Beef Tips Newsletter - Spring 2024

Don’t overlook the label

Adam Wood, CentralStar Beef Specilaist

When it comes to protecting a newborn calf, every decision matters. That’s why checking the labels of the products you use is essential to ensure they deliver what your calf needs. Recently, during a visit to my local farm store, I took a closer look at various colostrum replacers on the market. What I discovered was eye-opening, especially when it came to the most critical component: Immunoglobulins (IgG).

IgG levels are the most important factor in colostrum replacers as they provide passive immunity to newborn calves, which safeguards them against diseases until their immune systems mature. The research-based recommended IgG concentration is 150, yet many of the products in the store had a mere 50 IgG. While other components like fat, protein, vitamins, and minerals seemed similar across brands, it’s the IgG level that really matters for the calf’s long-term health. At $20 a package, this deficiency means you would spend $60 to purchase enough colostrum supplement to get the necessary 150 IgG level.

Now, let’s compare what I found in the farm store to First Day Formula CR®, a colostrum replacer available through CentralStar and the one that I use. First Day Formula CR contains the recommended 150 IgG. It also includes bioavailable vitamins and trace minerals and is made with 100% dried bovine colostrum from U.S. Grade A dairies. At $39.25 per 500 grams (equivalent to 1 dose which contains 150 IgG), it is the better buy to protect your calves.

the risk of buying inferior products. Before your calving and breeding seasons, review labels and stock up on supplies and products that will help ensure a successful

POWDER FORM First Day Formula CR

But there’s more. Two factors that aren’t as easy to evaluate from the label that are important include mixability and taste. Over the 30 years I’ve raised beef cattle I’ve tried many products and First Day Formula CR is handsdown the best mixing product on the market, plus calves drink it willingly. In the past I’ve found calves resist the lower quality products which reduces intake and ultimately can lead to future health problems, defeating the whole purpose.

DIRECTIONS

BUILD

REPLACEMENT FOR, OR A SUPPLEMENT

FOR USE

Use How and When to Feed

When looking at products for your herd, don’t just go to the farm store as you run

season. You can get First Day Formula CR along with other herd health and breeding supplies from your local CentralStar team or you can order online at www.mycentralstar.com.

To supplement bovine immunoglobulins in maternal colostrum

Test maternal colostrum with a Brix Refractometer.

*Refractometer reading below 20 Brix, Feed 2 quarts of First Day Formula CR

*Refractometer reading 20-24 Brix, supplement Formula CR. Agitate well and feed

STAFF PICKS

We are committed to delivering genetics that provide industry-leading conception rate sires that offer calving ease and carcass, while keeping your cow in mind. Check out our beef team’s “favorite picks” from our extensive lineup of Select Sires and Accelerated Genetics sires. Learn more at www.selectsiresbeef.com or by calling a Beef Specialist.

Ranks near the top of the breed for WW, YW, Marbling, REA, and ProS. Performance and GridMaster leader with elite Marbling, REA, and Carcass Weight. Outcross sire by LARR Paycheck.

One of the most balanced number sets in the breed and ranks in the top 5% for WW, YW, TSI, CW and REA. HISTORIC is a “must use” sire that is a home run for balanced trait

Ranks in the top 10% or better for WW, YW, CEM, HS, and CW. Also ranks in the top 1% for MARB, REA, $G, $B and $C. No sire offers the combination of MARB and REA.

Unmatched for his genetic combination of growth and carcass merit. GETTYSBURG scanned a 117 IMF ratio and 113 RE ratio. He ranks in the elite 1% for WW, YW, $B and $C.

Flawless design which blends tremendous rib shape, extra body, added dimension in his hip structure, and structural soundess combined with a pedigree that provides style.

A breed leader for carcass quality ranking in the top 1% for MARB, $B, $G and $C. He is also a true curve bender. ranking in the top 2% for Calving Ease and Top 5% for YW.

DUTTON is a high genetic merit outcross bull. He has 12 EPDs and indexes in the top 10% or higher! DUTTON is truly an elite EPD package.

Elite phenotype, growth and maternal value. He is a 6 frame bull that not only excels for growth, but also scanned 6.37 IMF to ratio 173 and a 107 ratio for REA. Outcross pedigree.

Monitor the Select Sires Beef Facebook page for notices about early access to BEDROCK semen.

7SM140 DUTTON 7AN805

7AN773 SQUARE

A.I. ManagementChecklist

Inadequate preparation and using improper A.I. techniques can be detrimental to the overall success of your breeding program. Don’t let small mistakes add up to big problems for your beef herd. Take a look at this A.I. management checklist before jumping into the breeding season to eliminate those common missteps.

NUTRITION

Monitor

Monitor and provide adequate nutrition before during and after breeding.

