ANGUS BEEF BULLETIN EXTRA

April 20, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 4

Health & Nutrition


Preweaning Nutrition

A Method for Selecting Replacements

Reproductive tract scoring allows cattlemen to judge whether females are ready for breeding.

Replacement heifers take a while to develop, so how do you know you’re choosing the right heifers to perform well in your herd? A management tool available to assist those making selection decisions on yearling heifers is reproductive tract scoring (RTS). RTS is a subjective measurement that involves rectal palpation of a heifer’s reproductive tract and assignment of a reproductive tract score ranging from 1 to 5. RTS can estimate pubertal status. Heifers with poor breeding potential can be removed from the breeding group before any further costs are incurred.

Five Tips for Spring Cover Crop Grazing

Keep these tips in mind to maximize the transition to grazing cover crops.

As fields start to green up from last fall’s cover crops, cattle producers can’t wait to get cows out of calving yards and onto fresh grass. Here are a few tips to remember when grazing cover crops.

Prevent BRD in Cow-calf Herds

Several strategies to keep cows and calves healthy.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is one of the most costly diseases for the beef industry, especially in feedlot cattle. It can also have an adverse effect in cow-calf operations. Ronald Tessman, Elanco cattle technical consultant, says the most important thing is to try to prevent respiratory disease rather than to treat it.



April 5, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 4

Preweaning Nutrition Crucial for Bull Fertility

Early nutrition determines whether the full genetic potential for testes development in young bulls is met.

The first few months of a bull’s life directly affect his future fertility, but often producers and researchers alike assume the cow is going to feed him adequately, says John Kastelic, professor of cattle reproductive health at the University of Calgary. However, the age of that dam comes into play into the quality of the nutrition she provides.

Planning for Spring Annual Forages

Planting tips for cool-season cereal grains.

It is time to be planning and thinking about any spring annual forages that might be planted. Part of the process may be anticipating a need for extra feed or booking seed early for possible discounts.

Cattle Health Starts With Nutrition

Purina’s Ron Scott shares ways to boost immunity.

To spend less time treating disease, more focus should go toward preventing it, says Ron Scott, director of technical services for Purina Animal Nutrition.

“Immunity is a lifelong event that starts at conception, basically. It takes a comprehensive approach,” he says.

For a calf to have the best chance at lifetime health, what happens in utero sets the stage.




Angus Proud

In this Angus Proud series, Editorial Intern Jessica Wesson provides insights into how producers across the country use Angus genetics in their respective environments.



Scott SproulAngus Proud: Scott Sproul

Oklahoma operation learned wisdom of moving calving season to better suit their marketing needs.


Bubba CrosbyAngus Proud: Bubba Crosby

Fall-calving Georgia herd uses quality and co-ops to market calves.


Jim MoreAngus Proud: Jim Moore

Arkansas operation retains ownership through feeding and values carcass data.

Les ShawAngus Proud: Les Shaw

South Dakota operation manages winter with preparation and bull selection.


Jeremy StevensAngus Proud: Jeremy Stevens

Nebraska operation is self-sufficient for feedstuffs despite sandy soil.


Dave RutanAngus Proud: Dave Rutan

Angus breeder gets the most out of his bull investment by partnering with opposite calving-season operation.