LIVESTOCK NEWS A newsletter providing information for livestock producers in BUNCOMBE, HENDERSON & POLK COUNTIES Buncombe County Center Spring 2013 Inside This Issue Leadership & Cattle Handling for Women Producers Workshop Agenda, p.2 & Registration Form Insert Area Beef Conference Flier Insert Artificial Insemination School Registration Form Spring Pastures (Grass Tetany & Bloat), pp.3-5 Graded Sheep & Goat Sale, p.5 Cow Herd Winter and Spring Management Calendars, pp.6-7 Coming Events, p.8 WNC Regional Livestock Center Newsletter, p.8 Contact Us Ethan G. Henderson Extension Area Agent Agriculture-Livestock, Dairy, Horses, Forages Buncombe, Henderson and Polk Counties North Carolina Cooperative Extension Buncombe County Center 94 Coxe Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-3620 Phone: (828) 255-5522 Fax: (828) 255-5202 http://buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu Distributed in furtherance of the acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating. Buncombe County Center, 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801-3620 828.255.5522 FAX: 828.255.5202 Henderson County Center, 100 Jackson Park Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792-4470 828.697.4891 FAX: 828.697.4581 Polk County Center, PO Box 187, Columbus, NC 28722-0187 828.894.8218 FAX: 828.894.5693 Leadership and Cattle Handling For Women Producers Workshop The NCSU Animal Science Department is very excited to be working with the National Cattlemen s Beef Association and the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association to provide women cattle producers a chance to network and to enhance their cattle handling skills. The "Leadership and Cattle Handling for Women Producers" two-day workshop is designed to provide leadership training for female cattle producers in North Carolina and to provide hands-on experiences led by professionals in the field. We hope to encourage more women to be active as leaders in the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association and in their communities. Event dates are as follows (agenda on page 2): April 5-6 - Center for Environmental Farming Systems: CEFS (Goldsboro, NC) May 7-8 - Upper Piedmont Research Station (Reidsville, NC) May 14-15 - WNC Regional Livestock Center (Canton, NC) This event is limited to 16 participants at each event in order to maintain small group size and to allow the opportunity to be active and gain hands-on experience. The workshop will cover BQA Training and Certification, Tractor Safety, Truck & Trailer Safety, and Herd Record Keeping. If you are interested in attending the workshop, please fill out the enclosed application form and return it to April Shaeffer (email April_Shaeffer@ncsu.edu or fax 919-515-6884. Area Beef Conference The Area Beef Conference will be held Thursday, March 7, 2013, 3:30-6:30 pm at the WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton. The program will be Improving Beef Marketing Programs (see enclosed flier). Artificial Insemination School The 2013 Artificial Insemination School will be held Tuesday-Thursday, April 16-18, at the WNC Livestock Center, Canton (see enclosed registration form). Persons with disabilities and persons with limited English proficiency may request accommodations to participate in activities mentioned in this newsletter. Please contact Ethan Henderson at 828-255-5522 during business hours at least 3 days prior to the event to discuss accommodations.