Body Condition Score (BCS)

Cows and heifers should calve at a BCS 6.

Heifers

Heifers should be at 65 percent of mature weight by breeding.

Supplementation

Provide adequate mineral supplementation to cows and heifers that may require it.

Follow Through

Develop an upward plan of nutrition throughout the breeding season.

HERD HEALTH

Vaccinations

Administer pre-breeding vaccinations at least 30 days before breeding.

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA)

If not already, become familiar with BQA guidelines for injections and proper needle size.

Synchronization Protocol

Start your synchronization protocol at a minimum of 40 days postpartum.

SIRES

Proven Sires

Use proven, high accuracy sires to accomplish goals set for your breeding and marketing programs.

Semen

Obtain semen well in advance to avoid breeding delays.

SYNCRONIZATION AND A.I.

Facilities and Labor

Have adequate facilities and labor for gathering cattle, administering synchronization treatments, and A.I.

Synchronization Protocol

Choose the best synchronization protocol for your herd.

Heat Detection

If utilizing heat detection, have trained labor available to observe cattle or use a heat detection aid.

Timeline

Create a calendar to follow with synchronization treatments and A.I. dates.

DAY OF INSEMINATION

Cattle Handling

Practice proper cattle-handling to reduce stress and overheating -- as stress reduces fertility.

A.I. Gun

Warm the A.I. gun prior to loading to prevent cold shocking the semen.

Semen Preparation

Water temperature for thawing should be between 95 and 98 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep semen warm after thawing.

Timing

Inseminate at the correct time, in accordance with heat detection or synchronization protocol.

Placement

Be sure semen is placed in the correct location just inside the uterine body.

Heat Detection

Monitor cattle with heat detection aids to ensure conception after A.I.

Nutrition

Reduce sudden changes in nutrition during and after breeding.

Transportation

Avoid transporting from seven to 20 days after breeding. The stress of transportation can cause embryonic loss.

Pregnancy Detection

Confirm pregnancy as early as 28 days postbreeding with CentralStar’s blood pregnancy test.

CENTRALSTAR BEEF TEAM

Consult your CentralStar team or a Beef Specialist for help this breeding season.

Michigan and Indiana

Adam Wood

989.763.6600 adam.wood@mycentralstar.com

Northern Wisconsin

Scott Ellevold

715.781.5635

scott.ellevold@mycentralstar.com

Southern Wisconsin

Trevor Yager

608.574.6142 trevor.yager@mycentralstar.com

fly & pest control

Intersect Gold Pour-On™

Controls lice and flies on lactating and non-lactating cattle of all ages. Apply as a pour-on, mist spray, or in back rubber.

AC2839 - 2.5gal $215.00 $193.50 Sale

Cyzmic® CS Insecticide Premise

Encapsulated premise insecticide for use around livestock buildings. Kills flies, ants, spiders, crickets, moths, ticks, mosquitoes, fleas, beetles, bugs, and more. Broad-spectrum control, lasts up to 90 days on a surface, mix with water.

AC2846 - 1qt

SEASON ESSENTIALS

Heat, sickness, flies ... they all stress an animal and have a negative effect on feed intake, rumination, reproduction, and other factors. Proactively protect animals against stressors to optimize reproduction and productioun outcomes.

a.i. supplies

Eazi-Breed™ CIDR®

Produces tighter estrous synchronization, which means more animals in heat in an insemination window. Insert is easily administered, continuously releasing progesterone, allowing breeding programs to start at any stage of estrous cycle.

AC21274 - 10ct

AC21285 - Individual applicator

Estrotect™

preg. check

Pregnancy Test, Kits & Supplies

Test: Test serum as early as 28-days postbreeding to confirm pregnancy. Results within 1 day of sample receipt.

Complete Small Sample Kit: (up to 10 samples) Includes sample submission form, collection supplies, and prepaid shipping box.

$173.80

$18.33

No more messy glue. Scratches off exposing brilliant color when animals are mounted. Available in orange, lime green, fuchsia, and blue.

ID3229 - 50 ct $87.00

ABK13 - Complete Small Sample Kit

Blood Sampling Supplies: Red-top tubes and needles.

heat stress

Bovine Accellyte II

Contains specialized electrolytes to replace those lost during stress, minerals needed to compensate for deficiencies from reduced feed intake, and vitamins necessary for life. Use as a drench, add directly to water source, or mix dry into feeds for group or herd application. Suitable for cows and calves.

A0009 - 10lb

A0010 - 25lb

times of stress

FerAppease®

A synthetic analogue of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (MBAS). Use when animals are exposed to stress, (breeding, castration, dehorning, weaning, vaccination, transport, shows, and more.) Topical administration.

AC2849 - 300mL

AC2850 - Applicator

$49.50

$82.00

$90.00

$48.00