Breeding

Being a small cattle operation has some advantages – and some disadvantages. I get to know my cows, calves and my one bull on a “personal” basis. They each have their own personalities, just like us humans. For instance, cow number 811, a … [Read more...]

The most difficult step in executing an artificial insemination (AI) program successfully is heat detection. A cow will conceive only when she is in heat, or estrus, which occurs every 18 to 24 days. Estrus is the period of time when a cow or heifer … [Read more...]

EPDs (Expected Progeny Differences) are commonly used by cow/calf operators to select herd sires either to buy semen for artificial insemination or bulls to breed cows naturally. Even though EPDs are an accepted herd sire purchasing tool, their … [Read more...]

The date for turning bulls in with the cows is one of the hardest decisions for a cow/calf operator. Before making this decision, every aspect of your management practices should be studied. The two best options for calf delivery are when forage is … [Read more...]

Culling cows can be decided throughout the year, and is a common discussion in the summer and winter months when grass and resources may be sparse. Many ranches use a cow's breeding history to decide (or at least influence) if she stays on the ranch, … [Read more...]

Though the temperatures are warmer and the grass is greener, now is still a good time to be making culling decisions. Just how much influence does an open cow have on your operation? Ted G. Dyer, UGA Extension Animal Scientist, explains the … [Read more...]

How many heifer calves should I keep or consider purchasing? It's a question that comes up often. While the answer certainly varies by producer, there are several factors you can consider. Glenn Selk with Oklahoma State University says a few … [Read more...]

Ryan Reuter and Jessica Robinette of The Noble Foundation have written a very interesting article on artificial insemination and calving distribution. Some producers hesitate to implement such a system because they envision the resulting calf crop … [Read more...]

Have a few club calf AI sires in mind for the next breeding season and would like to have a closer look at them? Jeff at Cattle.com can help - he's posted videos of bulls that were at the Denver show and is posting more daily. He also has other … [Read more...]