Page 2 LEADERSHIP AND CATTLE HANDLING FOR WOMEN PRODUCERS WORKSHOP Agenda DAY 1 9:00-9:30 Welcome and Introductions (April Shaeffer/ Bryan Blinson) 9:30-10:20 BQA Classroom Lecture (Lisa Shelton/ Dr. Matt Poore/ Dr. Mark Alley) 10:20-10:35 BREAK 10:35-11:20 BQA Classroom Lecture (Lisa Shelton/ Dr. Matt Poore/ Dr. Mark Alley) 11:20-12:00 LUNCH (provided) 12:00-2:00 Breakout Session (Breakout in groups of 8 participants with 2 rotations) BQA Chute Side demonstration with 8 participants (Lisa Shelton) Truck & Trailer demonstration with 8 participants (Dr. Matt Poore/ Lorie Townsend) 2:00-4:00 Breakout Session (Breakout in groups of 8 participants) BQA Chute Side demonstration with 8 participants (Lisa Shelton) Truck & Trailer Safety demonstration with 8 participants (Dr. Matt Poore/ Lorie Townsend) 4:00-5:00 Record Keeping Presentation (Dr. Mark Alley) 5:00-5:30 BQA Certification Test ( BQA certification cost will be $15 for current NCCA members and $40 for non-members 5:30 Adjourn Note: You are more than welcome to join the instructors for dinner after we adjourn tonight. DAY 2 8:00-8:30 Breakfast and Networking Time 8:30-9:45 Tractor Safety Presentation & Questions (Charles Young & Teresa Herman) 9:45-10:00 BREAK 10:00-12:00 ROTATING BREAKOUT SESSIONS 1 (we will have two groups of 5 and one group of 6) BQA Chute Side (participants practice the techniques with Lisa Shelton & Dr. Mark Alley) Truck & Trailer Driving (participants practice driving a truck and backing up a trailer with Dr. Matt Poore & Lorie Townsend) Tractor Driving (participants practice driving a tractor and moving a hay bale with Charles Young & Teresa Herman) 12:00-12:45 LUNCH (provided) 12:45-2:45 ROTATING BREAKOUT SESSIONS 2 (we will have two groups of 5 and one group of 6) BQA Chute Side (participants practice the techniques with Lisa Shelton & Dr. Mark Alley) Truck & Trailer Driving (participants practice driving a truck and backing up a trailer with Dr. Matt Poore & Lorie Townsend) Tractor Driving (participants practice driving a tractor and moving a hay bale with Charles Young & Teresa Herman) 2:45-4:45 ROTATING BREAKOUT SESSIONS 3 (we will have two groups of 5 and one group of 6) BQA Chute Side (participants practice the techniques with Lisa Shelton & Dr. Mark Alley) Truck & Trailer Driving (participants practice driving a truck and backing up a trailer with Dr. Matt Poore & Lorie Townsend) Tractor Driving (participants practice driving a tractor & moving a hay bale with Charles Young & Teresa Herman) 4:45-5:00 Questions & Discussion 5:00 Adjourn
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact April Shaeffer at April_Shaeffer@ncsu.edu (919-515-4005). Space is limited to 16 participants at each event, so if you would like to participate, please fill out the following application by March 8, 2013 and return via email or mail to: April Shaeffer Department of Animal Science NCSU Box 7621 Raleigh, NC 27695-7621 LEADERSHIP & CATTLE HANDLING FOR WOMEN PRODUCERS WORKSHOP PARTICIPATION APPLICATION - Due no later than March 8, 2013 Name: Phone Number: ( ) Address: County: Email: Workshop Location: Please rank the location you would like to attend with a number (1 being your first choice) April 5-6 at Center for Environmental Farming Systems: CEFS (Goldsboro, NC) May 7-8 at Upper Piedmont Research Station (Reidsville, NC) May 14-15 at WNC Regional Livestock Center (Canton, NC) Please circle one of the following on each line: Years of Cattle Experience: 0-5 6-10 10+ Type of Farm: Cow/Calf Stocker Feedlot/Finishing Number of Cattle: Operation: Commercial Registered Are you a member of the North Carolina Cattlemen's Association? Yes No Are you a veterinarian? Yes No If Yes, how many years of practice? Have you attended a previous Leadership and Cattle Handling Workshop for Women? YES or NO Are you currently BQA certified? YES or NO Briefly explain why you would like to attend the workshop (can be on a separate page): Briefly explain what you would like to learn/ take home from the workshop (can be on a separate page): Note: You will be notified by March 15, 2013 if you are selected to participate in the workshop. Please hold these dates on your calendar. Many thanks to the National Cattlemen s Beef Association, North Carolina Cattlemen's Association for providing the funds to make this workshop possible.
