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
performance and soundness. Establish herd genetic goals and selection criteria for AI sires and new herd bulls. Southern Great Plains by David Lalman, Oklahoma State University, david.lalman@okstate.edu Spring-calving herds Years of research show that reproductive success is highly dependent on the plane of nutrition during the critical third trimester of pregnancy. Due to rapid fetal growth, energy and protein requirements are approximately 25% greater during late gestation compared to mid-gestation. The nutrition program should be adjusted accordingly. A 1,200-lb. Angus cow in good body condition requires a minimum of about 13 lb. of TDN and 2 lb. of protein per day during late gestation. Consequently, hay or other forages should contain a minimum of 54% TDN and 8% protein to meet requirements for maintenance prior to calving. If the forage does not meet these standards, then a complementary supplementation program should be employed. Prepare calving facilities and equipment. Purchase and organize calving supplies such as tags, navel dip, tattoo equipment and ink, calf scales, etc. Visit with your veterinarian to develop a written protocol before the calving season starts. This protocol should include what to do, when to do it, who to call (if someone besides your veterinarian is to be called), phone numbers, how to know when the veterinarian should be called, etc. The process of parturition (calving) is generally divided into three stages: @ Stage 1 is the dilation of the cervix and occurs 4 hours to 24 hours before the actual birth. @ Stage 2 is the delivery process and begins when the fetus enters the birth canal. The beginning of Stage 2 is usually identifiable when membranes or a water bag appears at the vulva. Published research indicates that Stage 2 averages about 30 minutes in mature cows and about one hour in first- calf heifers. Intervention should be considered (refer to your protocol) if there has been no progress in the birthing process after 30 minutes in mature cows or one hour in first-calf heifers. @ Stage 3 includes expulsion of the placenta and involution of the uterus. Check first-calf heifers several times daily for possible calving difficulties. Feed during evening hours to encourage daytime calving. Fall-calving herds Removal of bulls toward the end of January or early February is necessary to maintain a controlled breeding season of 60-70 days. If a creep-feeding program is desired, consider limit-feeding a high-protein (30%-40%) supplement as recommended in the Oklahoma Silver program. In this program, intake of protein supplement is limited by including 10%-12% salt in the creep feed and adjusting as necessary to target consumption of around 1 lb.-2 lb. per head per day. When available, small-grain winter pasture is an excellent creep-grazing resource for fall-born calves. A mineral supplement with elevated concentrations of calcium and magnesium should be provided to lactating cows grazing small-grain forage. General recommendations Distribute hay feeding as much as possible to minimize perennial grass stand damage and to evenly distribute nutrients from manure and wasted hay. Test soil to determine phosphorus, potassium and lime needs for spring legumes, such as lespedeza, sweet clover, red clover and white clover. Plan the financial management program for the year, including cash flow, deadlines for payment of interest and quarterly tax payments. z ANGUS ADVISOR 106 n ANGUSJournal n January 2015 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 105 OHIO Paul H. Hill 11503 State Rd. 554 • Bidwell, OH 45614 (740) 367-7021 • Fax (740) 367-7937 Jon Davis (740) 446-2127 Jay Stout (740) 367-7021 www.championhillangus.com • E-mail: champion@jbnets.net Burgett Angus Farm Keith, Phillip and Bryan Burgett 1246 Antigua Rd. SW Carrollton, Ohio 44615 (330) 627-5414 • Cell (330) 771-0482 Fax (330) 627-6314 burgettangusfarm@yahoo.com www.burgettangus.com Working Cows Certifed & Accredited Herd Negative for Johne's and Leukosis W k i C PINE HILL FARM experience counts HENRY BERGFELD Managing partner Three Oaks Farm 33009 Yellow Creek Road • Summitville, OH 43962 330.223.1872 • Fax 330.223.2215 E-mail: donahankb@yahoo.com JOHN BERGFELD Partner 38100 Jackson Road • Moreland Hills, OH 44022 Daytime 216.445.4836 • Home 440.247.7916 E-mail: bergfej@ccf.org donnahankb@hotmail.com Sykes Angus Farm Est. 1960 Bruce Sykes 9565 Judas Rd. • Williamsport, OH 43164 Home (740) 993-2789 Home of Riverbend Peerless 0016 and RB Gravity 3431 Private Treaty Sales Available