06/03/2009 09:55AM
Many bulls have been placed with spring-calving cows in Virginia in the last few days or weeks. How successful these bulls are in getting cows pregnant will determine to a large extent the profitability of these cow-calf operations. Beef producers will do well to invest some time to increase
08/21/2008 02:03PM
Cow Calf: The Importance Of The Breeding Soundness Exam
Cattle producers should seriously consider getting a breeding soundness exam (BSE). Before you jump to conclusions, let me explain! The examination is conducted on bulls prior to the breeding season to assess their reliability and capability
04/21/2008 08:35AM
STILLWATER, Okla. – Using bulls as yearlings is an excellent way to get an additional year of use from bulls, reducing the per-cow bull depreciation cost.
Kent Barnes, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service area livestock specialist, said there are several management tips that cattle producers can
04/17/2008 08:33AM
In the 2007 National Market Cow and Bull Beef Quality Audit, cattle surveyed were trucked an average of nine hours and 409 miles. Less than one percent of the audited cattle traveled more than 28 hours. Compared to previous audits, cattle that were injured and could not walk were virtually eliminated
02/28/2008 09:21AM
With the steady increase in input costs for cow-calf operations, beef producers will look to save money and cut costs in multiple fashions. One area often targeted for cost-cutting measures is money spent on bulls. Often producers focus on the initial cost of a sire, and realize “sticker
12/11/2007 12:26PM
Identify Herd Goals- Herd goals serve as the foundation for sire selection and provide guidance as to traits with the most economic importance. Defining the production and marketing system, along with management strategies and environment are key factors that warrant consideration:Will the bull
10/23/2007 09:56AM
Different cow-calf operations have different goals and different resources. Yet bull selection goals for any cow-calf herd should target an acceptable combination of traits that complement the strengths and weaknesses of the cow herd and match target markets. When selecting a bull, consider the needs
10/05/2007 10:14AM
No matter what the source, knowledgeable bull procurement requires prior planning. Stay informed of upcoming sale dates, times, and locations by monitoring industry publications and websites. Make sure that catalog and mailing list addition requests are made in a timely manner. Take time to scan through
05/25/2007 08:36AM
Maintaining a 60 to 75 day breeding and calving season can be one of the most important management tools for cow calf producers. A uniform, heavier, and more valuable calf crop is one key reason for keeping the breeding season short. Plus, more efficient cow supplementation and cow herd health