The Beefmaster Pay Weight - Spring 2022

the

BEEFMASTER Pay Weight

a publication dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen and produced by Beefmaster Breeders United SPRING 2022

Vol. 8, No. 1

Section 1

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American Breed Goes International

by Jeralyn Novak, Beefmaster Breeders United The international marketing of the Beefmaster breed is a high priority to Beefmaster Breeders United. We continue to work daily to expand Beefmaster markets and open new markets around the globe. We work with the U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE) to match international producers with sources in the United States that offer superior Beefmaster genetics with superior credentials. Most of our Beefmaster sales offer online bidding through DVAuction.com, which is a great resource for international breeders to purchase United States Beefmaster genetics. For more information on the BBU International Program please contact Jon Garza at jgarza@ beefmasters.org or 512-5175163.

Beefmasters have excelled across most regions of the United States and is the leading breed of choice for commercial cattlemen in Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Panama,

Colombia, and several other Latin American regions.

With global demand for higher-quality beef growing geometrically, Beefmasters provide the perfect breed to cross on native cattle to improve production efficiency and carcass quality, while not sacrificing adaptability.

Currently worldwide there are nine Beefmaster associations including Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, South Africa, Thailand, and the United States. Beefmaster genetics can also be found in the countries of Argentina, Australia, Austria, Botswana, Brazil, Bulgaria, Honduras, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland/United Kingdom, and Turkey.

Beefmasters are well known within the international beef industry for their successful adaptation in tropical climates. While this has proven true in Central America and Thailand, this unique breed

Turkish cattlemen visiting the Texas A&M Beefmaster herd

succeeds in high altitude deserts, as well as in cold and wet environments. The Lasater Foundation herd was moved in 1948 to Matheson, Colorado - where it remains to this day. The Lasater Ranch is located on the Rocky Mountain plains, which is known for its high altitude, snow, extreme cold and meager grassland for foraging. Meteorological review has shown that Matheson has more extreme cold in winter, heat in summer, and coastal plains type conditions than the Republic of Poland. Beefmaster cattle also

flourish in the deserts of South Africa, Botswana, and Zambia.

They thrive in the mountains of Colombia and Venezuela, as well as Montana, Oregon, New Mexico, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.

Domestic and international cattlemen have noted substantial economic gains from using Beefmasters to provide an average increase of 30 kilograms, or more at weaning when compared with other breeds.

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Record keeping - what does it mean to you?

by Courtney Bir, Oklahoma State Ag Economics Extension Many people make New Year’s resolutions. This year consider including better record keeping on that list. The first question to ask yourself is- what do I mean by record keeping? Are you wanting to keep better production records? Be more prepared for taxes? Complete financial analysis/planning? I would encourage you to focus on all of the above!

In general, make time for record keeping. There is a time commitment to this process. Consider making record keeping a routine part

of your week. You should also determine which information is economically feasible to collect. Time is money after all, and the level of detail needed may differ between operations.

Once you have the records, it’s important to actually use that information for the decisionmaking process.

Just completing the records is only the first step. You should be using trends to improve your operation. Additionally, be aware of your obligations.

If you are enrolled in an FSA program, or have a grant, make sure the record keeping

approach you adopt also meets those requirements.

A cow calf producer choosing a production record keeping method should consider the level of detail they want to collect regarding cow information, sire information, calf information, and herd information. Additionally, you should consider computer requirements of the software, and other additional consideration unique to your operation.

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The Beefmaster Pay Weight

Letter From The Editor

operation. Requests from readers prompted us to share more detail on the National Cattlemen Beef Association (NCBA) policies of 2021 and

by Collin Osbourn what things might look like in 2022. We hope that you will The spring months bring many Beefmaster sales and the find these and other articles opportunity to buy some of the informative in this spring issue of The Beefmaster Pay Weight. very best Beefmaster genetics I encourage everyone to that will be offered. In this issue study the new feed efficiency of The Beefmaster Pay Weight EPDs and how to use these you will find many upcoming new traits to make selection events where you can find decisions. Today’s Beefmaster these high-quality Beefmaster cattle are incredibly efficient genetics that are backed with powerful proven performance. in converting feed to gain, helping to generate more This issue of The Beefmaster pounds of product with less Pay Weight has several feed costs. This efficiency interesting articles, from an data is proving to keep more optimistic outlook on the dollars in producers’ pockets cattle market for 2022 and an while building a set of genetics overview of record keeping that are well suited for long and what it means to your

productive lives in your herd.

The maternal advantages that we see from the use of Beefmaster genetics are undeniable. Cattlemen are turning to Beefmasters to improve cow herds in terms of efficiency, longevity, productivity and most importantly profitability.

Beefmaster genetics are exceling within the beef industry and demand continues to sore with the added heterosis and efficiency that they bring to your herd.

Without a doubt increased production with added efficiency are areas that we can all improve upon to make our cow herds more profitable and sustainable for the future.

I’m looking forward to the upcoming sales and seeing the

www.beefmasters.org cattle that will help shape the Beefmaster future. God bless each you this spring in your travels and I hope to see many of you at one of the coming Beefmaster events!

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at cosbourn@beefmasters.org.

Collin Osbourn

Executive Vice President Editor, The Beefmaster Pay Weight

Articles In This Issue...

Page 1 - American Breed Goes International by Jeralyn Novak, Beefmaster Breeders United Page 1 - Record keeping - what does it mean to you? by Courtney Bir, Oklahoma State Ag Economics Extension Page 7 - Do You Possess the 8 Characteristics of an Intentional Beef Producer? by Robert Wells, Ph.D., Noble Research Institute Page 15 - Cattle Outlook Optimistic for 2022 by Greg Henderson, Drovers Page 19 - Purpose of an Index by Lance Bauer, Beefmaster Breeders United Page 23 - 6 Tips to Prepare Your Herd for Breeding Season by Katie James, Farm Journal Page 25 - NCBA Policy Team Reflects on 2021, Forecasts 2022 by National Cattlemen's Beef Association Page 27 - Fly Control: What are your options? Source: Huvepharma Page 28 - Breeder Profile: Rocking R Beefmasters by LeAnne Peters, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Page 31 - Bull Management and Nutrition by Julie Walker, George Perry, Russ Daly, and Ken Olson - South Dakota State University Page 38 - 2022 Beefmaster Sale & Event Calendar Page 39 - Advertisers' Index

the BEEFMASTER Pay Weight

Beefmaster Breeders United

The Beefmaster Pay Weight is a publication produced by Beefmaster Breeders United and dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen.

The Beefmaster Pay Weight Team Editor: Collin Osbourn Managing Editor: Jeralyn Novak Advertising Coordinators: Carey Brown, Lance Bauer, Jon Garza, Jeralyn Novak Graphic Designer: Jeralyn Novak Beefmaster Breeders United Staff Members Collin Osbourn: Executive Vice President Lance Bauer: Director of Breed Improvement & Western Field Representative Melissa Becker: DNA Coordinator Brandi Feller: Registration and Transfer Coordinator Jon Garza: Director of International Programs Donna Henderson: Office Manager Kylie McIntosh: Membership Coordinator Jeralyn Novak: Communications Coordinator

For advertisement sales: Contact Jeralyn Novak 210-732-3132 or Carey Brown with Livestock Advertising Network at 859-278-0899 Contact BBU: 118 W. Bandera Road, Boerne, TX 78006 - (210) 732-3132 - info@beefmasters.org Beefmaster Breeders United reserves the right to refuse advertising in any publications. © 2022 Beefmaster Breeders United. All rights reserved. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or part, without prior written consent of Beefmaster Breeders United.

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continued from page 1 They excel post-weaning as well, with faster weight gains, excellent feed conversion and carcass yields around 64%. Land grant universities in Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma are conducting research projects to evaluate carcass quality and feed efficiency through utilizing Beefmaster for crossbreeding on popular breeds such as Angus, Charolais, Hereford, Simmental, Limousin and even some dairy breeds. The

Noble Research Institute is also working with Beefmaster Breeders United to conduct economic research on grassfed, and grain fed carcass merit. Their research points to the heterosis gains showing “an extra calf ” when weaning weights produce 50-75 extra kilograms per calf born.

In a time when sustainability is becoming increasingly critical, Beefmasters have repeatedly demonstrated that they are highly efficient converters of both forage

and feeds into lean, tender, high-quality beef. A recent study at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) demonstrated Beefmaster’s dominance when compared to 18 of the most widely used beef breeds in the United States. In 2017 research by University of Bologna Animal Science Department on the impact that Beefmasters offer Italy resulted in a national award-winning thesis proving that Beefmasters provide the highest heterosis of any bovine breed worldwide. Other such composite breeds have been successful for short term results, but the retained heterosis produced through crossbreeding with Beefmasters is strong and will generate long term benefits.

Performance studies within this research for the breeder near Rome confirmed the low birth weight with fast growing weight gains on purebreds. Recent dairy research with Beefmaster semen on various dairy breeds has also been reassuring for high fertility, hardiness, and calving ease.

