Calves
Certain weaning time scenarios could take advantage of increased calf feed efficiency while improving cow forage resources and body condition.
Reproduction is the most influential factor contributing to the profitability of a cow calf producer.
There are a number of techniques to increase the values of calves sold at weaning.
When it comes to the health of newborn calves, it all starts with the cow.
Branding season or pasture turnout is a natural time point that lends itself well to working calves and preparing them for the summer ahead.
The point and challenge is that beef producers need to have a plan. In other words, it is the process of slowly changing stocking rates to reflect the changing plant communities in response to changing moisture supplies.
Although calving season management is the primary concern for most spring-calving herds, that is only half the battle, explained Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist.
Achieving a 100 percent calf crop is very difficult, unless a farmer has only one cow. But a 100 percent calf crop is a great goal according to Eldon Cole, livestock specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
Extra weight on a set of feeder calves can translate into more net dollars in the seller’s pocket.
The price slide between feeder cattle of various weights are setting extreme records this year
Veterinarians seek ways to reduce the incidence of the disease claiming 16% of calves on the ranch
Buyers seek calves that are weaned and processed, and they avoid cattle deemed “high risk”
Although calving season management is the primary concern for most spring-calving herds, and rightfully so, that is only half the battle.
Calves exposed to persistently infected bovine viral diarrhea (BVD-PI) animals are at greater risk for BRD as well
Calving season will soon be in full swing in many beef herds, and with that comes a list of challenges to manage.
Basically, a cow will calf when she and her calf decide the time is right.
Most beef cattle producers understand the importance of keeping cattle healthy.
Advanced planning with your veterinarian can make the future of your calves and cow herd look even brighter.
The cost of implementing adequate biosecurity measures and associated vaccination protocols is minimal, compared with the cost of even losing one calf, let alone a cow or bull.
It’s been talked about for 60 years. It’s better for animals, preferred by most cattle feeders and could provide a 169% return on investment.
Calf scours, the common term for neonatal calf diarrhea, is one of the primary health problems in baby calves.
Cattle market prices down from 2014, but still historically high.
Being prepared is a good way to help ensure the calving season goes smoothly.
It is never too early to start developing a marketing plan for the current calf crop and the next anticipated calf crop.
Less-than-normal rainfall means slower-growing fescue and some operations will be feeding hay longer this spring – a time when grass grazing is critical for spring-calving cows.
Having a plan and preparing ahead of time for the calving season can help to minimize calf loss, increasing the percent calf crop at weaning.
Even though calves may have been on a backgrounding program for several months, it doesn’t mean they are safe from subsequent health issues later on in the feeding period.
A calving book is a book that allows producers to write down the tag number they put in the calf to record the date of birth as close as possible.
When warmer temperatures set in and winter starts to melt away, cattle producers across the country will be keeping one eye on the pasture and one eye on their next biggest investment—their calves.