NC Cooperative Extension & NC Cattlemen s Association Announce an upcoming Area Beef Conference Improving Beef Marketing Programs Thursday, March 7, 2013 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM To be held at: The WNC Regional Livestock Center Canton, NC AGENDA: Registration (3:30) Understanding Feeder Cattle Grades Explanation of Feeder Cattle Grades Neil Bowman, NCDA&CS Livestock Marketing Division Live Cattle Value Demonstration Ringside Evaluation by Experienced Cattle Buyers Cull Cow Marketing Getting the Most Out of Your Cull Cows Bryan Blinson, Executive Director, NC Cattlemen s Association Ways to Improve the Marketability of Feeder Cattle Dr. Matt Poore, NC State University Animal Science Specialist A meal will be provided following the program. The workshop is free; registration will take place upon arrival. For More Information Call Ethan Henderson - 828-545-2202
2013 ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SCHOOL Tuesday, April 16 to Thursday, April 18, 2013 LOCATION: WNC Regional Livestock Center 474 Stock Drive Canton, NC 28716 SPONSORED BY: COST: CLASSES: NC State University Select Sires NC Cattlemen s Association Southeast Livestock Exchange, LLC A non-refundable $150 payment for students (must include a copy of proper student identification) or $175 payment for adults must be received at the address below. Enrollment will be limited to the first 25 registered & paid participants. The signed liability waiver below must accompany payment. Begin promptly at 8:00 am each day and usually conclude by 6:00 pm. Personnel with NC State University will be the instructors as well as Select Sires. Dress appropriately to work in a livestock environment. CONTACTS: WNC Regional Livestock Center at 828-646-3700 Lisa Shelton at 828-421-3445 or wnclivestock@gmail.com Ethan Henderson at 828-545-2202 or ethan_henderson@ncsu.edu ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION SCHOOL REGISTRATION Tuesday, April 16 to Thursday, April 18, 2013 NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP: DAYTIME TELEPHONE: EMAIL: INTEREST (Check) Beef Dairy By signing below, I understand that by attending this class, I do so at my own risk. Neither NC State University, NC Cattlemen s Association, Select Sires, WNC Regional Livestock Center, WNC Communities or Southeast Livestock Exchange, LLC assumes any liability for safety. I understand I will assume my own liability for injury due to facilities or behavior of animals used and any and all other liabilities. Signature: Date: Mail payment along with student identification, if applicable, and signed liability waiver to: Southeast Livestock Exchange, PO Box 908, Canton, NC 28716
Page 3 SPRING PASTURES - GRASS TETANY AND BLOAT Ron Lemenager, Allen Bridges, Matt Claeys, and Keith Johnson Purdue University Departments of Animal Sciences and Agronomy Most cattlemen look forward to warmer temperatures and spring grass. As temperatures begin to warm, cool-season grasses and legumes begin a rapid growth phase resulting in the production of large amounts of lush, palatable, green pasture. Unfortunately, early in the growing season, these forages are very high in moisture content and nutrients are diluted. The result is that it is difficult for animals to eat enough dry matter to meet all of their nutrient requirements. Two unrelated, but equally important, problems are commonly seen early in the grazing season grass tetany and pasture bloat. Grass Tetany Grass tetany, sometimes called grass staggers or hypomagnesaemia, is a metabolic disorder of cattle related to a deficiency of magnesium (Mg). Early lactation cows are the most susceptible, with older cows considered more susceptible than those with their first or second calves. The logic is that older cows seem less capable of mobilizing Mg reserves from the bones than their younger counterparts. Grass tetany usually occurs when animals are grazing lush pastures in the spring, but it can occur during the fall and winter as well. Grass tetany is typically seen in early lactation cows grazing cool-season grasses during cool, cloudy and rainy weather and often occurs when cool weather is followed by a warm period. Rapidly-growing, lush grasses create the greatest problem. Grass tetany has occurred on orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, timothy, tall fescue, crested wheatgrass, bromegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, annual ryegrass and small grain (wheat, oats, barley, triticale and rye) pastures. It can also occurs when livestock are wintered on low Mg grass hay or corn stover. Fortunately, the risk of grass tetany decreases on pastures that contain over 30% legumes (examples: clovers, alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil) or animals wintered on grass-legume hay. The greatest risk for grass tetany is when pastures soils are low in available magnesium, high in available potassium and high in nitrogen. Pastures where a significant amount of manure has been applied often have this mineral imbalance and are considered more vulnerable. Soil testing