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.