Reproduction

Three months into the new year, you’ve likely outlined improvement goals for your operation. Depending on the overarching operational goals, the focus could range anywhere from improving pasture utilization to decreasing death loss on high-risk calves.

Choosing whether to buy bred heifers or breed your own replacements requires an honest assessment of your time, resources and energy to put into the work.

Taking a DNA sample at the time of performing a breeding soundness exam is now recommended to add information about the bull’s breeding value.

It is generally accepted that adequate supervision at calving has a significant impact on reducing calf mortality. Adequate supervision has been of increasing importance with the higher price of live calves at sale time.

As we move into the new year, it will be worthwhile to spend a little time planning and preparing for the upcoming calving season. Excellent animal husbandry, deliberate preparation and common sense can go a long way to promote a successful calving season.

Cow-calf producers can say so long to their paper calving book.

With the selection of calving apps on the market, producers can choose which one works best for their operation.