is a valuable tool to provide insight into potential problems. High rates of nitrogen and potassium fertilizer are sometimes associated with increased tetany problems. Suspect forages should be analyzed. Forage containing less than 0.2 percent magnesium, more than 3 percent potassium and more than 4 percent nitrogen (25 percent crude protein) are likely candidates to create grass tetany problems. Some data suggest that low phosphorus levels can also contribute to increased grass tetany on these types of pastures. If a soil test indicates low soil Mg and low soil ph, a Mg containing limestone would be recommended to improve soil Mg and ph levels. Unfortunately in many cases of grass tetany, symptoms are not noted and the only evidence is a dead cow. In mild cases, milk yield is decreased, and the animal is nervous. These signs indicate the need for preventive measures. Animals affected by acute grass tetany may suddenly stop grazing, appear uncomfortable, and show unusual signs of alertness, such as staring and keeping their heads and ears in an erect position. Cows may also stagger, have twitching skin (especially on the face, ears, and flanks), and lie down and get up frequently. Once cows get to this point, they are easily excited and any stimulation may lead to startling reactions, such as continuous bellowing or running. A staggered gait pattern typically develops followed by collapse, stiffening of muscles and violent jerking convulsions with the head pulled back. Animals often lie flat on one side with periodic foreleg paddling, twitching of the eyes and ears, and a chewing motion that produces froth around the mouth. Between convulsions, the animal may appear relaxed. During this phase, any sound or touching of the animal, such as when administering treatment, may result in violent reactions. Animals usually die during or after a convulsion unless treatment is given. To prevent grass tetany, animals should be fed a high Mg supplement or free-choice mineral (containing 8 to 12 percent Mg.) Magnesium may be added to a protein supplement, grain mix, silage or liquid supplement. The cow's Mg requirement for maintenance and lactation typically would be from 13 to 15 grams per day, but can be as high as 36 mg in unique situations. Magnesium oxide is the primary source of Mg in mineral supplements and it is unpalatable which results in low mineral intake. For this reason, something needs to be added to the mineral mix to increase palatability such as corn, soybean meal, or molasses. Magnesium sulfate is also a good source and is more palatable. If producers are feeding corn co-products (distiller s grains or corn gluten feed), adding additional (distiller s grains
Page 4 or corn gluten feed), adding additional sulfur to the diet in the form of magnesium sulfate could create a sulfur toxicity. The best recommendation is to feed a more moderate amount of Mg on an ongoing basis (include 2.5 to 3.5 percent Mg) as a preventative. This is especially important in herds having a higher percentage of older cows. Treatment of cows in the early stages of grass tetany can be effective, but animals should be handled quietly and gently, producing the least stress and exertion possible. Any stress that causes excitement such as driving or roping can result in sudden death. A sterile solution of magnesium sulfate given subcutaneously is a common treatment, and producers that have experienced grass tetany should contact their herd health veterinarian. Other treatments used by some veterinarians include intravenous injections of chloral hydrate or Mg sulfate to calm excited animals and then follow with a calcium-magnesium gluconate solution. Intravenous injections should only be administered slowly by a trained person because there is danger of heart failure if they are given too rapidly. As a follow-up treatment, the animal should be removed from the tetany-producing pasture and fed hay and concentrates. Also, approximately 30 grams of Mg sulfate should be given daily. Cows that have grass tetany are more likely to get it again later in the season or in future years. Pasture Bloat Bloat is a digestive disorder characterized by an accumulation of gas in the first two compartments of a ruminant's stomach (the rumen and reticulum). Production of gas (primarily carbon dioxide and methane) is a normal result of rumen fermentation. These gases are usually discharged by belching (eructation); but if the animal s ability to release these gases is impaired, pressure builds in the reticulum and rumen and bloat occurs. Pasture, or frothy bloat, results from the production of a stable foam and if not relieved, the pressure created by the entrapment of rumen fermentation gases in the foam can lead to death by suffocation in as little as one hour or less. Bloat can occur on any lush forage that is low in fiber and highly digestible, but is most common on immature legume (clover and alfalfa) pastures. Bloat can occur after as little as 15 minutes to 1 hour after they are turned out to a bloat-producing pasture. However, there is often a lag of 24 to 48 