A Dozen Marketing Tips

Kindra Gordon wrote a nice article on the key to successful marketing of calves for the Hereford World Magazine.  Below are the 12 points that were made:

1.  Provide Historical Performance Data on previous calf crops

2.  Use BVD PI Testing

3.  Wean and Background Calves for 30 to 45 Days

4.  Sell Heavier Calves (consider growing out to 800 to 900 pounds)

5.  Offer Truckload Lots

6.  Participate in Preconditioning Program (encourages use of a good vaccination program)

7.  Participate in an Age and Source Verification Program (BBU has one now)

8.  Participate in a Natural Verification Program (calves not given antibiotics or implants)

9.  Participate in an Organic Verification Program (difficult to qualify for)

10. Participate in a Non-Hormone Treated Cattle Program (no implants for EU export)

11. Participate in a Breed-Based Branded Program (Nolan Ryan Tender Program)

12. Contract your Calves

Chute-side Image Capture and Interpretation System

August 2010 – Following extensive field and lab testing, the Systems Review Committee of the Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC) has approved the BIA-Pro-Plus as an UGC-Certified chute-side image capture and interpretation system. Developed by Designer Genes Technologies, Inc., BIA-Pro-Plus is now available for use through International Livestock Image Analysis (ILIA), a UGC-member lab.   The key attribute of the BIA-Pro-Plus system is the automated, chute-side interpretation of intramuscular fat, rib fat, and ribeye area. This feature will allow the technician to instantly know if the captured image is of sufficient quality to permit accurate interpretation; thus virtually eliminating cases of animals not receiving data due to rejected images. When necessary, the system also allows for technicians to interact with the automated system to improve the accuracy of image interpretation. To use this new system, ultrasound technicians must be certified as both UGC-Field and UGC-Lab Technicians using the BIA-Pro-Plus software. The BIA-Pro-Plus system makes it possible for technicians to submit ultrasound data directly to UGC-member breed associations. It is important to note that UGC-member breed associations make their own policies regarding how images are received from UGC-member labs. Decisions on if and how breeds will accept data collected by the BIA-Pro-Plus system must be made on a breed by breed basis.   The Ultrasound Guidelines Council (UGC), instituted and overseen by the U.S. Beef Breeds Council, administers the certification of both field and laboratory technicians to collect and interpret carcass ultrasound images (intramuscular fat, rib fat, ribeye area, and rump fat) on beef cattle. UGC also supervises the certification of the various systems that are used to collect and interpret these images.  Beef cattle breed associations use the ultrasound data in the computation of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) for breeding cattle. The purpose of UGC is to insure data collected from beef cattle using ultrasound technology for use in genetic evaluations are of the highest quality and accuracy.  For more information, please contact Mike Tess (UGC Executive Director) (Ph: 406-581-9071 or Fax: 406-585-4685).  http://www.ultrasoundbeef.com

Anthrax is Here — Vaccinate Livestock Now

 AUSTIN - Late summertime in certain parts of Texas means livestock producers should be on the lookout for the resurfacing of anthrax in their animals. Among the anthrax cases confirmed this summer are one bovine in Crockett County, one whitetail deer in Kinney County and one whitetail deer in Uvalde County. Anthrax which is caused by Bacillus anthracis is a naturally occurring disease with worldwide distribution, including Texas. “Anthrax cases are not unusual; especially at this time of year. This is peak season for anthrax to resurface and affect livestock and deer,” Dr. Dee Ellis, Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Executive Director and State Veterinarian, said. “Ranchers and livestock owners should be aware of recent anthrax confirmations in their area and consider vaccinating their livestock to protect against the disease.” Anthrax can occur anywhere, but in Texas, cases most often are confined to a triangular area bounded by the towns of Uvalde, Ozona and Eagle Pass. This area includes portions of Crockett, Val Verde, Sutton, Edwards, Kinney and Maverick counties. If an animal dies from the disease and isn’t properly disposed of by burning, the bacteria can spill out into the soil and remain dormant for long periods of time. The anthrax bacteria resurfaces on grass or forage under ideal weather and soil conditions during spring and summer months. By the time an animal shows signs of staggering, trembling or convulsions after ingesting the anthrax bacteria, death is expected. TAHC regulations require that the animal carcasses, manure and bedding be incinerated until thoroughly consumed. This practice will keep wild animals from being exposed to the disease and it will also kill the bacteria, preventing another site from being contaminated with anthrax. Anthrax is a reportable disease in Texas. While laboratory tests, conducted by the Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory (TVMDL) in College Station, are needed to confirm infection, suspected cases also are to be reported to the TAHC. “Outbreaks usually end when cool weather arrives and the bacteria becomes dormant. In the meantime, producers in or near historically affected areas should consult with their veterinary practitioner about the disease in general, and especially the need to vaccinate. TAHC veterinarians are also available to answer any questions.” Dr. Ellis said. The following are general biosecurity tips that can be helpful to livestock producers who suspect they have an anthrax affected animal or carcass: – Wear long sleeves and gloves when handling carcasses or when working with or vaccinating livestock to avoid contaminating any sores or scratches on arms or hands. See your doctor if you develop an unusual-looking sore on your hands, arms or other exposed skin. Although it is very rare to contract skin anthrax, this infection requires treatment with antibiotics prescribed by a physician. – Practice good sanitation. Wash your hands after handling livestock (even if you wear gloves.) Disinfect equipment used on the animals or carcasses. Keep pets and children away from carcasses or bones of dead animals. Move healthy animals away from a pasture where animals have died from the disease. – Properly dispose of animal carcasses by burning to prevent exposure to other animals, such as predators or dogs. – Vaccinate livestock if cases occur in the surrounding areas. Anthrax vaccine is a “live” vaccine, so it must not be administered with antibiotics. Vaccinated animals must be withheld from slaughter for two months. – Restrict the movement of livestock onto or from an affected premise until animals can develop immunity through vaccination (about 10 days). For more information, visit http://www.tahc.state.tx.us or call 800-550-8242.

