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Beef Tips

Author: Jessica Jensen

March 2023: Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., KSU Extension Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City, KS

“Focus on Feedlots: Cattle Performance in 2022”

The K-State Focus on Feedlots is a monthly publication that summarizes feedlot performance and closeout data from cooperating commercial cattle feeding operations in Kansas. Each year I summarize the data from the monthly reports, in an effort to document annual trends in fed cattle performance and cost of gain. The tables below summarizes the average performance and closeout data reported for steers and heifers in 2022.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

March 2023: Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., KSU Extension Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City, KS

“Agriculture and OSHA”

Agriculture is a high-risk industry, where “near misses,” accidents and even fatalities unfortunately occur. Many agriculture employers believe they are exempt from OSHA regulations and standards. However, agriculture does fall within the scope of OSHA per the “General Duty Clause” (Section 5.a.1., OSHA 1910), which states that “Each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” K-State will be hosting an OSHA-30 hour course for agriculture workers this spring. I would highly encourage anyone who is not familiar with OSHA and your role and responsibilities as an employer or supervisor to take an OSHA course. For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

Management Considerations for April 2023

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

  • Evaluate BCS and adjust nutrition for spring-calving females going into breeding.
    • Ensure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition.
    • Females in a BCS ≥ 6.0 should not be losing condition.
    • Record cow BCS and use it as a guide for future management.
    • Start lactation rations after first calving cycle.
  • Pregnancy check fall calving cows and make culling decisions.
    • How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
    • Do we need to re-think our fall/winter nutrition program?
  • Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.
    • Measure your cows’ intake and adjust it as needed.
    • If using fly control products, start them at recommended times for your area.
    • Properly store bagged mineral and avoid damaging bags and pallets.
  • Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing the following:
    • wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass, and other cool-season forages
  • Use the estrus synchronization planner from KSUBeef.org to help plan synchronization protocols.
  • Schedule breeding soundness examinations on bulls well prior to turnout.
    • Allow yourself plenty of time to find a replacement bull if needed.

Calf Management

  • Review health protocols for spring-born calves and schedule processing activities.
  • If not already completed, wean and market fall-born calves.
  • Consider the economic return by implanting nursing calves and grass cattle.
  • If not already done, schedule your breeding protocols for replacement heifers in advance of the breeding season.
    • If synchronizing with MGA, make sure intake is consistent at 0.5 mg of melengestrol acetate per hd per day for 14 days, and remove for 19 days prior to administering prostaglandin.

General Management

  • Use the Management Minder tool on KSUBeef.org to plan key management activities for your cowherd for the rest of the year.
  • Evaluate forage production potential, particularly on pastures that were drought stressed in 2022, and adjust turn-out dates as needed.
  • Consider your storage method for any leftover hay and feed and look for opportunities to minimize shrink during extended storage.
  • Good sanitation around winter feeding and bedding areas helps reduce stable fly populations.
  • Take a balanced, multi-tool approach to fly/insect control.
  • Wrap up any last minute pasture management projects before spring turn-out:
    • Finish repairing fences.
    • Conduct burns, work to control trees and brush.
    • Ensure sufficient water is available when cattle are turned out.

February 2023: Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Feedyard Receiving Protocols”

Receiving cattle management and the process of adapting cattle to grain-based finishing diets are important components of managing feedlot cattle that can ultimately impact cattle performance for the duration of the finishing period. What does a typical industry receiving protocol look like and how do commercial cattle feeders transition cattle to a finishing diet. A survey of consulting nutritionists conducted by Samuelson et al., (2016), summarized responses from 24 consulting nutritionists (servicing more than 14,000,000 head annually) and reported that 66% of the feed yards they service allow cattle to rest 12 to 24 hours prior to initial processing, and approximately 30% allow cattle to rest more than 24 hours. The majority of the consulting nutritionist (64%) suggest that cattle be provided access to hay for 4 days after arrival. Approximately 56% of the nutritionists surveyed used multiple step -up diets with an average forage concentration of 40.7% roughage. On average 4 transition diets were used with diets being fed for 6 days before moving to the next diet. Thus cattle on average are transitioned to the finishing diet within 24 days of feeding the first step-up diet. Alternatively, approximately 40% of the nutritionists utilize a 2-ration blending program to adapt cattle (effectively a starter and finisher diet). Those that used a 2-ration program recommended 38% roughage in the starter ration and cattle adapted to the finishing diet within approximately 27 days.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