Beefmaster is an American beef breed that improves beef quality and production efficiency when crossed with any other cattle breed for commercial beef production, not only in the United States, but throughout the world. This American breed is now developing new purebred herds in United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, Poland, and Austria.

Other areas of

www.beefmasters.org Europe/Asia, such as Turkey and Russia, are considering projects to gain these unique advantages provided by Beefmaster genetics. The breed has rapidly grown around the world and has become known as the prime maternal cow for serious commercial cattlemen that appreciate their production excellence, particularly in harsh desert or tropical environments.

The breed began expanding into Europe around 2014, with importation of EU qualified embryos for native surrogate dams. Beefmasters is recognized by various European Agricultural Ministries and with the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR), based in Rome. A European breed association has been formed in Italy with breeders from across Europe using imported embryos for initial herd development. Mature European Beefmaster bulls are now in collection for commercial use and expansion of the breed across Europe and North Africa. Recent testing of Beefmaster semen for use in crossed dairy beef in Italy has confirmed strong fertility for AI, calving ease, rapid weight gains, disease tolerance, evident muscle gains, and easy disposition.

Most of the international growth for the Beefmaster breed has been accomplished with a partnership with U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. (USLGE). USLGE supported BBU in gaining Emerging Markets Project funding of $145K in 2009. The program ran from 2009-2012 to introduce this American breed to beef producers in Thailand. Education to explain Beefmaster benefits was the first step. Missions for breeders from US to Thai regional cattle shows for local and ag university seminars were conducted and a series of educational articles were developed and published in various journals from 2010 to 2011. Reverse missions were developed for key Thai breeders

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at https://extension.okstate. edu/programs/farm-financialplanning-assistance-andbenchmarking/index.html.

Whether you are keeping simple paper records, using excel, or investing in some dedicated software, record keeping is a valuable habit.

Some software will not run unless you have entered all of the required information.

For example, if the software requires weight, and you do not own a scale, that is probably not a good option for your operation. We have several resources to help you with record keeping.

For cow-calf producers interested in production record software I would recommend looking at Current-Report 3279 “Cow-Calf Production Record Software” located online at https://extension.okstate.edu/ fact-sheets/cow-calf-productionrecord-software.html. This current report is a little older, so software prices may have changed, but it is a good place to start.

Taxes is a record keeping motivator for many producers.

It is important to note that tax management is only one part of farm management, and that

minimizing taxes should not be the only goal. However, any kind of record keeping can be a good start to financial analysis.

We are currently working on updating materials on one option- Quicken. Be on the lookout for updates to the OSU Extension website and an online course at https:// extension.okstate.edu/programs/ farm-management-and-finance/ quicken-for-farm-financialrecords/quicken-for-farm-ranchrecords-manual.html.

If you are interested in receiving assistance in developing a beginning and ending balance sheet, leading to a whole farm financial workup we have a Farm Financial Program currently available.

The program is free for personal use, and $150 if being used to meet FSA borrower training requirements. More information about the program and the sign-up can be found at the OSU Extension website

Courtney Bir Assistant Professor Agricultural Economics Oklahoma State University

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Do You Possess the 8 Characteristics of an Intentional Beef Producer?

by Robert Wells, Ph.D., Noble Research Institute To be successful, any business person must develop a plan and then devise a strategy on how to work the plan to accomplish desired goals. That’s especially important in the cattle business, where most cow-calf producers would agree that the return on investment on an annual cash basis is typically low.

In order to become and remain profitable, producers must effectively manage the operation by paying close attention to all aspects of the ranch. If this is done correctly, revenue and expenses also will be accounted for. An intentional beef producer is one who takes the business seriously and is willing to go through the process of developing and working a plan for his or her operation.

The following is a list of characteristics that successful, intentional producers share.

Intentional beef producers: 1. Understand the importance of record keeping.

Find a record-keeping system that works for your individual style, whether a paper ledger or on a computer.

The key is to keep records that are meaningful and that you will use to make management decisions. Do not collect data on metrics you will never use, as this creates extra work that will have no measurable outcome you will implement.

Keep detailed enough records that you can understand what occurred “once the ink dries” later in time. Identify key production and economic metrics you can use to monitor your operation. Examples of

this would be length of calving season and calving distribution, amount of feed/hay/mineral fed, pounds of weaned calf per exposed cow, body condition scores (BCS), pregnancy and calving percentages, weight and prices of all animals sold, and grazing days in each pasture. With the help of the aforementioned parameters, you should monitor inventories of cattle, feed, hay and available pasture forage, as well as production costs and revenue generated.

2. Know animal nutrition management can make or break an operation.

There is an old saying in the industry that “you can’t starve a profit out of a cow.”

This statement is true and has been reaffirmed many times over. The feeding program can

account for 40-60% of the total annual cost of maintaining a cow in most operations.

This typically equates to several hundreds of dollars per cow annually. Work with a nutritionist to develop a strategic feeding program where the supplemental feed is designed to complement the quality of the forage base the cow is consuming. For spring-calving cows that are fed hay during winter, feeding the lowest quality hay earlier in the winter makes the most sense. Keep the best quality hay for later in the winter, and incidentally, later in the cow’s gestation cycle or early lactation.

Try never to buy hay based strictly on a cost-per-bale basis or to feed on a cost-

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breeders. Two members agreed to recover the cost of tank and publishers to visit US cattle and shipping by selling the shows and conduct ranch tours additional 2,200 straws. DLD to BBU breeders across Texas, assisted in distributing the Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, donated semen to farmers in all and Colorado. provinces of Thailand. The first Initial health restrictions Beefmaster crossed calf was for frozen genetics were born in Thailand in December a restrictive obstacle and 2010. As the initial calves extended the time for the matured over the next 2-3 years Thai Department of Livestock to deliver progeny for feeding Development (DLD) to approve and harvest, the demand our first semen shipment for outpaced supply. import permitting. USLGE Some breeders distributed worked with BBU for a the semen over 2-3 years, so workshop at Texas A&M the returns began around 2015University that allowed USDA 2016 when the mature calves and US Animal Health Officials started to be harvested. Breed work with DLD. This led to demand strengthened during acceptance of Certified Semen that period with live cattle Services (CSS) credentials and coming into demand and live streamlined the protocols for animal exports becoming the testing and export. The work norm for the more influential on protocols also affected later breeders in the years to follow. live animal export discussions.

Thai breeders started importing The initial semen tank live animals in 2015. Most of shipped included about 3,200 the live animals were show semen straws from several animals from major cattle leading BBU member bulls. shows in USA. As the cattle Of that amount, 1,000 straws adapted well in Thailand, the were donated by 10 BBU shipments grew from a couple

of large pallets of 6-8 head to mature bulls, pairs, bred and open heifers in packages of 100 or more per shipment.

In 2020, farmers and DLD imported over 100 live animals and 10,000 units of semen. Top genomic seedstock are now in demand with export and cargo value exceeding $1 million for livestock and $250,000 for frozen genetics (semen and embryos) since 2009. 2020 exports were up to $920,450.00 and year to date 2021 reported sales from since producers total over $1.7 million and growing.

None of this could be possible without the funding provided by Foreign Agriculture Service (FSA) and cooperation between USLGE and BBU. This FAS funded project has been used as a model for projects in other countries. FAS funding allowed BBU to develop a new method of breed introduction that is improving exports to other countries by BBU. Beefmasters has enjoyed a rapidly growing international

www.beefmasters.org footprint, with established associations in nine countries worldwide. These innovative cattlemen have seen the tremendous strengths Beefmasters bring to their own genetic improvement programs.

For more information about what Beefmasters can do for your operation and marketing your cattle internationally, please visit us at www. beefmasters.org/international.

Jeralyn Novak Communications Coordinator Beefmaster Breeders United

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a comprehensive vaccination and herd health program.

Remember to consider that the calves will not live their entire lives on your ranch; therefore, they must be vaccinated against the typical diseases they could be exposed to once they leave the ranch. Become Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) trained and certified. By adhering to BQA standards, you are honoring the commitment to develop and market a quality calf. BQA certification also helps develop consumer confidence in beef.

Part of BQA is proper nutrition and health of the calf as well as keeping records. The form at bit.ly/ibeef-vaccination-form is a good example of a whole-herd vaccination record. If you do not have documentation, you cannot prove how your cattle were immunized.

6. Optimize stocking rate and pasture management Set a realistic stocking rate for your operation. Visit with a Noble Research Institute consultant, county extension agent, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) representative or other knowledgeable person for assistance. Make sure that the forages in each pasture

program than is realized on the calf coming off the cow. per-bag or ton basis. Better 3. Know when and how to quality hay may cost more, market calves. but it can dramatically reduce Determine the type of animal or eliminate the need for you will sell and when you supplemental feed. The breakwill sell it. Will you sell the even price of hay is the cost at calf right off the cow or after a which you would purchase feed preconditioning program? Will to supplement the low-quality you retain further ownership feed. If you are in a situation into the feedlot but sell live, where hay must be provided, or sell on a grid? Do you want feed the best hay possible to to market quality replacement reduce the need for additional heifers rather than terminal supplementation. The cheapest calves? The answers to these option is rarely the right feed questions will provide focus to for the circumstances. your program.

