Reproduction

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.

“There’s an app for that.” There’s an app for just about everything these days. There’s even a compass app for smartphones. Hopefully, if you’re ever that lost, you’ll have enough bars for the thing to work.

Several viral and bacterial diseases affect reproduction, interfering with the cow’s ability to carry a calf to term. It’s best to try to prevent these diseases by making sure cows and bulls have adequate immunity before breeding season.

Beef producers are keenly aware of the amount of time, effort, labor and resources it takes to keep a cow herd fed. Feed represents the largest portion of a beef cattle operation’s operating expenses.

According to a 2016 University of Idaho Extension cow-calf budget (500-cow herd), the annual operating expenses per cow are approximately $505.