). Presumably, the lowered conception rates were because they had been stressed as they passed through working facilities and were restrained while being synchronized and inseminated. Now it seems that, even in the serenity of a natural breeding pasture, cows with bad dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. Read more.


Detecting Heat

Know the visual signs of standing heat.

Standing heat is the six- to eight-hour time frame when a cow is entering her maximum opportunity for pregnancy. Since the average heat cycle for cows is between 18 to 24 days, each missed standing heat can be a costly mistake.


Know the common visual signs of standing heat to look for this spring. Read more.


Muddy Pens Decrease Gains

Extension feedlot specialist encourages producers to prepare for wet weather to help reduce the risks of muddy conditions.

Livestock producers may not be able to eliminate all the stress placed on herds by Mother Nature, but if they want to maximize animal performance they should make management decisions to minimize animal exposure to mud and provide protection from adverse weather conditions.


Chris Reinhardt, extension feedlot specialist for Kansas State University (K-State), understands that part of raising cattle is dealing with the weather and encourages livestock producers to take precautions that reduce stress from muddy pen conditions. Read more.


It’s Haymaking Season

Stage of maturity affects hay quality. Cut now.

Now is the optimal time for Kentucky forage producers to cut hay to ensure they get good quality and yield.

“The stage of maturity at which the hay is cut is the biggest factor that affects quality,” said Tom Keene, University of Kentucky (UK) hay marketing specialist with the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Read more.


Kris Ringwall
Kris Ringwall

Beef Talk

Producers should take a serious look at the reasons each calf died and figure out how to prevent death next time.

The end of May will be busy at the Dickinson Research Extension Center. The cows have been turned out on cool-season grass, and the yearlings need to be worked.


The yearling steers are vaccinated and have been turned out for summer grazing or sent to the feedlot. The center typically sends half the yearling steers to grass and the other half directly to the feedlot. Read more.


New Products

Industry affiliates provide a wide array of products and services to assist you on the farm and ranch. Here's an assortment of new products to hit the market recently.


Angus Advisor

Click here for June herd management tips from cattle experts across the nation. Advice separated by region.




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