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Optimizing Weaned Calf Value
Cow-calf producers with calves to market in the fall should use the summer months to develop a plan. Specifically, are the calves going to be sold at weaning or are they going to be kept until a later date to make additional income?
Late-gestation heifer nutrition does not affect dystocia
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, 28 percent of all calf deaths before weaning are due to birth-related problems. Therefore, managing females to calve with minimal difficulty is extremely important.
Artificial insemination increases profits
Estrus synchronization and timed artificial insemination are an economically viable alternative to owning a bull if the producer has multiple bulls.
EPDs benefit terminal production systems
Surprisingly, I still find that many producers do not use expected progeny differences (EPDs) as a primary selection tool for their bull.
Replacement cow traits affect producer success
Many producers who reduced cow numbers in the recent drought years are considering adding females to their herds again. At current replacement female prices, we have to do everything possible to enable the cows to cover their initial cost over time and to set them up for success.
Integrity Beef preconditioning creates financial advantage
The Integrity Beef Alliance is a Noble Research Institute-sponsored, cow/calf program that standardizes management decisions and supports value-added production practices. Producers in this program are already committed to retaining ownership of calves through a 45-day preconditioning program.
How to Compare EPDs Across Breeds
Commercial cow-calf producers can use across-breed expected progeny differences (AB-EPDs) to compare bulls of different breeds and select the right one for their goals.
Guidelines for Culling Cows
For most cattle producers, culling cows is not an easy task. However, some culling needs to be done each year to maintain optimal productivity.
Economic calculations determine acceptable cow price
Since recent droughts have caused a lack of available forage in many areas, the incentive to retain heifers and purchase cows has been very low. Cattle inventory has declined to levels not seen since the 1930s and 1940s, and the value of heifer calves has risen to all-time record highs.
DNA Technology for the Commercial Cow-Calf Producer
DNA testing has become an economically viable tool that should be used when making selection decisions for commercial cattle producers.