Using artificial insemination in very warm weather

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1 Dewey County OSU Extension Center Box 188, Taloga, Ok or 5375 May 2017 Using artificial insemination in very warm weather Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Emeritus Extension Animal Scientist As the breeding season for spring calving herds is getting closer, understanding heat stress in cattle takes on increased importance. Producers that choose to synchronize and then artificially inseminate replacement heifers or adult cows will begin the process very soon. If the hot weather arrives during the AI breeding season, some management and breeding alterations may be helpful. For years, producers that bred artificially upon detected standing estrus (heat), would wait 12 hours before breeding the female in heat. If she was first observed in standing heat in the morning she would be inseminated that evening. If she was first observed in standing heat in the evening she would be inseminated the following morning. (This was called the AM/PM rule of artificial insemination.) More extensive research with dairy cattle has indicated that there is no significant advantage to the AM/PM rule. Similar pregnancy rates have resulted from inseminating in the morning only compared to following the AM/ PM rule (Nebel et al., J. Dairy Sci. 77: ). Plus new research at Oklahoma State University on the internal temperature of heat stressed cattle adds even more concern about handling and inseminating cattle in the evening. Research with rumen temperature boluses has shown that the core body temperature of beef cows peaks at 2 to 5 hours after the highest daytime temperature (Pye, Boehmer, and Wettemann ASAS Midwest Abstracts Page 104; Abstract 285). On a hot spring/ summer day the highest daytime temperature is often late afternoon. Therefore the peak body temperature of cattle will occur at 6 PM to 11 PM. Elevated core body temperatures have been implicated from other research in reduced pregnancy rates in heat stressed cattle. This data is especially important for producers in the Southern Plains. Inseminating all cattle in the morning hours would avoid the heat stress of evening breeding. Some would be bred at first standing heat, others would be bred at the conventional 12 hours after standing heat. If timed AI is the method of choice, cattle working (especially the actual insemination) should be scheduled for the morning hours. Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

2 China and global beef markets Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist In the fall of 2016, the Chinese government indicated a willingness to open China to U.S. beef. Although talks have been ongoing, no agreement has been reached on protocols for U.S. beef to move into the Chinese market. The Trump administration recently reaffirmed that talks will continue under the new U.S. administration. There is no indication of when such access might be realized or what conditions or restrictions will be attached to that access. Questions of traceability and use of beta agonists and other technologies are likely to factor into U.S. access to Chinese beef markets. Just how important might China be for U.S. beef exports? China has been the fourth largest beef producing country for at least the last twenty years. For most of those years, China was also the fourth largest beef consuming country although it moved up to be the third largest beef consuming country in 2016 and is projected to be the second largest in Per capita beef consumption of beef in China is relatively low but has increased by about 20 percent in the last six years (Figure 1) to a projected 2017 level of 5.77 kilograms (12.7 pounds). Growing per capita consumption multiplied by an estimated 2017 population of 1.39 billion people is pushing total beef consumption in China ahead of the European Union and second only to the U.S. Economic growth is the principal driver of beef demand with an emerging middle class and rapid urbanization dramatically impacting beef demand in the country. Population growth in China is slow, less than 0.5 percent per year, but still adds several million additional consumers each year. The role of China in global beef markets has evolved rapidly in recent years. Despite being a large beef producing and consuming nation for many years, China has never been a player in global beef markets until recently. For many years China neither

3 Dewey County Wheat Variety plot tour Thursday, May 4, 2017 Taloga Refreshments 10:00 AM Rick Mercer Farm Sponsored By: Oklahoma Wheat Commission OSU Extension Service (From South Canadian River Bridge North of Taloga) On HWY 183 (1 1/2 miles West - South side of highway.) Wheat Varie0es in Plot Endurance Doublestop CL Plus Billings WB4458 Ruby Lee WB-Grainfield Duster Stardust Gallagher LCS Chrome IBA Tam 204 Bentley Joe Larry Program: Dr. David Marburger, OSU Small Grains Extension Specialist Josh Bushong, N.W. District Area Agronomy Specialist Mike Weber Dewey County Extension Educator Ag-4-H & CED Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.

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5 imported nor exported much beef. However, since 2012, growing beef consumption has resulted in a rapid increase in beef imports as consumption outpaced beef production in China (Figure 2). China emerged as the second largest beef importing country in Major beef suppliers to China in 2016 were Brazil (29 percent of total Chinese imports); Uruguay (27 percent); Australia (19 percent); New Zealand (12 percent) and Argentina (9 percent). In 2017, Chinese beef imports are projected at 950 thousand metric tons, up 17 percent from The U.S. has not had access to China for beef exports since 2003, though some U.S. beef reaches China unofficially through Hong Kong and Vietnam. The rapid growth in Chinese beef imports recently provides significant export market potential for U.S. beef. The long run potential of beef exports to China is likely larger and more certain while short term prospects may be more modest as U.S. beef establishes market share and official shipments displace unofficial shipments. Still, if U.S. access to China happens rather quickly, 2017 U.S. beef exports could be boosted by an additional one to three percent this year in addition to the currently projected six to seven percent year over year increase in beef exports. Prior to 2012, China represented less than 0.5 percent of total global beef imports. Projected 2017 beef imports in China will exceed 12 percent of global beef imports. It seems clear that China will continue to increase as a major factor in global beef markets. Prompt U.S. access to the Chinese beef market is perhaps the most important component of expanded U.S. beef export potential in the coming years.