Many times of the year, the Regardless of when or cow is more deficient of energy where you market calves, than protein. Remember, remember that uniformity a cow is not as concerned of calf type, age and weight with nutrient percentage or is typically rewarded by concentration of the feed as the buyers, as it helps them much as she is with how many meet their marketing goals actual ounces or pounds of as well. Identify value-based a nutrient, she receives daily marketing programs such as to meet her needs. Finally, the Integrity Beef Alliance match the cow’s time of highest (www.integritybeef.org) to help nutrient requirements — early you collectively market cattle lactation or around 2 months like a much larger entity. No of calf age — to the time of year matter how large your outfit when the pastures supply the is, it can still benefit from highest quality and quantity selling in a market that has forage of the year. During more cattle that are similar to preconditioning of the calf, yours. The goal of feedlots is balance the cost of gain with to fill entire pens which could the value of gain. In many hold as many as 200-300 head, years, more profit can be made with very similar cattle. One in a 60-day preconditioning

uniform truckload will only fill a portion of a pen. Remember to give consideration to how you market cull cows and bulls, as they typically can account for up to 15-20% of the annual ranch revenue.

4. Have a defined outcome for the ranch breeding program.

What type of cattle will you produce? This goes beyond the concept of uniformity previously discussed. Make sure the calving season is as tight as possible, ideally 60 days or less. If you are a commercial producer, consider the value of heterosis and the advantages built into a well-defined and thought-out cross-breeding program. Identify the breeds you will use, and then work to find the right individuals within each breed to reach your goals. Consider breed complementarity, where the characteristics of the two breeds will be synergized in the resulting progeny. A good example of this is Beefmaster x Angus or Charolais.

5. Have a comprehensive herd health program.

As the cow-calf owner, you have a moral obligation to the animal to set them up for a healthy life. Work with your veterinarian to develop

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invasive species encroachment.

A cost-effective grazing are provided rest at different principle is to use standing times of the year, across dormant forages instead years. Monitor rainfall events of hay during the dormant and understand the concept season. Cover crops can add of effective rainfall. Not all precipitation that falls will lead a new dynamic to the grazing operation, as well. to increased forage growth.

7. Develop a ranch For more information on management calendar. effective rainfall, go to: www.

Begin with the end in mind. noble.org/rainfall-effectiveness.

Determine when you want to An intentional grazier will sell your calves and what your record when cattle are moved end-product will be for most into and out of each pasture. years, and work backward He or she will consider setting from there to develop the up exclosures to help monitor management calendar. The forage disappearance and growth, will use soil tests before management calendar should fertilizing introduced pastures, include the following dates: bull turn-in and pickup (hence and will use prescribed weed subsequent calving dates), and brush control to reduce

weaning and marketing dates, when to BCS the cows, when to work calves for the initial and booster vaccinations, when to conduct a breeding soundness exam, when to scout for weeds, and when to apply fertilizer and/or lime. Additionally, an intentional producer will develop a plan for when to consider grazing each pasture, all the while recognizing that the exact date will vary based on weather and other uncontrollable factors.

8. Remain flexible.

Above all else, an intentional producer will learn to be flexible, since so many variables are out of one’s control. However, just because

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intentional producers have developed and are working a plan it does not mean they cannot adjust as the need arises. Conversely, they will be more strategically positioned to make correct and meaningful adjustments to their plan without wrecking their system, largely because of the knowledge gained from wellkept records.

Dr. Robert Wells Livestock Consultant Noble Research Institute

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Cattle Outlook Optimistic for 2022

by Greg Henderson, Drovers

Optimism is building in cattle country that 2022 will finally deliver a longanticipated bull market for cattle. Ranchers and cattle feeders saw markets turn higher in the final weeks of 2021, and while many of the challenges facing the industry last year will continue, most analysts suggest improving prices are a trend that will continue beyond this year.

“Demand for beef, both domestically and in our exports markets, was strong throughout 2021 and will continue,”

says John Nalivka, Sterling Marketing, Vale, Ore. “With declining cattle numbers, we’re seeing things fall into place for better cattle markets the next couple of years.”

Market-ready supplies of fed cattle have tightened and packers are actively chasing cattle for the first time in many months. In general, cattle prices are higher now compared to a year ago and are expected to continue improving in 2022.

Such sentiment is shared by industry analysts across the country who see robust

demand continuing as the industry has worked through many of the pandemic-related challenges. CattleFax CEO Randy Blach said the cattle cycle should have seen a peak in 2020, but it was pushed back by pandemic-related slaughter bottlenecks.

“This has been a long, hardfought battle,” Blach said.

“Retail beef prices have gone up substantially and demand has been out of this world. Cattle prices just haven’t shared in that move up until now.”

Demand has been very

strong for all proteins, including pork and poultry, he said.

“All the proteins have benefitted from this demand push that we’ve experienced.”

Demand may be good, but tightening supplies are the primary factor influencing analyst’s optimism.

“Cattle numbers are declining as low prices and drought have both led to herd liquidation over the past two years,” Nalivka says.

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lowest point since 1952.”

With dairy cow slaughter up In fact, U.S. beef cow slaughter roughly 3% in 2021, total cow was 10% higher in 2021, and slaughter posted a 6% increase that followed a 3% increase and the highest since 1996. from 2020.

With those slaughter numbers, “We saw the highest beef cow Sterling Marketing projects slaughter last year since the the 2022 beef cow inventory to drought year of 2011,” Nalivka be 30.2 million, a reduction of says. “From 2011 to 2013 the roughly 1 million cows, or 3%. drought, beginning in the Additionally, heifer slaughter Southwest and moving to the in 2021 was the highest since Midwest, pushed the beef cow 2011. Nalivka projects 2022 herd numbers in 2014 to its heifer slaughter to be 4% lower

Heritage Cattle Company

than 2021 and just marginally higher than during 2012.

“The higher beef cow and heifer slaughter numbers that we saw in 2021 mean reduced cattle numbers for 2022 and likely through 2024 are evident,” Nalivka says.

My forecast for the January 1 total cattle inventory is 91.25 million, down 2% from the beginning of 2021, the lowest since 2015, and 475,000 more than the beginning 2012 cattle

ATF

E6 Commercial Beefmaster Females Beefmaster Bulls for the Commercial Cattleman Chris Kauffman 501-279-8505 ckauffman@stephensgroup.com

ATF

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herd.”

A reduction of the breeding herd will translate into a reduction in cattle slaughter.

Nalivka expects total slaughter to be down 2% in 2022 after the 3% increase found in 2021.

“I also expect carcass weights to decline this year as fed cattle numbers decline and feedlots are increasingly current with showlists and

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Arrow T Farm Beefmasters Greg & Mandy Thomas Elkmont, Alabama 256-431-1872 thomasgreg@bellsouth.net

ATF

ATF

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continued from page 16 marketing cattle into a stronger market,” Nalivka said.

“Assuming a 1% year-over-year drop in carcass weights, beef production in 2022 will be down 3%.”

Overall, Nalivka projects the total red meat and poultry supply, per capita, to decline about 0.5% to 220.7 pounds in 2022.

“Even if demand weakens somewhat, prices across the beef complex – including fed cattle, feeders and calves – will post notable gains during 2022,” Nalivka says. “That is

further supported by global beef demand.”

In fact, beef export values soared last year and were expected to exceed $10 billion, according to USDA. Beef exports reached 115,709 metric tons in October, up 7.5% from a year ago, while export value climbed 48% to $956.9 million – the second-highest total on record, behind August 2021. Through the first 10 months of the year, beef exports totaled 1.19 million metric tons, up 17% from a year ago.

Export value increased 38% to $8.53 billion, surpassing the 2018 record ($8.33 billion) with two months to spare.

U.S. Meat Export Federation president and CEO Dan Halstrom acknowledged red meat exports face transportation challenges and rising input costs, yet he expected red meat exports would reach about $18 billion in 2021.

“While global demand is tremendous and we are cautiously optimistic about further growth in 2022, supply chain pressures are not easy to overcome and are a growing concern for exporters and their international customers,” Halstrom said.

An increasing demand for beef coupled with a tighter cattle supply is leading to better balance within the industry, which should result in higher prices for the cow-calf, stocker/ feeder and fed cattle segments, CattleFax Chief Executive Officer Randy Blach told those in attendance at the 2021 Kansas Livestock Association Convention in Wichita.

During his presentation in Beef Industry University, Blach predicted calf prices will average on top of $200/cwt. in 2022, while feeder prices will average from $165/cwt. to $175/cwt. for the year, with a range of $155/cwt. to $185/cwt.