February 2023: Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Winter Safety”

January and February are historically some of the coldest months of the year in Kansas and often bring extreme weather conditions that can be challenging for agricultural workers that work in the elements. Falls, slips, and trips continue to be one of the leading causes of workplace injuries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) and although falls and slips can occur anytime, extra precautions are required during the winter months. Hypothermia is real, especially for those that work outside for extended periods. Safety experts suggest that clothing be worn in layers to retain body heat. However, how and what type of layers those clothes are made of is important. At least 3 layers is recommended, cotton or other breathable synthetic fiber should be the first or base layer. Wool or down is suggested for the middle layer, and the third or outer layer should be composed of material that will block the wind such as the nylon outer shell found on many ski-jackets.

Portable heaters are often used as heat sources in many shops and barns. Portable heaters are one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning and structural fires. If heaters are used in confined spaces, always remember that ventilation is required to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, the areas where heaters are used should be checked for combustible materials and heaters should never be left unattended.

The U. S. Department of labor, OSHA website offers other tips and resources for working outside in the winter and may be accessed at https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/preparedness.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

Management Considerations for March 2023

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

  • Start post‐calving nutrition programs for spring‐calving females.
    • Begin lactation rations once first calving cycle is complete.
    • Make sure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition going into breeding.
  • Pregnancy check and wean fall‐calving cows if not already done.
  • Evaluate your mineral program for the coming spring and summer seasons.
    • What was your average consumption last year?
    • Do you need to make changes this year to achieve targeted consumption?
  • Consider magnesium supplementation levels, particularly for lactating cows grazing wheat, rye, or triticale in the spring.
  • If synchronizing females for breeding, schedule your protocols now well in advance of the breeding season and mark your calendars.
    • Use the estrus synchronization planner available to you.
    • Inventory your A.I. supplies and check your semen tanks.
  • Evaluate herd bulls for BCS and adjust as needed prior to breeding.
    • Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
    • Schedule breeding soundness examinations with your veterinarian.

Calf Management

  • Market your fall‐born calves if not already done.
  • Schedule your spring calf working activities and visit with your veterinarian to discuss your calf health protocols.
  • Monitor growth and pubertal development of replacement heifers.
    • Heifers should be having active estrous cycles prior to breeding.

General Management

  • Make sure you complete your spring calving records!
    • Don’t forget late‐calving females as you focus on other spring projects.
  • Rethink your turn‐out dates if pastures were stressed from drought last year.
    • Plan/adjust your feeding dates accordingly.
  • Take inventory of any feed/forage that will be left over from winter.
  • Cover piles or close bags if silage is left over and won’t be fed until fall.
  • Clean up any soiled bedding or unused/wasted feed to reduce the breeding and development of stable flies as the weather warms up.
  • Finish pasture management projects started last year:
    • Repair or replace fences as needed.
    • Burn if conditions allow, cut and pile trees, particularly Cedar trees!
    • Clean and repair tanks and equipment as needed so watering sources are working properly when cattle are turned out to pasture.
  • If making bull selection decisions:
    • Review your herd performance relative to your marketing and genetic goals.
    • Study EPDs impacting your marketing and genetic goals and do your homework well before sale day.

We need your input! If you have any suggestions or comments on News from KSU Animal Sciences, please let us know by e‐mail to katiesmith@ksu.edu

January 2023: Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Body Condition Scoring: A Herd Management Tool”

