Weaning
Prepare calves for a dry weaning season
This year is shaping up to be dry, though it’s not known if we will have as severe of a drought as last year.
Some producers will need to early-wean calves in order to preserve as much forage as possible for cows. Others may be able to have a normal weaning time for their calves.
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Weaning fall-born calves (remember to plan for water needs)
Many cow/calf operations with fall-born calves will wean the calves in mid to late June. Weaning during very hot summer weather is stressful enough to the calves.
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Early weaning one tactic to cope with poor forage conditions
Early weaning is one tactic cattle producers might consider as their pastures begin to toast, said Shane Gadberry, associate professor-ruminant nutrition for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
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Late calving cows: Getting them back on track
To maintain an annual calving interval (≤ 365 days), conception must occur within 80 days of calving; however, the period of anestrus following calving is frequently greater than 60 days.
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Filling the gap to improve weaning weights
Without supplementation, cattle on grass are deficient of methionine, an amino acid. When methionine is lacking, growth and performance are limited – and cow-calf producers are missing profit potential.
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Winter cattle feeding that doesn't break the bank
Feeding cattle in the winter can be the single, largest expense for producers. University of Kentucky College of Agriculture beef specialist Roy Burris said this year will not be an exception.
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Improving on a common synchronization protocol for heifers
Estrous synchronization and artificial insemination have potential to increase genetic improvement, calf uniformity and improve calf weaning weight in beef cattle operations.
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Tips for 'road-weaned' and 'home-grown' calves
It’s weaning and shipping time for calves and it’s important to help your producers make the most of whatever type of calves they have.
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Preparing for fall and winter in the Kentucky beef cattle industry
Fall is a busy time for beef cattle producers. Most producers have cows that calve in the springtime and will be about the right age to wean pretty soon.
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Testing forages to determine a supplemental feeding program
This year more than ever, beef producers should have their forages tested for quality. As spring-borne calves are weaned those considering holding calves for a short feeding period, or backgrounding these calves, forage is likely going to comprise 50 percent or more of their diet.
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NDSU beef research report available
Cattle producers can replace some hay with a limited-intake distillers dried grain supplement without negatively affecting cow or calf performance, North Dakota State University have researchers found.
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- New school lunch beef recipes win approval from kids, foodservice
- Prices for corn and soybeans, five years from now
- Drier weather to give big boost to U.S. corn plantings
- The relationship between retail gasoline prices and futures prices
- Domestic ethanol production starts to grow again
- Agriculture is expected to remain strong in the coming decade