“For those of you in the stocker business selling cattle off the Flint Hills, by the time we get to that time of the year, I would expect live cattle feeder prices to be trading in the mid $180s,” he said. “For those of you in the cow-calf business, I know it’s your time for a payday and it’s coming. We see calf prices getting back up to the mid $250s over the next two to three years in the cycle.”

According to Blach, fed cattle prices will average from $138/ cwt. to $140/cwt. in 2022, with prices approaching a high of $150/cwt. at some point in the

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spring and pushing up to $160/ cwt. in the fall.

In addition to potential inflation impact and limited shackle space concerns, Blach also acknowledged frustrations with price discovery and the desire to improve market transparency, but stressed the importance of grid marketing in the overall economics of the industry.

“If we were to take the grid systems that are paid today out of the market, we would lose $1 billion just at the cattle level,” he said. “Those of you in the cow-calf and stocker business, that’s coming off your top line, and many of you have built genetics around that, so you have to have access to those systems if you’re going to get paid.”

Reprinted with permission from Farm Journal

Greg Henderson Editorial Director Drovers

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Purpose of an Index

by Lance Bauer, Beefmaster Breeders United Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are the best tool available for making genetic improvements in a herd. When looking at EPDs it can sometimes be difficult to avoid single trait selection because a producer may become too focused on one trait, such as birth weight. To help producers avoid this many breeds including Beefmaster have implemented one or more indices that weight EPDs appropriately for different production systems. The use of index selection has been around since the 1940s, in 1943 Hazel noted that selecting using an index that was properly weighted was more efficient than single trait selection or culling based on several traits with an individual culling level for each trait. In the summer of 2016 BBU released two indices, $M and $T, to help producers

select animals that fit their production systems and in 2021 BBU released $FE. $M is the maternal index and should be used when females are being retained in the herd, $T is the terminal index for BBU and should be used in a terminal production system and $FE is the feed efficiency EPD that is focused on feed efficiency and growth. $M is the maternal index, and it is designed to balance weaning weight with cow maintenance and fertility.

The index includes the EPDs for BW, WW, Milk, YW and SC. It was developed for the profit per cow exposed, due to the weaning weight of her calf and accounting for cow maintenance. $M is helpful in evaluating how a bull’s daughters will contribute to the advancement of a herd.

When looking at Beefmaster

cattle $M seems like a smaller number than $T does, however the effects of $M are cumulative because of retaining females in the herd. A bull that consistently produces high quality females that are kept in the herd is continually increasing in value to the producer in terms of $M. For example, if a producer is looking to use a bull that will produce quality females that

will wean a good calf every year and is choosing between bull A and bull B $M is a good tool.

If bull A has a $M of $24.50 and bull B has a $M of $14.50, then it would be expected that bull A’s daughters would return approximately $10 more per head per year. This may seem to be a small amount, but if we assume that both bulls are bred to 20 cows and 10 heifers are

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other words all the offspring retained each year, then after a will be harvested. The EPDs that are used in the calculation year there is a $100 advantage for bull A. If both bulls are used of $T are YW, REA, IMF, and Fat. The goal of this index is for four years with the same results on keeping heifers, then to help the producer select and use bulls that will produce there is a $400 advantage to high quality carcasses that also bull A. Now assume that each yield well and will help make of the heifers that is kept stays the operation more profitable. in the herd for 10 calves, then By comparing $T of different there is a $4,000 advantage bulls a producer can estimate to bull A. This is a value that how much more a bull could could be increased by using potentially be worth in a reproductive techniques such terminal system. as artificial insemination or For example, if a producer is embryo transfer to produce selecting for a bull to produce even more females from a calves that will do well in a feed valuable bull. $T is the terminal index and yard, and are choosing between bull X and bull Y, $T would be is designed to be used when a very informative tool to use. bulls are mated to cows in a If bull X has a $T of 100 and strictly terminal system, in

bull Y has a $T of 60, it would be expected that bull X’s calves would be $40 more valuable per head on average. In this situation if both bulls are used on 20 cows and you produce 20 calves then after one year bull X is worth $800 more. If

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both bulls are used for four years in the herd with the same results, then bull X becomes worth $3200 more. This value could be even more if artificial insemination was used and more steer calves from bull X

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continued from page 20 were produced each year. $FE is the new BBU feed efficiency index. $FE is designed to balance the residual feed intake (RFI) with post weaning gain, the difference between yearling weight and weaning weight.

The traits that are included in this index are RFI, WW and YW. The goal of this index is to help producers select for cattle that are feed efficient but still have post weaning growth. $FE is a more terminally focused index because of the emphasis on growth. By using $FE a produce can estimate the difference in feed costs between different animals progeny.

For example, if a producer is selecting for a bull that will save him money on feed costs and still grow and is looking at bull F with a $FE of $25 and bull G with a $FE of 10, the average expected savings on bull F would be $15 per calf. In this situation if both bulls are used on 20 cows and you produce 20 calves then after one year bull F is worth $300 more. If

both bulls are used for four years in the herd with the same results, then bull F becomes worth $1200 more. This value could be even more if artificial insemination was used and more calves from bull F were produced each year.

An index is another tool that producers can use to make informed breeding decisions that will help return the most profit to the operation. It is important to remember when using an index that a producer should have a production system in mind and then choose the appropriate index.

Selection on an index is more

efficient than single trait selection or setting culling levels for multiple traits because it is economically weighted for that production system. $M is the Beefmaster maternal index that is designed for a maternal system where replacement females will be kept and used in production, $T is designed as a terminal index to be used when all calves will be sold for harvest. $FE is the Beefmaster feed efficiency index, designed to balance RFI and post weaning growth. There has been a great amount of research put into these indices and the economic values assigned to

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each trait. They are a great tools that can and should be used to help eliminate single trait selection. Remember to use each index for its intended purpose.

Lance Bauer Director of Breed Improvement Beefmaster Breeders United

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6 Tips to Prepare Your Herd for Breeding Season

by Katie James, Farm Journal Focus on Body Conditioning Score. Body condition at calving time determines to a great extent the length of the anestrous period and therefore the likelihood that the cow becomes pregnant in timely fashion for the next calf crop, says Glenn Selk. If the cow is in a lower body condition score at calving, she will have fewer, if any, opportunities to conceive in a 60-day breeding season.

Body condition change after calving can have an impact on the return to heat cycles, but usually cannot compensate for low body condition at calving.

Make sure vaccinations are up to date. Implementing a sound pre-breeding vaccination program can enhance the cow’s ability to become pregnant on time and carry a healthy calf to term, says Dr. Curt Vlietstra, professional services veterinarian with Boehringer Ingelheim. These vaccinations include: • Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) - The most commonly diagnosed viral cause of abortions in cattle.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) - Known to cause early embryonic death, abortion and

persistently infected (PI) calves.

• Leptospirosis - Bacterial infection linked to infertility, abortions, weak calves and reduced milk production.

• Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) - Respiratory disease that can cause serious illness and even death among calves.

• Parainfluenza 3 (PI3) - Respiratory disease associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that may result in secondary respiratory infections such as bacterial pneumonia.

• Clostridia - Successful treatment of clostridial bacteria is rare, but prevention through vaccination is effective.

Get your bull checked out.

A bull can look and act like he’s primed to produce offspring, but the question is can he deliver? Data show that 1 of every 5 bulls tested can’t and will fail a breeding soundness exam, according to the Society of Theriogenology. That’s why a thorough breeding soundness examination prior to the start of the breeding season – along with frequent monitoring of health, soundness of feet and

legs, and continued desire and ability of bulls to mate throughout the breeding season – are critically important in order to ensure a bull’s high reproductive success.

Plan out your breeding season. A shorter breeding and calving season can equal more money in your pocket.

Well-defined 60-day breeding and calving seasons will pay off in heavier, and more uniform groups of calves to sell at marketing time, says Glenn Selk. If a small cow operation can market a sizeable number of calves together in one lot, it will realize a greater price per pound (on the average) than similar calves sold in singles or small lots.

Inventory your supplies.

Prior to the breeding season, take stock of your current inventory needed for the breeding season. This is especially important for those using A.I. Inventory includes supplies needed, such as CIDRs, vaccinations, AI injectables (GnRH and PGF), and semen. Herd inventory is also crucial to a successful breeding season. Determining which cows you will cull and which you will keep, do you need to purchase another bull, or do you need to improve

your herd genetically. Assessing inventory early will enable you to be better prepared for the breeding season.

Make sure A.I. is done properly (if applicable).

There’s no bull about it, artificial insemination (A.I.) has come a long way since its first use in dairy cattle during the late 1930s. While the technology has vastly changed, the basic principles still remain.

From careful semen handling, and proper use of the breeding gun, if not done right cows can come up open.

