Having the right replacement heifers is important for the long-term profitability of any ranch. It is necessary to be able to rotate the breeding stock out to improve the overall genetic gene pool. Also, cows will get to a point where they will be too old to breed anymore and no longer be profitable. When this happens you will need to have new stock ready to take their place.
When it comes to having replacement heifers there are 2 ways you can go: buy or raise them. Most producers tend to raise their own but buying them can also be an option. When it comes to deciding which to go with, like with any options, it is important to weigh the pros and cons to determine which is best for your situation.
Selecting the most economical source for your replacement heifers is of vital importance for you. There is no point in going with an option that will only cost you more money in the long run. Here are some things that you can look at when deciding on either to buy or raise:
Knowing when to assist with calving can be a very tricky matter. It requires a delicate balance between not acting too quickly and not reacting too late. Finding this balance can require a lot of experience and maybe a little bit of luck.
A feed tag is a very informative but often overlooked item on a commercially produced feed. Other than looking at the Crude protein or maybe the energy content not many people really look at them. With some of the confusing numbers and such listed on them, it is understandable how that can happen.
Well here we are. at the beginning of a new year. And with this new trip around the sun brings both optimism for what the future can hold. As well as potential challenges. While I will mention the optimism it is also important to plan ahead for any speedbumps that may be coming to us.
BRD, or bovine respiratory disease, is a general term for respiratory disease in cattle. A range of factors can cause this disease. The common names normally used for this disease is pneumonia or shipping fever. Stocker and feedlot operations is often where this disease occurs.
With fall and cooler weather right around the corner it is important to giver 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 already in September. which means that summer is over. The temperatures are getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. This is certainly a time of year where a lot of transitioning will be going on.
Though the weather may not feel like it, still in the high 90s here, but 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.
Many producers out there unknowingly sabotage their mineral program by providing sulfur salt blocks to their cattle in the pasture. The general way of thinking in providing this is that it is for the purpose for external parasite control. The trouble with this is that although applied externally has shown to do this somewhat. As far as I have been able to find there is no proof that ingesting it does this.
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 a benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without it’s problems.