6 Horticulture Tips April 2017 Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University GARDEN TIPS FOR APRIL David Hillock Fruit and Nut Don t spray insecticides during fruit tree bloom or pollination may be affected. Disease sprays can continue according to schedule and label directions. (EPP-7319) Control cedar-apple rust. When the orange jelly galls are visible on juniper (cedar), following a rain, begin treating apple and crabapple trees with a fungicide. (EPP-7319, EPP-7611) Fire blight bacterial disease can be controlled at this time. Plant disease-resistant varieties to avoid diseases. Continue spray schedules for disease prone fruit and pine trees. Tree and Shrub Proper watering of newly planted trees and shrubs often means the difference between success and replacement. Remove any winter-damaged branches or plants that have not begun to grow. Prune spring flowering plants as soon as they are finished blooming. (HLA-6404, HLA-6409) Control of powdery mildew disease can be done with early detection and regular treatment. Many new plant cultivars are resistant. (EPP-7617) Leaf spot diseases can cause premature death of foliage and reduce plant vigor. Flowers Most bedding plants, summer flowering bulbs, and annual flower seeds can be planted after danger of frost. This happens around mid-april in most of Oklahoma. Hold off mulching these crops until spring rains subside and soil temperatures warm up. Warm-season annuals should not be planted until soil temperatures are in the low 60s. Harden off transplants outside in partial protection from sun and wind prior to planting. Let spring flowering bulb foliage remain as long as possible before removing it. Vegetables Wait a little longer for it to warm up before planting cucurbit crops and okra. Plant vegetable crops in successive plantings to ensure a steady supply of produce rather than harvesting all at once. Cover cucurbit crops with a floating row cover to keep out insect pests. Remove during bloom time. Watch for cutworm damage and add flea beetle scouting to your list of activities in the vegetable garden.

7 Garden Planting Guide for Warm-Season Vegetables Vegetable Time to Plant* Days to Method of Planting Harvest Bean, Lima April Seed Beans, Green or Wax April Seed Beans, Pole April Seed Cantaloupe May Seed or Plants Cucumber April or later Seed or Plants Eggplant April Plants Okra April or later Seed Pepper April or later Plants Pumpkin April Seed Southern Pea May 1-June Seed Squash, Summer April or later Seed or Plants Squash, Winter May 15-June Seed or Plants Sweet Corn Mar. 25-April Seed Sweet Potato May 1-June Plants Tomato April Plants Watermelon May Seed *These dates indicate planting times from southeast to northwest Oklahoma. Specific climate and weather may influence planting dates. For cool-season vegetables, the soil temperature at the depth where the seeds are planted should be at least 40 F. Lawn Warm-season grass lawns can be established beginning late April from sprigs, plugs or sod. (HLA- 6419) Fertilizer programs can begin for warm-season grasses in April. The following recommendations are to achieve optimum performance and appearance of commonly grown species in Oklahoma. - Zoysiagrass: 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - Bahiagrass: 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - Buffalograss: 2-3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - Buffalograss/grama mixes: 3 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - Bermudagrass: 4-6 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - Centipedegrass: 2 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year - St. Augustinegrass: 3-6 lbs N/1,000 sq. ft./year When using quick release forms of fertilizer, use one pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 sq. ft. per application; water in nitrate fertilizers. (HLA-6420) Mowing of warm-season lawns can begin now (HLA-6420). Cutting height for bermuda and zoysia should be 1 to 1½ inches high, and buffalograss 1½ to 3 inches high. Damage from Spring Dead Spot Disease (SDS) becomes visible in bermudagrass (EPPK7665). Perform practices that promote grass recovery. Do not spray fungicides at this time for SDS control.

8 Grub damage can be visible in lawns at this time. Check for the presence of grubs before ever applying any insecticide treatments. Apply appropriate soil insecticide if white grubs are a problem (EPP-7306). Water product into soil. Landscape - General Hummingbirds arrive in Oklahoma in early April. Get your feeders ready using 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Do not use red food coloring. Keep the bird feeder filled during the summer and help control insects at the same time. Lace bugs, aphids, spider mites, bagworms, etc. can start popping up in the landscape and garden later this month. Keep a close eye on all plants and use mechanical, cultural, and biological control options first. Be alert for both insect pests and predators. Some pests can be hand picked without using a pesticide. Do not spray if predators such as lady beetles are present. Spray only when there are too few predators to be effective. Tomato Cages David Hillock Tomato cages are very beneficial to the production of your tomatoes. Not only do they provide a support for indeterminate types to sprawl upon, but they also keep the fruit off of the ground and provide better air circulation through the plants thereby reducing chances of disease development. By encouraging vertical growth, you can also grow more in smaller spaces. Though manufactured cages are available for purchase, some are even quite ornamental, you can build your own. Any strong material can be used including wooden stakes or wire fencing/ mesh. Wooden stakes about 6 feet long should be used. Tie the plant to the stake as it grows. Wire fencing/mesh cages should be about 18 to 25 inches in diameter and 3 1/2 to 5 feet tall. Use concrete reinforcing mesh, 10-gauge wire frame or other sturdy wire mesh that has openings of at least six inches. These larger openings allow you to reach in and harvest fruit more easily. Cut and bend the mesh into cylinders fastening the ends together. Snip off the bottom one or two rungs. By cutting off the bottom one or two rungs, the cage can be pushed into the ground at least six inches deep around each plant.

9 Oklahoma Coopera0ve Extension Service Oklahoma State University Dewey County Coopera0ve Extension Service PO Box 188 Taloga, OK The Dewey County OSU Extension Agriculture Newsletter is published monthly by the Dewey County Extension Office. It is for educational purposes and no endorsement is implied. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap, and is an equal opporutnity employer. Dewey County OSU Extension Center 111 S. Sexton St. Taloga, OK (580) Editor: Mike Weber Extension Educator Ag/4-H Dewey County