Reprinted with permission from Farm Journal

Katie James Digital Content Producer Farm Journal

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BEEFMASTER Pay Weight The Beefmaster Pay Weight

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the

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a publication dedicated to serving commercial cattlemen and produced by Beefmaster Breeders United SPRING 2022

Vol. 8, No. 1

Section 2

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NCBA Policy Team Reflects on 2021, Forecasts 2022

by National Cattlemen's Beef Association In December 2021, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) policy team convened to summarize their efforts on The Hill.

With 2020 as a backdrop, NCBA shifted their energy in 2021 to producer profitability throughout the supply chain.

COVID-19 and Retail Ranchers and packers experienced many processing issues because of the pandemic.

NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane says the NCBA has spent numerous hours on The Hill advocating for accessible and fair market competition.

“We’re continuing to

reiterate to the administration that we need to diversify and regionalize packing capacity to create new capacity in areas that are underserved,” says Lane. “We have a tremendous amount of demand right now—both nationally and internationally—that we need to capitalize on.”

Lane says the NCBA’s 2022 agenda includes finding price discovery options to make sure producers are able to choose “the best marketing method for their cattle, rather than a government mandate telling them how to market their cattle.”

Earlier this year, the National

Economic Council officials studied earnings statements from Tyson Foods, the chicken producer and biggest U.S. meat company by sales; Brazilbased JBS SA, the world’s biggest meatpacker; Brazilian beef producer Marfrig Global Foods SA which owns most of National Beef Packing Company; and Seaboard Corp RIC. Those statements showed a 120% collective jump in their gross profits since the pandemic and a 500% increase in net income, the analysis shows. These companies recently announced $1 billion in new dividends and stock

buybacks, on top of the more than $3 billion they paid to shareholders since the pandemic began.

The USDA announced investments to expand processing capacity and increase competition in meat and poultry processing to make agricultural markets fair and competitive. NCBA anticipates these payments will be distributed to state and regional packers after the New Year.

Sustainability and Climate Lane is “extremely pleased” by the difference in how grazing and cattle production is being treated in the policy

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goals for 30 by 30, but doesn’t include plans to make changes conversation in Washington through policy proposals. Lane following the release of the is unsure whether the proposal industry’s sustainability goals will come to fruition, saying that include a climate net “the White House will never neutrality by 2040. placate the environmental “In previous administrations, community with anything they we’ve always been thought do in this space.” of as a threat or an impact,” WOTUS says Lane. “We’re now being United States Environmental embraced as a climate solution.”

Protection Agency (EPA) The “America the Beautiful” and the U.S. Army Corps of climate initiative—the Biden Engineers published a rule in administration’s version of the Federal Register in early what is commonly known as December, initiating updates “30x30”, the goal of conserving to the definition of the waters 30 percent of the nation’s land of the United States (WOTUS) and waters by 2030—has yet to that reflect the pre-2015 be addressed. regulatory definition.

The Biden administration The proposed rule comes has released a statement of following a June 2021 statement principles which outlines their made the Biden administration,

detailing plans to repeal the Trump administration’s Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR) promulgated under WOTUS in 2020. New regulations defining federally protected waterways under the Clean Water Act were then announced in November by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.

EPA Administrator Michael Regan says the proposed transition was created to bring clarity and consistency to WOTUS: “Through our engagement with stakeholders across the country, we’ve heard overwhelming calls for a durable definition of WOTUS that protects the environment and that is grounded in the

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experience of those who steward our waters.”

Scott Anderson of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association says the NCBA’s work with the EPA in the past four years is under review and will be revised or altogether rescinded. However, the NCBA has launched a public relations campaign to demonstrate the WOTUS rule’s impact on agriculture.

“We’re really focused on making sure that whatever comes out of this process does not effectively duplicate the rule that we saw from the Obama administration, which is an over-expansive rule.”

For more on the NCBA’s 2022 policy priorities visit www.ncba.org/policy.

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Fly Control: What are your options?

Source: Huvepharma

If you have cattle, you probably also have flies.

Perhaps you view them as a mere nuisance. But they are actually a $2 billion annual cost to the cattle industry due to the reduced gains and related performance losses face flies and horn flies cause to cattle.

“Flies are the biggest cost to the industry – even larger than respiratory disease,” reports Marc Campbell, a technical services veterinarian with the Cattle Business Unit of Huvepharma, Inc. Campbell explains that the cost to the industry is mostly due to loss of gains – as much as 12 to 15 pounds/animal – on pastured cattle, where flies can be challenging to control because fly eggs are continually being laid and hatched in the cattle manure.

Campbell advises, “It is impossible to completely eliminate horn flies and face

flies, but you want to reduce their numbers so you can minimize their impact to cattle performance.” The economic threshold is to strive for fewer than 200 flies per animal.

Control options Campbell acknowledges that fly tags and chemical control – via pour-ons, cattle rubs, and sprays – are common fly control methods with merit.

But they also have some drawbacks. Fly tags can be expensive and labor intensive to run cattle through the chute and administer – and later remove. And, because there are only three classes of approved active ingredients among chemical fly control products, resistance to these products is a growing concern.

Additionally, with regard to face flies, Campbell points out, “Dewormers don’t affect the face, so they are not effectively controlling face flies. And fly

tags don’t necessarily kill face flies, they just ward them off.”

Thus, Campbell encourages producers to consider utilizing feed-through fly control products, which are additives that contain an insect growth regulator (IGR). These products can effectively be fed to cattle on grass with a free-choice mineral or feed supplement.

“Feed-throughs control horn flies and face flies in the cattle dung where flies are laying their eggs. These products kill the fly larvae or prevent the larvae from maturing depending on the mode of action,” he explains.

Because feed-through fly control products use a different mode of action (diflubenzuron) than fly tag and other chemical fly control products, Campbell also notes, “Feed-throughs have no known resistance.”

Campbell underscores that using a combination of

fly control methods can help provide the most effective results. As well, for fly control to be effective it needs to be a season-long effort.

In short, fly control is about more than just eliminating a nuisance. With flies being one of the biggest costs to the industry, control is key to avoiding loss in gains, preventing pink eye and ultimately increasing profits.

Huvepharma is a global pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing, manufacturing and marketing human and animal health products. A privately-owned company headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, Huvepharma’s U.S. headquarter are located in Peachtree City, GA.

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Breeder Profile: Rocking R Beefmasters

by LeAnne Peters, Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association Located in central Mississippi, just outside of French Camp, is a Beefmaster operation filled with quality cattle and a deep love for the beef industry. Owned by Aaron Roebuck and his wife Mona, the two proudly comprise the operation known as Rocking R Ranch Beefmasters.

The Beefmaster breed first originated in 1954 based on a three-way cross between Hereford, Shorthorn, and Brahman cattle. Tom Lasater, the founder of the breed, selected cattle on the “Six Essentials” which include fertility, milking ability, weight, conformation, hardiness, and disposition. Since then, the breed has grown in popularity among many producers just like the Roebucks.

Aaron first got his start back in 1986 when he purchased his first cow from a sale barn and sold her first calf to begin his herd of commercial cattle.

Roebuck then purchased his first Beefmaster bull from Mr. Johnny Sides and ran cattle for several years before deciding to sell out.

During the 1990s, Aaron’s

son Austin became interested in cattle and decided to obtain a youth loan. After looking in the “Market Bulletin”, they saw an ad for Beefmaster cattle from the Byrd family in South Mississippi and decided to go look. They went to look with the original plan of Austin building for himself a herd of cattle versus purchasing cattle with the primary goal of showing. It was a productive visit and it resulted in the purchase of five heifers, with several of them being great show prospects. Though Aaron was raised showing horses, he had never shown cattle; however, that didn’t keep Austin from being interested in the idea. The Roebuck family made the decision to go “all in” and Austin began showing on a state and national level.

Since then, Austin has become an established veteran in the showring and has attended several Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association National Show, as well as national shows in both Houston and Fort Worth. Though Austin has now aged out, he continued his own herd of Beefmasters. Aaron

has even got the showing bug by participating in open shows and exhibiting a bull that was raised on their farm.

“Hopefully one day I will have grandkids that are interested in showing,” said Aaron. “We have had some really good heifers the past few years that are made for the showring, and it’s been a large part of our lives.”

As he has built his herd over the years, Aaron has purchased cattle private treaty and at Southeast Beefmaster Breeders Association (SEBBA) sales, as well as Emmons Ranch and Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) sales at Houston.

Using both artificial insemination and natural service, the cows are bred to superior Beefmaster bulls, producing hardy cattle that are adapted to the Gulf Coast environment. By utilizing some of the top AI sires in the breed along with Gunslinger, a bull that he owns in syndicate, and his herd sire EMS Cool Daddy, Roebuck is building a herd of cattle that will work in the showring and for seedstock and commercial producers alike.

While he is currently in the process of building his herd, most of his heifers are retained to put back into the herd, and many of his bull calves are sold to the local livestock markets.

His son Justin is also building a herd of Angus and Angus cross commercial cows that he is utilizing Beefmaster bulls to create.

If you spend any time with the Roebucks and their cattle you see that docility is a major factor in their herd. “You can see that most of our cattle are pets,” said Aaron. “We come out to the pasture and most all of them will walk up to you and let you handle them.”