26th Annual JBBA National Convention and Show a Huge Success

I would to thank everyone for an awesome 2010 JBBA National Convention in Waco, Texas last week.  There are an unlimited number of people that I would like to thank but I am certain that I would leave someone out.  You know who you are and I am very happy to have you in the Beefmaster family. Please extend a big thank you to Cain Cattle Company (Ted and Julie Cain) and Reata Advertising (Ernie Gill) for providing the live feed of our shows through the Advanced Video Auctions internet site.  I really enjoyed the participation of the JBBA exhibitors and breeders that were interviewed throughout the event.

I would also like to thank the entire BBU staff (Jeff Natho, Melissa Becker, Collin Osbourn, Cody Ann Bainter, Donna Henderson, Mary Francois and Marie Zirkel) for their dedication to make things happen for the success of the show.  The adult committee did an outstanding job as well.

There were many positive comments about the steer show and the haltered bull shows.  The JBBA Directors are to be commended for having the fortitude to make some necessary changes to make a good event even better.

 I would also like to update everyone on the protest that was filed on Saturday.  A legal protest was filed against the Haliburton Show string on the suspicion that some or all of the animals had been altered with air.  Please note that the protest was filed against the Haliburton cattle and not the Haliburton family.  On Tuesday (July 27, 2010) a team which included myself, Bill O’Connor, Russell Mackie, Dr. Flavio Rubiero (Texas A&M University-Commerce), and Dr. Matt Wright (Veterinarian) traveled to the Haliburton Ranch and ultrasounded the cattle for determination of the claim.  None of the heifers exhibited at the 2010 JBBA National Show were determined to have been injected with air.  I apologize to the Haliburton family for the inconvenience and I thank them for cooperating in the process. 

Again, I want to thank every participant, parent, grandparent, breeder, volunteer and staff member for going the extra mile to make the 2010 JBBA National Show a great success.  It is time to get ready for 2011 in West Monroe, Louisiana.

Upcoming International Directory for CSS Qualified Semen & Embryos

You are invited to advertise your CSS qualified genetics (semen and/or embryos) in the upcoming International Directory currently being compiled by BBU.  The Directory will be distributed to all of our International markets.   Additionally, the directory will be posted on-line for international visitors on our website.  Reserve your space today.  We will need photos as well as your advertisement(s) for your genetics. The cost for a half page is $250 and $500 for a full page.  If you have any questions, please contact Cody at 210/732-3132 ( cbainter@beefmasters.org).

Water Requirements for the Cow Herd

During hot summer months, the water needed for a cow herd often determines several other management decisions.  To best assess the adequacy of water quantities in surface water or from wells or “rural water” supplies, it first is necessary to have an idea of the amount needed for cattle of different sizes and stages of production that you may have during the summer on the ranch.

