Reproduction

Is bigger always better? Maybe you've heard, "The larger the calf, the larger the profit." One factor producers consider is milk EPDs to secure a higher weaning weight. It may seem the more milk a cow produces, the bigger her calf, thus a larger profit. However, whether this is true depends on several factors.

Bull sale season is here and many cattle producers are looking to fill gaps in their bull battery. While picking out the next herd sire is important, knowing what to do with a new herd sire is paramount to his success.

One of the beauties of the beef cattle industry is the diversity among production systems. Each differs slightly in regard to environment, breeding objective and targeted market.

Commercial cattlemen may be dropping the ball when it comes to utilizing genomic data within their operations.

The use of genetic selection tools by cattle breeders has resulted in significant changes within the majority of major breeds over the last 30 years. With only a few exceptions, the overwhelming genetic trend for milk and mature weight over that time has been for more.

Growth-promoting implants are the most cost-effective management practice available to cattle producers in all sectors of the industry. Implanted cattle typically have improved weight gains of 5, 15 and 20 percent in nursing calves, stocker cattle and feedlot cattle, respectively, with a typical cost of approximately $2 per head.