hours before bloating occurs in cattle that have been placed on a bloat-producing pasture for the first time. They may become bloated on the first day, but it is more common to see bloat on the second or third day. Often the animal bloats only mildly and stops eating and the discomfort is eventually relieved. In more severe bloat, the animal's rumen is distended (especially on the left side), it urinates and defecates frequently, bellows and staggers. Death, due to restricted breathing and heart failure can occur quickly if action is not taken. Bloating usually occurs when hungry cattle are first turned onto legume pastures. It seldom occurs on grasses, (or pastures with at least 50 percent grass), coarser pastures, or hay. Bloat usually follows a heavy feeding or grazing period. Hungry or aggressive feeders are most susceptible which is why producers often see their best-doing cattle develop this condition. Other conditions also increase the incidence such as frost, dew or rain on the field. Bloat incidence is likely to be increased during periods of rapid plant growth in the spring or following a summer rain. Also, adaptation of animals to a particular feed is an important factor. As animals become adjusted to a particular pasture or ration, the rumen microbial population adapts and the animal is less susceptible to bloat. While complete elimination of bloat is not realistic, there are management practices that can significantly reduce the incidence of bloat. These practices include the following: (1) begin grazing in the spring on pastures that are predominately grass or grass-legume (at least 50 percent grass) mixtures. This will allow the animal and the rumen microflora time to adjust to the pasture. (2) Make sure that the animal is full when first put onto pasture in the spring. Feeding of dry grass hay or corn silage to animals before turnout to fill the rumen can allow the animal and their rumen microbes time to adjust. (3) Animals fed several pounds of supplemental grain before turnout are less likely to bloat. (4) Delay turnout until the forage is dry following a dew or rain. (5) Avoid placing animals on legume pastures after a light frost. Watch animals already on these pastures when frost takes place closely for bloat. (6) Check animals for bloat carefully every two hours when beginning grazing. (7) Rotate pastures in a manner that assures animals are not excessively hungry when going onto fresh pastures. (8) Consider anti-bloat products that contain poloxalene (2-4 g/100 lb body weight/d) several days before turnout and during periods where bloat is likely. Effectiveness of this product depends on daily intake; therefore, mixing it with a daily supplement is more effective than feeding in blocks
Page 5 pasture. Another useful product is Rumensin which has also shown efficacy in reducing the incidence of bloat. (9) Some animals are chronic bloaters. If a particular animal frequently shows signs of bloat, it may be best to remove that animal from the herd. (10) When renovating pastures in need of greater legume content, consider birdsfoot trefoil, a non-bloating legume. When using birdsfoot trefoil, do not graze too close or the stand will diminish. Death may occur quickly, but usually does not take place until 2 to 4 hours after the onset of bloat. When the bloat becomes severe enough (acute), the animal collapses and dies quickly, almost without a struggle. Death is likely caused by suffocation, when the distended rumen pushes against the diaphragm and prevents inhalation. When bloat is observed, immediately remove affected animals from pasture and offer dry hay. This will reduce the bloat problem in all animals that will eat. Forcing bloated animals to walk can increase belching. When handling an affected animal remember to move them calmly and quietly because breathing is impaired by the build up of pressure in the rumen. If the bloating has not been lessened once you get the animal to the pen, several options should be considered. They include: (1) stomach tubing this involves restraining the animal and passing a rubber hose down the esophagus (taking care to avoid passing it into the animal's trachea) and into the rumen providing a mechanical release of the gas. If a standard-sized stomach tube is not available, a garden hose with an outside diameter of 2.0 to 2.5 cm can be used. The metal coupling on a garden hose must be removed to prevent injury to the mucous membranes of the mouth and esophagus. If a Frick speculum is unavailable, the operator will need assistance in holding the mouth partly open so that the animal is unable to chew the tube. With frothy bloat, the tube typically becomes plugged by froth immediately upon entering the rumen. The operator should clear the froth from the end of the tube by blowing through it and moving it back and forth to locate pockets of gas. With frothy bloat, it may be impossible to reduce the pressure, and an anti-foaming agent such as oil should be administered while the tube is in place. (2) Administration of a vegetable or mineral oil drench this will reduce