All cows and calves on Rocking R Beefmasters are maintained under a complete herd health program where cattle are vaccinated and dewormed twice a year, as well as being given a 7-way and blackleg vaccine. Common Bermuda along with mixed native grasses provides the foundation of the pasture system and all the farm’s hay needs. With the help of his son, Justin, Aaron bales his own hay.

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property as well.

The Roebucks continue to improve their herd each year by breeding quality genetics to produce cattle for today’s cattle producer.

Aaron is a proud member of the Mississippi Cattlemen’s Association, where he serves as an area vice president. He is also a member of BBU. Photos to the right are Roebuck While he is certainly proud Beefmaster Cattle. of his growing herd and operation, one thing that Aaron is always proud to say is that his family is still on the land that was a land grant by the government to his great-great grandparents. From those LeAnne Peters original 140 acres, several Director of Communications other family members, as well Mississippi Cattlemen's as Aaron, have added to the Association original property, with several cousins owning adjacent

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Bull Management and Nutrition

by Julie Walker, George Perry, Russ Daly, and Ken Olson - South Dakota State University Proper management and nutrition of bulls is essential to ensure cow/calf producers maximize reproductive efficiency and genetic improvement of the calf crop.

In addition, the herd bull influences overall herd fertility more than any other single animal, and loss of fertility by a bull can cause substantial loss to a potential calf crop.

Each cow produces one calf per year; however, bulls should contribute to the calf crop by 25 to 60 times via siring 25 to 60 calves. Additionally, bulls influence their daughters’ production in the cow herd.

Therefore, bull selection can be the most powerful method of genetic improvement in the herd, but bulls with low fertility, structural problems and low libido reduce the percent calf crop weaned.

The number of cows bred during the breeding season plays the largest role in percent calf crop weaned, and percent calf crop weaned is the single most important factor influencing profitability in beef operations. The weaning weight is influenced by the bull selection. Since greater than 90% of the beef cows in the United States are bred by natural service,

it is important that bulls be managed to optimize breeding performance.

Producers spend the necessary time to find quality bulls based on EPDs, but how is the bull managed from purchase to breeding or between breeding seasons can affect the longevity of a bull?

Has the nutrient requirements of the bull(s) been met during these periods or are the bulls placed into a pasture to be forgotten about until the next breeding season?

There are several factors that influence bull fertility.

First, a bull must be developed properly and have reached puberty to be fertile. Second, physical characteristics, such as scrotal circumference, mating ability, and semen quality play a role in a bull’s fertility. Third, libido and social dominance influence a bull’s ability and desire to service cows. This paper will start with nutrition.

is affected by feeding different energy levels of feed. High levels of energy can increase weight, height, and scrotal circumference without effecting age at puberty or first mating, showing nutritional effects on bull development without affecting sexual development.

Highly fitted or excessive conditioned bulls may fatigue rapidly, contributing to fewer cows serviced. Ideally, bulls should be in a condition score of 6 (9 point system) since bulls normally lose about 100 to 200 pounds during the breeding season. This weight loss should come from energy stored as fat (condition) rather than muscle tissue. This is especially important for young bulls since they are still growing.

Furthermore, extremely low energy can delay puberty and potentially impair sperm production. In addition, bulls that are undernourished at a young age may never develop appropriately when compared Puberty and bull development to bulls that are properly fed The most commonly used (VanDemark et al., 1964). definition of puberty in bulls The age and weight at is when an ejaculate collected which puberty occurs also via electroejaculation contains varies greatly among breeds a minimum of 50 x 106 total and level of nutrition during sperm with at least 10% development; however, research progressive motility. The age with various breeds suggests and weight that puberty occurs that a practical indication

of eminent puberty is when scrotal circumference is between 27 and 29 cm (Lunstra et al., 1978). However, simply because a bull can produce semen does not translate directly to fertility. Sperm quality and quantity continues to increase for several months after the initiation of semen production. Only about 35%, 60%, and 95% of 12, 14, and 16 month old bulls, respectively, are reproductively mature and produce good quality semen (Barth, 2000).

Nutrition Seedstock producers are the primary individuals managing the development program of bulls being sold.

For commercial cow-calf producers, feeding programs usually include feeding purchased bull(s) from delivery until the breeding season and bulls retained from one breeding season to the next.

Bulls are often managed as one group even though there may be large differences in age, size, and body condition.

The debate over the correct method for developing bulls is not settled: Should you develop bulls at a moderate rate of gain or develop bulls on a ration

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continued from page 31 that is capable of supporting high rates of gain so genetic differences can be measured for selection and marketing purposes? Bulls put into many bull test stations are placed on rations to support high rates of gain. Many seedstock producers have established specific feeding programs to fit the desired animal performance where bulls show their genetic potential and are cost efficient.

The key to a welldeveloped feeding program is that nutrient requirements are meet and animals are not under-or over-fed. It does not matter if they are developed with a highgrain ration or foragebased program. While the effect of underfeeding is obvious, overfeeding bulls also has negative effects on reproductive performance.

Excess external fat cover is not only found on the back of the bull, but also in the scrotum. The increased scrotal temperatures associated with over conditioned bulls can reduce sperm production and the quality of stored sperm. Being overly fat also increases stress on the bull and limits his ability to travel so he can search out and service cows that are in estrus.

Let’s focus on five time periods; 1) Pre-weaning nutrition, 2) Post-weaning nutrition, 3) Conditioning prior to breeding season, 4) Breeding season, and 5) Post breeding season.

Pre-weaning nutrition: Nutrition management of beef calves (including bull calves) is to maintain them on their dam until normal weaning at 6 – 9 months of age. Under normal environments, the plane of nutrition from dam’s milk and forage should be adequate for normal growth rates of bull calves. It is important that adequate nutrition is available

to the dam. Additional management options such as early weaning or creep feeding can be considered when the calves’ plane of nutrition is less than desired; however, the cost should be considered when making your decision.

Post-weaning nutrition: During the time period from weaning to first breeding season is when producers are determining rations. We suggest developing bulls at moderate rates of gain instead of high rates of gain. Since bull selection is based on genetic information such as EPDs, more producers are using a moderate plane of nutrition to develop breeding bulls during the post-weaning phase.

Nutrient requirements for growing bulls can be found in NRC (2000) or through the extension service. There are many possible rations that could be used to develop bulls at the desired animal performance prior to the first breeding season.

The best ration depends heavily on the availability and cost of feed ingredients.

The key is developing the ration to meet the desired animal performance without over- or under-developing the bull.

During the post-weaning period both under-nutrition and over-nutrition can have negative impacts.

Under-nutrition results in delayed puberty and overnutrition can reduce semen production and quality.

Limited data is available in the area of bull nutrition.

Diets should be balanced to meet the nutrient requirements for the desired animal performance and body condition score should be monitored to ensure that the bulls are not being under- or over-nourished.

Typically, many of the diets to develop beef bulls contain from 40 – 60% concentrate.

For breeds that are known

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management is needed for over-conditioned bulls and thin to reach puberty later, a bulls. If yearling bulls are overcommon practice is to place conditioned they need to be the bulls on a slightly higher “let down” to prepare them for plane of nutrition (60 – 70% the breeding season. Gradual concentrate). The theory is to changes are needed when hasten the onset of puberty; changing diets to be more or however, with breeds that less concentrated to reduce reach puberty early; additional the possibilities of metabolic energy is not beneficial and disorders and impaired may cause over-conditioned breeding performance. Because animals. mature sperm is produced over a 60-day period before Conditioning prior to the ejaculation; nutritional effects breeding season: of over- or under-feeding on Yearling bulls should have a sperm quantity and quality will body condition score of 5.5 to have some carryover effect. The 6.5 (9 point scale) at the start of general method of stepping the breeding season. Once body down bulls is to gradually condition has been assessed,

replace a portion of the concentrate in the ration with forage over several weeks until the bulls are consuming forage or forage plus a supplement.

Ideally, this should start at least 30 to 60 days prior to turnout and yearling bulls should continue to gain 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per day.

Thin bulls should be put on a ration with a higher level of energy to increase rate of gain.

If bulls purchased or previously in your ownership are in good condition you will need to ensure that they are adapted to high-forage rations prior to turn out.

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Breeding Season Nutrition: There is limited opportunity to manage bull nutrition during the breeding season. They are basically on the same plane of nutrition as the cows. However, you should assess the body condition score of bulls during the breeding season as well as observe bulls’ ability to service the cows. Bulls often lose from 100 to 200 pounds during the breeding season. If bull(s) get extremely thin during the breeding season you may want to replace him because his ability to service the cows will probably be reduced.

