Hay sampling and forage testing for the beef cow herd
Getting hay harvested in a timely manner has been troublesome this year, resulting in an abundance of poor-quality forage.
Information about raising all types of beef in Wisconsin: production and business management, beef quality assurance, housing, well-being, nutrition, and reproduction.
Getting hay harvested in a timely manner has been troublesome this year, resulting in an abundance of poor-quality forage.
To optimize cow productivity, evaluating nutrient levels in winter feed for cows is necessary.
To help mitigate price risk, beef producers can consider using Livestock Risk Protection Insurance (LRP) to protect against unforeseen price drops.
Genomic testing can save beef producers time and money when deciding which heifers to retain within their herd. A comparison of two commercial heifers explains how to interpret genomic reports.
To assist with the task of determining what cattle feeders can pay for feeder calves UW-Madison Division of Extension has assembled a set of fall projections.
Seller reputation is often included in discussions on traits that influence feeder calf prices. Yet, historically it has not had a value assigned to it as many other traits have.
Reproductive diseases of concern for Wisconsin’s cow-calf herds include those caused by bacteria, protozoa, and viruses.
You should contact your veterinarian early on as symptoms present, especially for something you have a negative gut feeling about. The odds of successfully returning the animal to health are improved the earlier it is correctly diagnosed and treated.
For many producers, ‘preconditioning’ is synonymous with ‘vaccinating’; however, while vaccinations are important, they take a back seat to calves’ preconditioning nutrition. Separation anxiety at weaning causes the release of cortisol which suppresses the immune response and increases susceptibility to diseases.
Table of Contents Introduction The topic of raising one’s own replacement heifers or buying them has been discussed many times over the years. As fall gets closer and beef cow calf producers begin thinking about what they might do with the heifers, now is a good time to evaluate options. Both options have some pros […]