the surface tension and allow the stable foam gas bubbles to rupture. The rate for treatment is 300 to 500 ml (10-12 oz) for a 450 kg (1,000 lb) animal, administered in one dose. This treatment can be repeated several times within a few hours if necessary. (3) Trocar this should be the last possible resort and should only be used when the animal is down and cannot be moved. Use of a trocar, a device that punctures the rumen from the outside is a rapid and effective means of releasing the gas, but it requires treating the animal with antibiotics because of the risk of peritonitis. Conclusions Death from grass tetany and pasture bloat can occur quickly and it is often too late when producers first observe animals in distress. Benjamin Franklin one said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and that advice fits both grass tetany and pasture bloat. It is much easier and more cost effective to proactively manage cattle to prevent grass tetany and bloat than to treat it after it occurs. Prevention involves understanding the causes and development of a management plan to minimize their incidence, and then be prepared to treat an occasional animal that does develop symptoms. Graded Sheep and Goat Sale WNC Regional Livestock Center - Canton Thursday, April 25, 2013 Check-in: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sale will begin @ 7:00 pm Grading will be conducted by the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services For more information contact: Ethan Henderson - (828) 545-2202 Lisa Shelton - (828) 421-3445 Neil Bowman NCDA&CS - (919) 270-7094
Page 6 COW HERD WINTER MANAGEMENT CALENDAR General Spring Calving Fall Calving February January Attend a cow/calf management, feeding and marketing educational program. Call your Extension Center to learn when a program is being offered in your area. Body condition score entire herd. Cows should calve in BCS 5 and first-calf-heifers in BCS 6. BCS should be at least 5 at the start of breeding season. Vaccinate pregnant yearling heifers with enterotoxaemia C & D toxoid if enterotoxemia has been a problem and with Scours vaccine if calf scours has been a problem. Consult your veterinarian. Treat for lice. Cows should be treated twice 2 to 3 weeks apart during late December and early January. To request a copy of the Cow Herd Management Calendar for North Carolina Producers, call 828-255-5522 Gather, replenish, and clean your calving supplies. Be ready to assist with calving difficulties and dip navels at birth. Castrate and implant bull calves at birth if possible. Keep yearling heifers gaining weight. They need to weigh about two-thirds of mature weight at breeding. Turn bulls in with heifers 3 weeks earlier than with cows. Turnout will be sometime between April 1 and June 20, depending on desired calving dates. Evaluate bulls, trim feet, line up breeding soundness exams, and decide on buying new bulls. Order calf and cow vaccines. Prepare calving pasture. Generally, a clean, sodded area is best. Feed cows a ration developed for last third of gestation. Generally, medium quality hay or stockpiled fescue will suffice. Feed bulls same ration as cows, but allow them to feed to appetite. If a bull is too thin, add some grain. Make sure bulls are in good condition for breeding. Trim feet, conduct breeding soundness exams, and provide additional feed if needed to improve body condition to 6.0. Purchase additional bulls if needed so that you have a bull:cow ratio of 1:25. Watch heifers closely and provide assistance with calving as needed. Breed cows. Cows bred January 1 should calve October 13. Be prepared to remove bulls after a 45 to 90-day breeding season. Spot check heifers to see if they are breeding. Remove bull from heifers after a 45- to 60-day breeding season. Cows need to be in moderate to good condition to rebreed. Maintain a BCS of 5.0. Make final selection of replacement heifers. Market cull replacement heifers. Evaluate profit potential for creep feeding. Use your best feeds now. With average quality hay, a lactating cow needs 4 to 5 pounds of whole cottonseed, 1 1/2 pounds of cottonseed meal plus 2 pounds of corn or free choice liquid supplement or block plus 2 pounds of corn. A forage analysis permits you to supplement your cows more precisely. Limit grazing on winter annuals. Two hours of grazing per day and free choice hay stretches grazing and is a substitute for concentrate supplements. Vaccinate calves over 3 months old with clostridial vaccines (black-leg). Check with your local veterinarian about other disease problems in your area. Castrate bull calves if not castrated at birth, and dehorn as needed. Implant calves. Steers that were implanted at birth can be re-implanted at 3 to 6 months of age. (Synovex-C and Ralgro are approved for use in replacement heifers. Follow label instructions. Check on condition of bulls during breeding season. Provide supplemental feed as needed. Remove bulls from heifers after a 45- to 60-day breeding season. Spot check to make sure cows are settling. Breed yearling heifers beginning 3 weeks before cows.
