Early pregnancy detection with your herd is a tool that producers can use to increase profits. It is essential for a producer to know early if their replacement heifers or even cows are bred. Knowing this bit of information can save you a lot of money from wasting supplements for cows that are not producing.
While it may not seem like it, the cold nights of calving season will be here before you know it. Now is the time to start preparing for the arrival of the 2023 calf crop. September is a good month for pregnancy testing your cow herd. Finding out which cows are pregnant and which are not will keep you from feeding a cow all winter, only to find out she will not provide a calf.
When it comes to pregnancy detection tests, there are two categories: Direct and Indirect. Feeling or even seeing the pregnancy are considered direct methods. Using chemical markers such as blood tests fits the indirect category. As with anything, you should look at all the options and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Shrinkage is a genuine concern when it comes time to sell your calves. This concern is because it is a reduction in the sales weight, which means a reduction in the price that you will get. Of course, some price adjustments are standard in order to compensate for varying shrinkage and gut fill.
Prickly pear, as well as other cactus species, is a common problem in pastures. It is not an uncommon sight to have many cacti growing out in a pasture. They can interfere with the movement of livestock and cause serious health problems.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. There is a range of factors that can cause this disease. The common names usually used for this disease are pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations are often where this disease occurs. It occurs more often there because of the extreme stress that calves are put under from weaning and then being shipped.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, giving your cows their best chance going into winter is essential. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
Hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures are going to be getting cooler (somewhat), and the days are getting shorter. Fall is undoubtedly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to be thinking about what supplements to provide for your cattle.
Though the weather may not feel like it, temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here, the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most critical times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer, it comes with its problems.
A protein tub is an excellent way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture, you don’t need to check it every day. Not having to check it daily is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
