2017 calving data

It is calculated. Our calving data for 2017...

In our purebred Shorthorn cattle herd, detailed records are extremely important to us in our management. During calving season, we track information through our unique record keeping we have developed over the years.

 

We had a 98.5% calving rate for 2017. Of our calves, 56% were bulls and 44% were heifers.

We calculate calving ease to determine the percentage of calves born unassisted (on their own without our help). This calving season, 79.1% of calves were born without assistance and 20.9% of calves were assisted in birth. We monitor our cows very closely and assist cows or heifers in calving when needed. This is especially so with heifers calving for the first time. We want them to concentrate on their newborn calf. So, the percentage of assisted births are normally higher for us because we want to increase our odds of success. As cows and heifers are in process of calving, we watch for progress. If a half hour has passed after the water bag has broken and there has not been much progress, we assist the cow or heifer in calving. We do not want her or her calf to be stressed. A lack of progress may indicate a possible issue...multiple births, or malposition (breech, backwards, upside down).     

Calves are vaccinated, tagged, and weighed at birth. The average weight of calves born at farm G (2 - 4 year old cows) was 82 pounds. And, the average weight of calves born at farm M (5 - 10 year old cows) was 96 pounds. 

During the calving season, we feed hay to our cows in the afternoon. We feed our expecting cows around 4:00 pm to increase the odds of calving during the day. If cows have calving issues, we will already be awake. We have used this feeding method for more than 30 years. And, it has proven to work well for us. In 2017, 91% of calves were born during the day and 9% of calves were born at night.    

Along with this data, individual records are kept for each calf born on our farms. We are able to track each calf throughout its life. The 2017 calving data is printed on colored paper and stored in a binder for reference. And, we often refer to it.
 

 

The boys of summer

The boys of summer...

hello, ladies!



Four bulls were hauled to the pastures on May 28 for the breeding season. Before turning the bulls out with the cow herds for the summer, we ran them through the chute for their routine health program. Each bull received a Breeding Soundness Exam [BSE] by our veterinarian and technician, as well as vaccinations as part of our herd health program developed with our veterinarian.

 

A Breeding Soundness Exam includes: a physical examination of the bull, Scrotal Circumference [SC] measurement, and a semen sample for testing. It is crucial that each bull be able to successfully breed cows. The physical examination of the bulls includes their Body Condition Score [BCS], scrotum, eyes, legs, and feet. The bulls were evaluated for Scrotal Circumference and measured 38-45 cm. Excellent! Each bull exceeded the recommended measurement. The Scrotal Circumference measurement is important because correlates to the production of semen. A sample of semen is collected to examine underneath the microscope while on the farm. The semen sample is evaluated for sperm motility and concentration. All our bulls were classified by Dr Baird as satisfactory breeders. The bulls received a series of shots as part of our health program developed with our veterinarian... Vision 7 for pink eye, LongRange for internal and external parasites, and fly tags.  

Pelvic Area Measurements

We moved replacement heifers to pasture to graze for the season on April 15. Before doing so, we ran the heifers through the chute for tattoos, and a dose of MultiMin and LongRange.

Many factors are considered in selecting replacement heifers. This year, we decided to measure the pelvic area of our heifers. The measurements provided us with data we utilized to help select heifers. Dr Baird used the Krautman-Litton bovine pelvic in measuring the pelvic area. 

All measurements were recorded to We were very pleased with the measurements of our heifers! All heifers were suitable for calving...measuring well over 200 cm2. An larger pelvic area helps increase our chances in unassisted births.

 

Flushing Y5

Arrangements have been made to flush a cow! It is pretty exciting! Colleen Lewis of Tuition Genetics will be flushing Yellow #5 for embryos. Yellow #5 is one of my dad's favorite cows. He has been wanting a heifer from her for quite a while. So, we decided to flush her for embryos.

We are flushing a cow for the first time in 71 years of my family raising Shorthorn cattle. I look forward to documenting the process! It will be an amazing experience.

 

We hauled Yellow #5 to Tuition Genetics this afternoon. She will be examined for reproductive health. In 30 days, the process will begin. Over a course of a month, she will undergo a series of shots to be flushed for embryos. She will then be artificailly inseminated. Straws of semen were ordered. Yellow #5 will be artifically inseminated with semen from Homedale Creole 135. After seven days, she will be flushed to retrieve the fertilized eggs [embryos]. The embryos can then be frozen.

Breeding Soundness Exam

paperwork from the breeding soundness exam

 

Before turning our bulls out to pasture for the breeding season, we performed a Breeding Soundness Exam [BSE]. An exam is extremely valuable for the productivity of our beef cattle herds. It was especially important to examine our herd bulls after a brutally frigid winter. We wanted to be sure that the bulls were producing viable semen for breeding. A Breeding Soundness Exam [BSE] ensures us that each bull is able to successfully breed cows. There is no better insurance than knowing bulls are able to breed. Bulls do represent 50% of the calf crop! And, a Breeding Soundness Exam cost us $50 per bull. That is money very well spent! The exam is an important tool for cattlemen to utilize.

 

Dr Baird visited our farm to examine each bull. Semen samples were collected from the bulls and evaluated under the microscope for sperm concentration and motility. Five bulls were evaluated and determined satisfactory for breeding. The bulls were also evaluated for Scrotal Circumference and measured 37-42 cm. Each bull exceeded the recommendation for their age. This measurement is taken assess the amount of semen bulls produce. Scrotal Circumference correlates to the production of semen. Bulls breed cows several times in a heat period and need to regenerate semen.

 

 

 

 

I have been very pleased with my 2013 bull that I have been raising for breeding. MJS Dirt Road Anthem 3M80 had a Scrotal Circumference of 38, and a pelvic measurement of 13x16. We were quite impressed! His measurements are excellent for a 14 month old calf!

 

A large pelvic measurement is an important genetic trait that correlates to the ease of calving. The pelvic measurement of the sire influences the pelvic measurement of his offspring. A bull with a large pelvic area should result in a larger pelvic area in his heifers.

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