April March Page 7 COW HERD SPRING MANAGEMENT CALENDAR General Spring Calving Fall Calving Monitor mineral intake and make sure cows are eating prescribed amount (usually 4 oz./cow daily). For a January 10 through March 30 calving season, bulls need to be with cows from April 1 to June 20. Make sure bulls are in good condition, and conduct breeding soundness exams. Cows need to be in moderate to good condition to rebreed early. You may need to start feeding your best hay and put them on your best grazing now. Supplement as needed according to forage test, to maintain body condition of at least 5.0. Start breeding heifers about three weeks before the cows. Following calving season management practices as for heifers previous month. Switch heifers to lactation ration 10 to 15 days after calving. Remove bulls after a 45- to 90-day breeding period. Keep bulls in a small pasture with strong fences. Feed bulls enough to keep them in good condition for next year s breeding. Spot check cows to see if most are bred. By now, there should be little activity. Vaccinate for clostridial disease, castrate and dehorn late calves or those missed in early working. Watch cows for heat. By now, there should be little activity. Remove bulls from heifers after 45 to 60 days. Sell cows that failed to produce a live calf. Start watching for flies. Order fly control products to be ready when treatment warrants. Consider the type tags or sprays used last year. Change from organophosphate to pyrethroid or vice versa. Use spray or back rubs early, and delay tag application as late as possible. Use all outside stores of hay; clean out hay storage areas for new hay. Monitor mineral intake and watch closely for grass tetany. Plan for winter feed supply. For calving to begin around January 1, bulls need to go into pastures on March 21. Check condition of bulls during the breeding season. Provide supplemental feed if needed. Bulls should be in BCS of 6.0 when turned in with the cows. Be prepared to remove bulls from mature cows after a 45- to 90-day breeding season. Watch heifers for heat to see if they are breeding. Remove bull from heifers after a 45- to 60-day breeding season. Cows need to be in moderate to good condition to rebreed. Provide supplemental feed if spring pastures are slow to grow. Maintain BCS of 5.0. Make final selection of replacement heifers. Market culled heifers. Prepare weaning pen for calf weaning, and plan feeding program. Calves should usually be weaned at 7 to 8 months of age. To precondition for shipment, calves should be weaned and vaccinated for respiratory diseases 45 days prior to shipment. Ask your veterinarian for product recommendations, and order vaccines. Tattoo or otherwise establish permanent Ids for bred heifers. Consider creep feeding, depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans. Pregnancy check 45 to 60 days after the end of the breeding season or at weaning. Sell open heifers now or consider finishing them for freezer beef. Evaluate profit potential for creep feeding.
Buncombe County Center 94 Coxe Avenue Asheville, NC 28801-3620 Page 8 2013 Coming Events Mar 7 Mar 18 Area Beef Conference, Improving Beef Marketing Programs, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton, 3:30-6:30 pm, meal provided following program FFA Heifer Auction, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton. All proceeds will go to support local FFA chapters. Apr 16-18 Artificial Insemination School, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton Apr 25 Graded Sheep & Goat Sale, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton. Check-in 8:00-5:00 - sale 7:00 pm May 14-15 Leadership & Cattle Handling for Women Producers Workshop, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton July 9 Mountain Cattle Alliance Sale, WNC Regional Livestock Center, Canton. Wean Date: June 30/Delivery Date August 14 WNC Regional Livestock Center Newsletter The 2013 first quarter WNC Regional Livestock Center/Mountain Cattle Alliance Livestock Newsletter is available for viewing at: http://wncregionallivestockcenter.com/uploads/mca_newsletter_1st_qtr_2013.pdf.