A University of Georgia publication lists the estimated water requirements for cattle in different production stages if the daily high temperature is 90 degrees F.  They suggest that amount of water required can be estimated by the production stage and the weight of the cattle.  For instance, a growing animal or a lactating cow needs 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight.  A non-lactating cow or bull needs just 1 gallon of water per 100 pounds of body weight.  If you are estimating water needs for your cattle, be honest about the weight of the cows in the herd.  Many cows today weigh 1200 pounds or more (some a lot more).  Therefore expect that most spring calving cows will need at least 24 gallons per day for themselves and another 5 to 10 gallons of water for their calf.  Also recognize that some summer days in Oklahoma get even hotter than the 90 degrees used in the Georgia paper.  On days with extreme heat, expect the water usage to go up even further.

Glenn Selk, Oklahoma State University Extension Cattle Reproduction Specialist

Red Commercial Female Marketing Opportunity

We have a good opportunity to market E-6 females this fall.  Last year in Harrison, Arkansas they had the first annual “Riding for the Reds” commercial female sale.  The sale consisted of 650 head of Red commercial females of various breeds.  Last years’ sale was a great success averaging over $1200 and cattle were sold with a 6% commission.  This fall they are planning on increasing their numbers and have invited Beefmaster breeders to consign red E-6 females. The sale will be held on September 18, 2010 in Harrison, AR.  Anyone interested in consigning cattle to this sale, please contact Justin Rhodes for more information.  He can be reached via e-mail at jrhodes@beefmasters.org or by phone at 785-969-7619.

Nolan Ryan Beef

The NRB program was highlighted in the May 2010 Beef Magazine recently in an article titled “Up in a Down Market – Branded Beef Marketers see Good and Bad in Today’s Economy”.  CEO Charlie Bradbury is featured (photo and all) in the article along with Certified Angus Beef (CAB) President, John Stika and COO of Certified Hereford Beef (CHB), Tom LeBeau.  Charlie makes comments like “You can’t be everything to everybody” and “We’re all about providing a lot of support”.  Great job Mr. Bradbury.

Proper Methods of Calf Birth Weight Data Collection

I am often asked if the calf weigh tape is accurate enough to collect birth weight information.  As you know, reporting accurate calf birth weight is important for proper calculation of birth weight EPDs.  Dr. Parrish and co-workers at Mississippi State University performed a research project that looked at birth weights taken by 1) estimated visual appraisal, 2) estimation using the hoof circumference tape, 3) measurement with a handheld hanging spring scale and 4) measurement using a digital scale.  The researchers collected birth weight on 587 calves within the first 24 hours of life.  Their results indicate that birth weight records can vary because of the birth weight collection method used.  When birth weights were analyzed, visual estimates and hoof tape measurements tended to underestimate high birth weights, whereas hoof tape measurements tended to overestimate low birth weights. Birth weight data was most accurately collected using the spring or digital scales.  I personally use a set of bathroom scales and a piece of one inch thick plywood to get birth weights.  This sometimes means that the cow has to be penned off so that I don’t get eaten by her while getting the job done.  One of my former students invented a metal cage that mounts on the front end loader of his John Deere tractor to set over the calf to the get the weight.   Source: Parish et al., 2009. Mississippi State University

Cow Disposition Affects Pregnancy Rate

Producers that routinely breed cows artificially realize that cows that are unruly and nervous are less likely to conceive to artificial insemination. Perhaps the lowered conception rates were because they have been stressed as they are passed through the working facilities and restrained while being synchronized and inseminated. Now it seems that, even in the serenity of a natural breeding pasture, cows with bad dispositions are less likely to conceive when mated with bulls. University of Florida animal scientists recorded disposition scores over two years on 160 Braford and 235 Brahman x British crossbred cows. They evaluated the effects of cow temperament and energy status on the probability to become pregnant during a 90-day natural breeding season. Cows were scored as 1= calm, no movement to 5= violent and continuous struggling while in the working chute. Also a pen score assessment was assigned as 1= unalarmed and unexcited to 5 = very excited and aggressive toward technician. An exit velocity speed score was measured as the cows exited the working chute as 1= slowest and 5 = fastest. An overall temperament index score was calculated by averaging the chute score, pen score and exit velocity score. Blood samples were analyzed for cortisol concentrations. Cortisol is a hormone released when mammals are stressed or excited. Increased cow temperament score and elevated plasma cortisol concentrations both were associated with decreased probability of pregnancy. These results suggest that excitable temperament and the consequent elevated cortisol concentrations are detrimental to reproductive function of cows. These authors concluded that management strategies that improve cow disposition, enhance their immune status, and maintain the cowherd at adequate levels of nutrition are required for optimal reproductive performance. Source: Cooke and co-workers. 2009 Florida Beef Research Report and Glenn Selk, OSU Extension Specialist