Shrinkage is a very real concern when it comes time to sell your calves. This is because it is a reduction in the sales weight, which means a reduction in the price that you will get. Of course, some adjustments in price are common in order to compensate for varying shrinkage and gut fill.
The thing is that some shrinkage is to be expected but too high of levels can indicate a problem. Abnormal levels of shrink can often be used as a health indicator for calves. Places like receiving facilities at stocker operations, grow yards, and feedlots use this to determine which calves may need more care.
Experienced buyers and sellers in the cattle market are well aware of this trend. They use this knowledge to make adjustments so cattle are priced accordingly. In order to get fair prices for your cattle, it is a good idea to know the factors that go into shrinkage.
Prickly pear as well as with other species of cactus is a common problem in pastures. It is not an uncommon sight to have many cacti growing out in a pasture. They can interfere with the movement of livestock and cause serious health problems.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for any respiratory disease in cattle. There is a range of factors that can cause this disease. The common names normally used for this disease are pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations are often where this disease occurs. This is because of the extreme stress that calves are put under from weaning and then being shipped.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, it is important to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
Hard to believe that we are almost to September. which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures are going to be getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. This is certainly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to be thinking about what supplements to provide for your cattle.
Though the weather may not feel like it, still in the high 90s here, the fall season is upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a new need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most important times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with a nice large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without its problems.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Drought can be a very devastating thing to deal with. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make it. All in all, drought can make things seem pretty bleak while going through it.
