Very few heifers bred late or what would be deemed the third heat cycle, meaning most that did not breed AI were bred in the second heat cycle by clean up bulls. This was a marked improvement over previous years on a different mineral program, and supported our theory going into the demonstration that with better nutrition post AI breeding, we could perhaps achieve better embryonic survival once heifers went to grass and better clean up breeding thereafter.
A supplement strategy for post breeding: Part 1
Wow, time flies! March 21st was the official first day of spring, or was it? I live in Nebraska and my least favorite season of the year is spring; not because of all the new beginnings or starts, but because of Mother Nature’s Biopolar personality this time of year. I read a Facebook post this morning from a Sandhills Ranch woman whose family I worked for in my youth. She commented on how the temperature the morning of March 21st was in the single digits, highs in two days would be in the mid 70’s and then a snowstorm was predicted the following day. This is what I don’t like about spring; you never know what you’re going to get.
The draws are starting to green up
As I drive to and from work this week, I have begun to see a green tint in the road ditches and in the draws of pastures. Here in western South Dakota, we have already had a number of days in the 50’s and 60’s and even a few over 70 degrees. While we can sure use more moisture, there is enough in the ground to start some cool season grasses. Several long range forecasts have predicted that the upper plains should see a good deal of moisture in March. Either way, grass tetany season is about to start…
5 questions about VFDs and beef production
Cattle feeding will be changing in 2017. Starting Jan 1, 2017, all livestock producers will need a veterinary feed directive (VFD) in order to utilize antibiotics in the feed. Trying to wade through all the regulations can be a nightmare, so I’ve pulled out 5 things you need to know to be ready for 2017.
40,000 cows - 4 days - 5 CRYSTALYX feeder meetings
We realize there are many information sources that livestock producers can seek out and are honored that many producers find CRYSTALYX® activities as a reliable and trusted source for information.
What does biodegradable or ACE have to do with beef cow supplements?
We have always been aware that whether it is more of a confined feeding situation or pasture type environment, respecting the landscape and surrounding resources where cattle are raised is important for future sustainability.
Magnesium and the rumen: What you need to know to prevent grass tetany
El Niño weather patterns have created perfect conditions for grass tetany in many parts of the country. As a result many have already started high magnesium supplementation in the Southeast to help reduce risk. We all know to feed magnesium to our cattle to help prevent tetany but have you ever wondered why it works? Or why some cattle are more susceptible than others? This blog will cover some of the basics of tetany and what factors make cattle most susceptible.
Self-fed supplement intake variation
Building off of Jon Albro’s blog from last week, I too had some interesting observations from the NCBA Cattleman’s College. One Researcher provided some information on the intake variation of self-fed, as well as hand-fed supplements. Most notably it was stated that the percent of non-consumers of hand-fed supplements was probably around 5%.
Winter supplementation in a spring calving herd
Winter supplementation in a spring calving herd; If you’re supplementing now, you’re applying a lot of research.
Snow as a winter grazing water source
When you live in the northern US and Canada, this time of year means cold temperatures and snow. They go hand in hand with iced over and frozen waterers. This can lead some to look at the snow covered range and wonder if the snow can be used as a water source.