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depend on the quality and quantity of forage available. The Post-breeding season: best method for developing a The need for proper growth diet for bulls is to test potential and development still exists and feeds and formulate a ration continues after the breeding based on age, size and desired season, especially for young performance. For example, bulls that are still growing. during the winter feeding Nutritional management program, feeding roughage at post-breeding is influenced by 2% of body weight plus 3 to 6 both age of bulls and amount pounds of grain so total diet of weight loss during the protein content is 10 to 11% course of the breeding season. will often provide the targeted Once the breeding season rate of gain in young bulls. is over, producers usually turn bulls out to a separate Minerals and Vitamins: pasture to regain lost weight Minerals and vitamins and prepare them for the are important for successful next breeding season. Mature animal growth and breeding bulls in fairly good condition performance. As you develop a after the breeding season can ration for your bulls remember be managed on pasture or to include a quality mineral and an all-roughage diet without vitamin program. supplements during the winter.

Hay quality should be 8 to 10% Two Breeding Seasons per crude protein and fed at 2% of Year: body weight. Rations should Some producers have both be modified based on available spring and fall calving herds, feed ingredients and to manage hence double-using bulls. This the bulls to maintain moderate puts additional management body condition. onto these producers to ensure Young bulls are still growing that bulls will be prepared to so the ration should be serve cows at each breeding formulated to gain 1½ to 2 season. With two breeding pounds per day depending on seasons per year, bulls have a the magnitude of weight loss shorter time to replenish their during breeding. The need weight loss before the next to supplement young bulls breeding season. Young bulls on summer/fall pasture will

may need to gain 2 to 2 ½ pounds per day to recover from weight loss.

Even with the best nutrition program some bulls have low fertility or other reproduction problems which will limit their servicing capacity. We will highlight some management that can be completed to increase the probability of high performing and fertility bulls and other things to measure to decide if bulls are fertile or not.

Facilities Facilities vary widely among operations. It may include pens/pastures, fences, water/ waterer, forage supplies, corrals, working areas and natural barriers. The key is having facilities that can safely handle fighting bulls and ensures the safety of those working with the cattle. Pens and pastures should be large enough to ensure bulls adequate exercise to prepare them for the breeding season.

To encourage bulls to get exercise, locate feeding areas away from water. Bunk space should be 24 to 30 inches per bull if all bulls are being fed at the same time, space can be reduced to 8 to 12 inches with a self-feeder.

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Social Dominance Typically, social ranking (dominance) is controlled by size, age and seniority within the group. This ranking may affect the number of cows a given bull will service in a multiple-sire herd. Livestock managers must be aware of these relationships to ensure normal breeding rates. For example, a dominant bull with poor semen quality or low libido could reduce pregnancy rates for an entire herd even when more fertile subordinate bulls are present.

A bull’s seniority is the major factor influencing his social ranking; the dominant bull in a breeding cadre is likely to be an older bull (Chenoweth, 1997).

Therefore, it is important not to introduce a young (yearling) bull into a herd with an older, more mature bull. Introducing young bulls into a herd with an older bull can be avoided by separating cows into single-sire breeding groups. In multiplesire breeding groups, multiple bulls tend to breed the same sexually active cows, this increases the risk of bull injury.

The number of breeding pastures is often limited within a beef operation. When

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continued from page 34 running multiple-sire breeding groups with a variety of ages, it is important to group bulls together based on multiplesire groups before the breeding season. This allows them to determine the social ranking prior to turning them into the cow herd.

Bull to Cow ratio: Since variation exists between bulls in their desire to mate (libido), recommendations for bull to cow ratios range from 1:10 up to 1:60. Practically bull to cow ratios vary greatly depending on the capability of individual bulls and the situation they are placed in (e.g., synchronized

or nonsynchronized herds).

Bull age also affects bull to cow ratios. Yearling bulls have a lower serving capacity than older bulls. Therefore, it is important to remember that young bulls should be utilized at a lower bull to cow ratio than older bulls.

Individual 2- and 3- year old bulls with high reproductive capacity have been used in nonsynchronized single-sire breeding groups with bull to cow ratios of 1:60 with no decrease in estrous detection or conception (Chenoweth, 1997). However, when multiple sires are used on a single group of females, additional bulls will be required since several bulls will breed the

same cow. In addition, when cows are synchronized and bred by natural service, greater pressure is placed on the herd bull. Therefore, additional bulls will be needed to breed the same number of cows when compared to the number of bulls needed to breed nonsynchronized cows (Healy et al., 1993).

Maximum bull to cow ratios will vary depending on mating ability, semen quality, and libido of individual bulls. Bull to female ratios can usually be increased in single-sire breeding groups; however, bulls should be observed closely during the breeding season to ensure that they continue to mate successfully. Poor

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performance of a bull in a single-sire breeding group will affect the entire calf crop of that group.

Health: A good health program is essential for the herd bulls. The best method for developing a health protocol is by working with your local veterinarian.

You should determine the vaccinations to be given, parasite control, and other specific procedures most suited to your location. Health problems can be divided into 1) affecting the individual bull or 2) infectious diseases that may affect the herd as well as the bull’s fertility.

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continued from page 35 Conditions that affect the individual bull are: 1) Johne’s disease, 2) Lameness due to injury or infection, 3) Pinkeye, 4) Vesiculitis, and 5) Other conditions. Those conditions can influence the bull’s ability to service the female or depress the semen quality.

Some possible herd conditions are: 1) Bovine Viral Diarrhea (BVD), 2) Trichomoniasis, 3) Leptospirosis, 4) Vibriosis, 5) IBR-Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (Red Nose). All of these conditions impact the profitability through reduced number of calves born.

Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) The American Society for Theriogenology developed minimum guidelines for a bull to pass a BSE. A BSE includes a physical examination, measurement of scrotal circumference, and evaluation of semen quality. To successfully complete a breeding soundness evaluation, a bull must have at least 30% sperm motility, 70% normal sperm morphology, and a minimum scrotal circumference based on age (Table 1; Chenoweth et al., 1992). Bulls should be tested approximately six weeks to one month prior to the breeding season by a veterinarian. This allows for time to retest bulls where unsatisfactory results are obtained or time to find a replacement herd bull.

Mating Ability: The purpose of the physical examination portion of a BSE is to determine a bull’s mating ability. Mating ability can be described as the physical capabilities needed to successfully breed a cow. A bull must be able to see, smell, eat, and move normally to

successfully breed cows.

The physical examination closely scrutinizes a bull’s eyes, teeth, feet, legs, and nutritional level (evaluated by body condition score).

Any disease or injury that affects joints, muscles, nerves, bones, or tendons may cause a bull to be structurally unsound.

In addition to structural unsoundness, diseases or injuries to the penis or prepuce can result in an inability to breed via natural service. These abnormalities will only be detected by careful examination or observing an attempted mating of a cow. A bull that has high quality semen but is unable to physically breed cows is unsatisfactory for natural service.

Scrotal Circumference: As scrotal circumference increases, so does the daily production of highquality sperm. There is a positive genetic correlation between a sire’s scrotal circumference, the scrotal circumference of his sons, and the pregnancy rate of his daughters.

Furthermore, a negative genetic correlation exists between a sire’s scrotal circumference and age of puberty in his daughters.

This indicates that bulls with a larger scrotal circumference will likely sire sons with larger scrotal circumference.

Furthermore, daughters should reach puberty at younger ages.

There are two commonly used methods for measuring scrotal circumference, a scrotal measuring tape or the Coulter scrotal measuring tape. Scrotal circumference is measured by placing a measuring tape around the scrotum at the widest point and measuring the circumference of the scrotum. A scrotal circumference measurement is an

indirect estimate of the mass of testicular tissue; moreover, amount of testicular tissue is directly related to sperm quantity and quality. Studies on 1,944 bulls of various breeds and ages indicated that as scrotal size increased, the probability of a bull passing a BSE also increased (Cates, 1975). Additionally, bulls with small scrotal circumference at a year of age tended to have small scrotal circumference at two years of age.

Semen Quality: Semen quality includes ejaculate volume, sperm cell motility, and sperm cell morphology.

It is important to remember that substandard nutrition, extreme environmental temperatures, and disease can reduce semen quality, and that the quality of semen from a single bull may change over time.

Sperm motility is calculated by evaluating the percentage of spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate that have progressive (headfirst) movement under a microscope.

Sperm morphology is calculated by evaluating the percentage normal spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate compared to sperm with primary and secondary abnormalities.

Primary abnormalities originate in the testis during spermatogenesis.

Secondary abnormalities originate in the epididymis, during sperm transport, or with handling of the sperm.