Body condition Scoring is one of the most valuable management tools at the disposal of the cattle manager. This one number gives us a direct indication of an individual cow’s previous plane of nutrition and future reproductive capability. Although the individual body condition scores are important, we don’t necessarily manage individual cows, we manage groups of cows. Thus, it is important for us to look beyond the individual scores and look at the distribution of body condition scores within the herd. If we have a herd (Herd 1) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially characterized by the classic bell curve, with a few thin cows (3’s), the bulk of cows in the middle (4’s and 5’s) and few over‐conditioned cows (7’s) everything is good. Alternatively, we could have a herd (Herd 2) with an average body condition score of 5 that is essentially the result of a few thin cows (3’s) and some over conditioned cows (6’s and 7’s). Body conditioning scoring also has more value when it is done on the same group of cows at multiple times during the production year. If Herd 2 was scored at calving and had been previously scored at weaning and had an essentially normal distribution (similar to Herd 1). We need to ask ourselves what happened. Did we change anything? Although these examples are somewhat extreme, they illustrate that we have to look beyond the individual body condition scores of cows at one point during the production year to get the most of body condition scoring.

We have several resources on body condition scoring available on the web that may be accessed at https://www.asi.k‐state.edu/research‐and‐extension/beef/feedandwater.html including the quick reference guide to body condition scoring shown below.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

January 2023: Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“What’s Your Why?”

The New Year is a great time for reflection. Have you ever given any thought to what your organization, farm, feedlot, or operation is really about? Do you have a mission statement, a set of core values that you believe your organization or operation embodies? Previously, I used to think that mission statements and core value statements were idealistic and a waste of thought. However, my attitude has changed. These statements provide the organization with a foundation, a clear objective that serves to guide the organization as it makes decisions that move the organization forward into the future. Regardless of the size of the enterprise, putting some thought into what an organization or business is really about has value. These statements do not have to be long or dramatic. I recently visited family livestock operation in which the sign on the front lawn (along a major highway) simply said “Our Family Feeding Yours.” This simple statement tells everyone that drives by that this is a family operation that is foremost engaged in the process of sustaining not only themselves but others. Why do we, do what we do?

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR FEBRUARY 2023

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist

Cow Herd Management

  • Target BCS at calving for spring‐calving cows:
    • 5 for mature cows
    • 6 for young females
  • Be ready to start your post‐calving nutrition program for spring‐calving cows.
  • Evaluate fall‐calving cows for BCS:
    • Adjust nutrition program as needed relative to weaning date
  • If conditions allow, keep grazing crop residues and dormant pastures but be prepared to move cattle or provide supplemental feed.
  • Increase energy content 1% for every degree F below the lower critical temperature (LCT).
  • Put down bedding, remove snow, ensure cattle have access to wind protection.
  • Supply adequate water volume and space in freezing conditions.
  • Don’t forget about your herd bulls!
    • Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use
    • Keep young and mature bulls separate if possible and provide plenty of space to prevent injury
    • Spread sufficient fresh bedding to help avoid testicular frostbite

Calf Management

  • Do you have a plan for weaning and marketing fall‐born calves?
    • Evaluate your feed resources and cost of gain relative to the value of gain
    • Talk to prospective buyers in advance of selling
  • Evaluate calf health protocols, both spring‐ and fall‐born calves.
  • Monitor growth and pubertal development of replacement heifers.

General Management

  • For spring‐calving herds this calving season:
    • How are you going to record your calving data?
    • What information are you going to record?
  • Take inventory of supplies and clean equipment prior to spring calving.
  • If making bull selection decisions:
    • Review your herd performance relative to your marketing and genetic goals.
    • Study EPDs impacting your marketing and genetic goals and do your homework well before sale day.

December 2022: Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Mental Health Misconceptions and the Holidays”

Life is busy and during the Holidays, life becomes even busier. Decorations, holiday shopping, parties, school programs, traveling to spend time with family etc. the list of events and items on the “to do” list or calendar can become exceptionally long. Yes, the holidays can be busy, and it is commonly believed that the holidays are associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. However, contrary to popular belief numerous studies have found no direct link between the holidays, depression, and suicide rates. The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that suicide rates are actually lowest in the months of November, December, January, and typically highest from April to August. Health experts attribute the lower suicide rates to the increase in emotional support from co‐workers, friends, and family during the holidays. This data also highlights the value of emotional support in mental health and suicide prevention during the rest of the year. For more information on the impact of the holidays on mental health and suicide, please see https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/holiday.html. In addition, Kansas State University Research and Extension has a number of resources available on stress management and suicide prevention at https://www.ksre.k‐state.edu/health/stress‐management/resources.html.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.