by Jaymelynn Farney, beef systems specialist, Parsons, KS
Throughout Kansas, there are areas of extreme drought and even in areas that show adequate moisture on the drought monitor, rain has been very “spotty” so some corn is beginning to look tough. Luckily, cattle are one potential option to salvage some value if the corn crop does not look like it will yield. Continue reading “Considerations for use of drought-stressed corn for cattle”
New Mexico and Texas will host beef cattle reproduction workshop in Ruidoso, N.M.; registration is open now.
Registration is open for the 2018 Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle symposium to be hosted at the Ruidoso Convention Center, Ruidoso, N.M., Aug. 29-30. More detailed program information and online registration is available at www.appliedreprostrategies.com.
By Sandy Johnson, extension beef specialist, Colby, KS
The recent Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Conference marked the organization’s 50th meeting, and this landmark provided a good opportunity for reflection. Over the years, BIF has sought industry cooperation in applying science to improve beef cattle genetics. When the first performance data was collected, a hot topic was if anything other than visual phenotypic selection was appropriate for the industry. While phenotypic evaluations for traits not easily measured are still part of selection, collection of data and development of EPDs have allowed the industry to make significant changes in animal performance. A key role that BIF has played is the standardization of performance records and procedures to do so. Continue reading “Tally Time – BIF meeting provides more evidence: you can’t manage what you don’t measure”
By Justin Waggoner, beef systems specialist, Garden City, KS
Under normal production circumstances calves are typically weaned at 180-220 days of age, however under circumstances where forage supply is limited or cow body condition is lacking weaning calves at 180 days of age or less may be one of the easiest ways to reduce cow nutrient requirements and improve cow body condition. Many cattle producers express concerns over the thought of weaning 350-450 lb calves during the heat of the summer and believe that early-weaned calves will not perform well in a dry lot environment. In a recent study (Bailey et al. 2013) conducted at the K-State Agriculture Research Center-Hays, 243 spring-born calves were weaned at 113 ± 17 days of age and were limit-fed a common diet to achieve target average daily gains of 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 lbs per day during an 84 day receiving period.
by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS; extension veterinarian
Early weaning of calves during a drought can have many benefits to the cow herd such as improved body condition of the cows, improved rebreeding rates, increased forage availability, and possibly improved calf performance. However, increased management is essential for the young calves, and several factors should be considered before this decision is made.
by A.J. Tarpoff, DVM, MS; extension veterinarian
Blue green algae blooms are an issue that usually gets discussed this time of year. Calm, sunny, dry, and hot days of summer create ideal conditions for blue green algae to thrive in our livestock ponds. Blue green algae occurrence is sporadic making its threat unpredictable. Despite its name, these blooms are not algae, but a cyanobacteria. Some of these cyanobacteria produce and release dangerous toxins that are of major concern for our livestock.