Primary and secondary abnormalities refer to the origin of the defect and not to the severity of the defect. Therefore, both primary and secondary abnormalities are equally important when

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successfully passed a second BSE and were classified as evaluating sperm quality. satisfactory potential breeders Sperm morphology influences in a study conducted at the pregnancy rates. Bulls with University of Missouri (Elmore less than 20% abnormal sperm et al., 1975). Furthermore, it elicit greater pregnancy rates has been shown that semen compared to other bulls quality in young bulls can (Wiltbank and Parish, 1986; improve for up to 16 weeks Table 2). Therefore, selection following puberty. of bulls with greater than 80% Conversely, a bull that normal sperm can increase successfully passes a BSE can overall pregnancy rates in a fail a subsequent BSE. Sperm herd. production is a continuous process and many factors can Is a single BSE valid for the life affect it. Injury, disease, fever, of a bull? and extreme environmental Sperm production is a conditions are four of the main continuous process. However, factors that can decrease sperm a BSE is conducted at a specific production. Injury to the penis point in time, and measures or testis can also result in the sperm production at that infertility in bulls. Considering specific point time. Therefore, these facts, it is important to the results of a BSE may change realize that the results of a over time. Out of 34 young single BSE are not valid for bulls (< 2 years) that failed the life of a bull, and testing a their first BSE, 26 of these bulls bull annually, usually a month

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prior to breeding season is recommended.

prior to the start of breeding season. This can be done by placing a bull in a pen with an Libido estrous female and record the Libido refers to the desire to bull’s eagerness to mate over mate and is not part of the BSE. a five minute period. A bull’s Libido is thought to be a highly eagerness can range from no inherited trait with heritability sexual interest to successfully ranging as high as 0.59. This is mating with the female. because there is more variation Libido can be more practically in libido between sons of evaluated by closely watching a different sires than between bull after introducing him to a sons of the same sire. It is cow herd. important to remember that scrotal circumference, semen Conclusion quality, and mating ability Proper nutrition is needed (evaluated in a BSE) are not to ensure that the bull’s related to libido. Therefore, a reproductive development and bull that passes a BSE may have performance is maximized. poor libido or a bull with good Since reproductive traits are libido may fail a BSE. not highly heritable, greater Libido has positive effects on selection intensity is required to pregnancy rate and, as such, achieve genetic improvement. can influence the success of Selection intensity for an entire breeding season. For female reproductive traits is this reason, it is important to usually low, since selection evaluate a bull’s desire to mate of replacement females in commercial herd is usually based on age, or weight and not reproductive performance.

As a result, greater selection intensity is required in selection of herd bulls to achieve the desired level of genetic improvement. Structurally sound bulls with a large scrotal circumference and high semen quality should be selected as herd sires. Moreover, it is important to remember that semen quality of an individual bull changes over time and, for a bull to be fertile, libido and mating ability should be evaluated periodically.

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2022 Beefmaster Sale Calendar

Feb 12, 2022 - Beefmaster Subasta @ San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo, San Antonio, TX Feb 16, 2022 - San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo All Breeds Sale, San Antonio, TX Feb 19, 2022 - Beefmaster Border Classic IV Sale, Edcouch, TX Mar 04, 2022 - Houston Magic XXII, Houston, TX Mar 04, 2022 - South Texas BBA Houston Futurity @ Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Houston, TX Mar 16 - 17, 2022 - Lyssy's All Access Frozen Genetics Sale, Online

Mar 19, 2022 - Beef on Forage Bull and Female Sale, McAlester, OK Mar 19, 2022 - Live Oak BBA Spring Sale, Three Rivers, TX

Mar 26, 2022 - Emmons Ranch Annual Bull Sale, Groesbeck, TX Apr 02, 2022 - Louisiana BBA Spring Sale at Kinder Livestock Auction, Kinder, LA Apr 09, 2022 - Collier Farms Advantage Sale, Giddings, TX Apr 09, 2022 - OHOA Spring Futurity Sale, Springfield, MO Apr 16, 2022 - East Texas/Louisiana BMG Sale, Crockett, TX

Apr 22, 2022 - Flint Hills Classic 2nd Annual Spring Bull Sale, Paxico, KS Apr 23, 2022 - Springtime in Texas Sale, Brenham, TX Apr 23, 2022 - National E6 Sale, Brenham, TX

May 14, 2022 - Central States BBA Spring Sale, Locust Grove, OK May 21, 2022 - Swinging B and Friends Sale, Salado, TX

May 21, 2022 - Red River Performance Group Heifer Sale, Paris, TX Jun 04, 2022 - South Texas BBA Sale, Floresville, TX Jun 11, 2022 - Wallen Prairie Ranch Power and Performance Production Sale, Lockwood, MO Jun 18, 2022 - Lone Star BBA Summer Sale, Sulphur Springs, TX Jun 25, 2022 - Southern Tradition xxii, Savannah, TN Jul 09, 2022 - Hiatt’s Diamond H Production Sale, Mt. Ulla, NC Aug 06, 2022 - J & T Farms 8th Annual Production Sale, Lexington, TN Aug 20, 2022 - Emmons Ranch Production Sale, Brazos County Expo, Bryan, TX Aug 27, 2022 - SEBBA Convention and Sale, Lexington, TN Sep 10, 2022 - Arkansas Beefmaster Breeders Razorback Classic, Damascus, AR Sep 10, 2022 - Beefmaster Network Sale, Raymond, MS Sep 23, 2022 - Beef on Forage Bull Sale, Arcadia, FL Sep 23, 2022 - Flint Hills Classic Female Sale, Paxico, KS Sep 24, 2022 - 5th Annual Flint Hills Classic Bull Sale, Paxico, KS Oct 01, 2022 - Lyssys Heart of the Herd Production Sale, Luling Foundation, Luling, TX Oct 01, 2022 - Isa Beefmasters 61st Performance Test and Sale, San Angelo, TX Oct 08, 2022 - Carr & Others Fall Sale, Floresville, TX Oct 15, 2022 - Beef on Forage Bull and Female Sale, Brenham, TX Oct 29, 2022 - Red River Performance Group Bull Sale, Paris, TX Nov 05, 2022 - Southern Plains Performance Beefmaster Sale, Valliant, OK Nov 19, 2022 - Collier Farms Performance Bull Sale, Brenham, TX Dec 03, 2022 - Lone Star BBA Fall Sale, Sulphur Springs, TX

sale catalogs posted online a few weeks before sale date at www.beefmasters.org/purebred/calendar

Beefmaster Events Calendar

Apr 30, 2022 - Arkansas BBA Field Day, Quitman, AR May 07, 2022 - Lone Star BBA Ultrasound Scan Day, Canton, TX May 25 - 26, 2022 - Committee Meetings at The Bevy Hotel, Boerne, TX May 27, 2022 - Board of Directors Meeting at The Bevy Hotel, Boerne, TX Aug 13, 2022 - Lone Star BBA Membership Education Day & Lunch, Sulphur Springs, TX Oct 07, 2022 - Carr & Others Educational Program, Floresville, TX Oct 08, 2022 - Lone Star BBA Ultrasound Scan Day, Canton, TX Oct 20 - 22, 2022 - BBU Annual Convention, Oklahoma City, OK

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Advertisers’ Index Breeder Advertisers

Alabama Arrow T Beefmasters............................................16 D&D Beefmasters.................................................21 Arkansas Lairmore Beefmasters...........................................19 Heritage Cattle Company.....................................16 Hood Beefmasters.................................................15 California Walking M Cattle Co.............................................28 Idaho Johnson Beefmasters...............................................7 Kansas Hurla Cattle Co......................................................27 NextGen Cattle Co.................................Back Cover Whiskey River........................................................21 Kentucky Channarock............................................................9 Ella Mae Farms......................................................20 Louisiana Louisiana BBA Spring Sale...................................17 Missouri Berachiah Beefmasters.........................................26 Cedar Springs Beefmasters....................................8 Headings Beefmasters..........................................20 Midwest Beefmaster Bull Sale..............................31 Mountain View Ranch..........................................20 Ozark & Heart of America Spring Sale..............32 Wallen Prairie Ranch............................................15 Mississippi 4G Farm..................................................................35 Wallace Beefmasters.............................................29 North Carolina Adam Taylor Farms...............................................35 Oklahoma Beef on Forage.........................................................3 Central States BBA Spring Sale............................18 Dance Creek Beefmasters.....................................26 Hargis Ranch...........................................................4 Hood Beefmasters.................................................15 Simon Creek Beefmasters.......................................5

Tennessee J2 Beefmasters.......................................................23 Jones Beefmasters.................................................33 TA Beefmasters.....................................................29 Texas 3B Beefmasters......................................................33 Arrowhead Ranch Siddons Beefmasters..............5 Blau Beefmasters...................................................36 Buckner Polled Beefmasters................................16 Buena Suerte Ranch..............................................34 Cate Ranch Beefmasters.........................................5 Collier Farms.................................................12 & 13 Colvin Beefmasters...............................................26 Emmons Ranch.....................................................11 Flying B Ranches...................................................16 G4 Ranch................................................................16 Golden Meadows Ranch......................................14 Isa Cattle Co. Beefmasters....................................25 Red River Beefmaster Female Sale.........................6 Wittenburg Beefmasters.......................................21

Industry Advertisers

Beefmaster Breeders United................................30 Bush Hog................................................................22 Elgin Breeding Service..........................................10 Junior Beefmaster Breeders Association.............37 Moly Manufacturing.............................................24