The Angus Journal is a monthly magazine known for in-depth coverage of American Angus Association programs and services; the Angus business; herd management techniques; and advertising reflecting genetics herd philosophies.
Issue link: http://angusjournal.epubxp.com/i/435083
@ Continue to manage first-calf heifers separately; give them the best forage. Thin, mature cows could be added to this group. @ Feed lower-quality hay to dry cows, saving the best hay for calving season. @ Continue to feed high-selenium trace- mineral salt. A forage/hay analysis can reveal what other minerals should be supplemented. @ Postcalving, nutrient requirements will increase; be prepared to supplement forages based on their nutrient content. @ Be mindful that harsh environmental conditions (cold, wind, ice, mud) will increase nutrient needs. Herd health @ Ensure colostrum intake in the first few hours of life in newborn calves. Supplement if necessary. Newborn calves need 10% of body weight in colostrum in the first 24 hours of life. @ Provide selenium and vitamin A and D injections to newborn calves. @ Castrate commercial calves at birth. @ Monitor calves closely for scours and pneumonia; have treatment supplies on hand. Genetics @ Make plans for spring bull-buying season. Evaluate current herd bulls for progeny performance and soundness. Establish herd genetic goals, and selection criteria for AI sires and new herd bulls. @ Schedule ultrasound technician, and collect yearling performance data (weight, height, scrotal, ultrasound) in seedstock herds. Fall-calving herds (September- November) General @ Calving records should be complete and up to date. @ Monitor calves for scours. @ Continue breeding season. Nutrition and forages @ As the breeding season continues, remember that maintaining or gaining weight has a major impact on pregnancy rate. As available forage becomes scarcer and of lower quality, be prepared to supplement as needed. @ Offer high-magnesium mineral. Generally, fall-calving cows are not as predisposed to grass tetany. As cows transition from grazing to hay or silage, hi-magnesium minerals can be discontinued. @ Use strip-grazing as a tool to increase the efficiency of utilization of cool-season pastures by cows postcalving. @ Be mindful that harsh environmental conditions (cold, wind, ice, mud) will increase nutrient needs of all cattle. Herd health @ Monitor calves closely for health issues, particularly scours and respiratory disease. @ Consult with veterinarian concerning vaccination protocol for calf crop. @ Evaluate lice-control program and consult your veterinarian for recommendations. Reproduction @ Remove bulls from replacement heifers after 45-day breeding season. @ Make plans to pregnancy-check heifers as soon as possible after bull removal. This will allow options in marketing open heifers. @ Manage bulls properly during the breeding season. Observe frequently to confirm breeding activity and soundness, and monitor cows for repeat estrus. Avoid commingling mature and young bulls, as older bulls will be dominant. As a rule of thumb, yearling bulls should be exposed to number of cows equal to their age in months (i.e., 18-month-old bull with 18 cows). Genetics @ Make plans for spring bull-buying season. Evaluate current herd bulls for progeny January 2015 n ANGUSJournal n 105 CONTINUED ON PAGE 106 J a n u a r y 2 0 1 5 n A N G U S J o u r n a l n 1 0 5 343-310th Ave. Gilman, IA 50106 George • (641) 236-3833 Randy • (641) 990-9911 nokotagenetics@aol.com Graham Angus W Beeders I W Beeders Evergreen Stock Farm (Since 1900) Walt & Caleb Wilkinson • Marshalltown, IA 50158 641-753-5088 • Cell 641-485-4698 Producing Two-year-old Bulls and the Original Evergreen Females that stand the test of time! 30436 335th St. • Coon Rapids, IA 50058 Kent Musfeldt 712-210-1170 • Kyle Musfeldt 712-210-6222 Home 712-684-2409 • kmcattle@iowatelecom.net www.kmcattle.com Visit www.kmcattle.com to view "Better Business Bulls" at Stud: KM Broken Bow 002, KM Roughage Buster 93, KM Obligation 259. Quality Females For Sale Century Awarded Herd K & J Angus Keith Moser 2154 160th St Larchwood, IA 51241 (605) 231-1482 cell (712) 478-4052 home kjmoser@alliancecom.net Quality Angus Cattle – Performance with Style Embryos and Foundation Females for sale on farm Bull Sale – 1st Friday in March