Reproduction Practices to Increase Success
Tips for improving conception and pregnancy rates in cattle.
One key to reproductive success: Manage cows with pregnancy in mind months ahead of breeding, then continue to manage them for months after. In a 2021 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle presentation, veterinarian Lee Jones and researchers George Perry and Ky Pohler addressed the factors — before, during and after the breeding season — that ultimately determine reproductive success in the beef herd.
Association Perspective
Fertility opportunities.
When it comes to reproduction, so many factors can be challenges, but also opportunities if a person views them through the right lens. As we know, nutrition can play a major role in the success of a breeding season, and that right level of nutrition can be obtained multiple ways. Depending on your calving season(s), you will be able to use Mother Nature’s bounties in different ways.
What Can You Do After a Weather Disaster?
USDA urges communities, farmers, ranchers to be prepared for severe weather.
The USDA reminds those in the path of severe weather this spring to take steps now to keep their food safe, and for farmers and ranchers to take proactive steps to protect their livestock. Along with green grass and colorful flowers, spring weather can bring with it damaging winds, severe rain, flooding, hail and tornadoes.
April 5, 2022 | Vol. 15 : No. 4
Transitioning Bulls From Feeding to Breeding
Give bulls the appropriate transition before it’s go time.
A bull’s first breeding season is quite an adjustment. Many bulls are raised in different environments than in what they’ll be expected to perform. After weaning they are confined and fed concentrate feeds. Some have gone through bull test programs to measure rate of gain and feed efficiency, and they may be overly fat. Most stockmen know overly fat is unhealthy for a bull, but still tend to buy the biggest, best-looking animals. Many breeders keep overfeeding young bulls because it’s harder to sell a bull that wasn’t pushed for faster gain.
Maintaining Weight in Times of High Nutritional Demand
Experts offer ways to keep lactating cows in good body condition.
As people move through life stages, often their nutritional needs change depending on shifts in metabolism and activity levels. In a similar way, beef cattle that have just calved and are in lactation have a high nutritional demand on their bodies. On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, experts at Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute said these animals’ overall body condition needs to be managed accordingly.
News & Notes
Industry tidbits from around the country.
USDA expands Cooperative Interstate Shipment Program for meat processors in Montana
The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and the State of Montana have finalized a Cooperative Interstate Shipment agreement, which provides an opportunity for selected state-inspected meat and poultry processors to ship their products across state lines. Under the CIS agreement, the State of Montana may inspect meat products produced in selected establishments for shipment throughout the United States.
