2016 Fall Frontline Beef Producer by International Brangus Breeders Association

FRONTLINE

A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMERCIAL BEEF PRODUCERS

FALL 2016

VOLUME 8

ISSUE 2

beef producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 1

Circle Land and Cattle Co., Ltd. Bobcat Bottoms Ranch • Persimmon Creek Ranch • Camp Cooley Ranch Spring Valley Ranch • Windy Hill Ranch • Vista Ridge Ranch

Located just off Hwy. 6 and OSR 1415 East OSR • Bryan • (979) 776-5760 • Steve: (979) 450-0819

www.circlexbrangus.com 2 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Proud Members of

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

www.SRRBRANGUS.com

Kent Smith, General Manager (979) 540-8338 | kent@srrbrangus.com Billy McClure, Manager (870) 613-1518 | billy@srrbrangus.com Gerald Sullivan, Owner Kelley Sullivan, Owner

Crockett & Navasota, Texas •936-624-2333 • info@srrbrangus.com

Private Treaty Sales Bulls Replacement Females Semen and Embryo Sales Commercial Steers and Heifers

Santa Rosa Ranch

Santa Rosa Ranch - Making The best Breed Better!™

Every bull sold by Santa Rosa Ranch is born and raised on our operation. We see each new calf, from the day he is born until the day he leaves, ready to work for his new owner. Santa Rosa Ranch is committed to producing the most consistent and highest quality Brangus and Ultrablack bulls by Making the Best Breed BetterTM!

BULLS. BORN AND RAISED.

FALL 2016

Out Front:

MARKETING:

Faces of the industry:

Feature:

Brangus: The Reliable Breed by: Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Keep on Truckin’ by: Kyle Dykes

Brangus Publications Inc. Editor and Layout/Art Director

Tyler Dean

Communications Coordinator

Tom Davis: Cattleman and Storyseller by: Peyton Waldrip

Peyton Waldrip

Field Service Representatives

Kyle Dykes Lauren Prine

Modern Day Practices for Long Time Cattlemen by: Kyle Dykes

Administration/Circulation

Changes in Progress for Producers, Veterinarians and Feed Mills by: Traci Eatherton

Feature:

Management

48 50 50

CALENDAR

Let’s Lose Less Sleep: Birth Weight and Calving Ease by: Robert Williams, Ph.D.

Carcass Merit Attributes of Angus, Brangus and Ultrablack Sired Calves by: Jenny Bohac

Contributing Editors

Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS Kyle Dykes Peyton Waldrip Traci Eatherton Robert Williams, Ph.D. Jenny Bohac Lauren Prine Advertising

Melanie Fuller, 979.255.3343 Kyle Dykes, 254.371.9388

Contemporary Grouping 101 by: Lauren Prine

Ingrid Duran

Operations

Rosanne Nelson

5 Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Receiving Protocol Purina Animal Nutrition

FRONTLINE Beef Producer is a product of:

Brangus Publications, Inc. 8780 Highway 87 East San Antonio, Texas 78263 Phone: 210.696.8231 Fax: 210.696.8718

SERVICES AD INDEX

Brangus Publications, Inc. Directors: Mike Vorel, Chairman Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS, President Doyle Miller, Secretary/Treasurer Brandon Belt, Director Eddy Roberts, Director Information appearing in this issue may be reprinted only with written permission of Brangus Publications, Inc.

oN the Cover: Three-year-old pairs at Town Creek Farm in West Point, Mississippi. Photo by Wade Fisher. 2 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

LPC Livestock Publications Council Member

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 3

OUT FRONT

by Tommy PERKINS, Ph.D., PAS ibba Executive vice president

BRANGUS: The Reliable Breed

eef cattle heifer retention challenges, economic instability, lower beef prices, and an uncertain political future is facing the beef industry as we roll into the fall months. Add preparation for the forecasted drought and you can see why it appears we are on a non-stop roller coaster. Fortunately, many were blessed with some great spring rains, as well as some summer moisture that have kept the grass green and growing for the additional females we have kept back in the herd.

These instabilities and uncertainties suggest the need to capitalize on use of heterosis and breed complementarity in your beef-breeding programs. Business-minded cattlemen will continue to utilize these benefits in order to maximize return on their investments. Therefore, use of other sire breeds, on the predominantly Angus-based commercial cowherd, will trend higher. This is a great time

4 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

to take advantage of all of the great attributes Brangus and UltraBlack cattle bring to the table. Brangus, a reliable beef breed, with more than 60 years of planned crossbreeding, has built the perfect replacement female that is adaptable from the west coast to the east coast, from the north to the south, and everywhere in between. Brangus bulls produce females that excel in efficiency of weaned calf production,

milk production under limited feed inputs, calving ease, fertility, and longevity â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all in a polled, moderate-framed, solid-colored (black or red) phenotypic package. Use of Brangus and UltraBlack genetics produce market cattle that grow rapidly and efficiently with carcasses meeting or exceeding requirements for branded endproduct programs of other breeds. Just as important, they produce progeny with improved survivability and hair-shedding ability to excel in the most unpredictable and harsh environments of the world. Brangus breeders have built the ideal herd sire that fit the needs of commercial cattlemen. Brangus and UltraBlack bulls add profitable pounds of weaning weight to their calves, produce outstanding replacement females, and leave feeder calves with superior feedlot gains. They require fewer days on feed and produce industryacceptable carcasses. The cattle produce large ribeyes and ample marbling to complement the blackhided cow population that exists in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commercial beef industry. (continued on page 6)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 5

OUT FRONT (continued from page 4) Please review the carcass data found in Jenny Bohac’s article found on page 32 which further validates these conclusions. With the commercial cattlemen in mind, the Brangus association released Genomic Enhanced EPD (GE-EPDs) for growth, reproduction and ultrasound traits in April 2015. The GE-EPDs, calculated by Livestock Genetic Services, are based on over 8,000 animals with 30,000 – 850,000 SNPs. Most importantly, these GE-EPDs have increased the accuracy of EPDs on younger, non-proven animals. The increase in EPD accuracies have allowed commercial cattlemen to buy with more confidence when selecting young, unproven bulls. GE-EPDs are the tool of choice in breed improvement strategies in the beef industry and commercial cattlemen continue to make improvement in beef production with their use. International Brangus

6 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

The Brangus breed was developed to do it all. Breeders Association (IBBA) is currently working with GeneSeek to release a Brangus-specific commercial heifer panel to generate a DNA-based fertility index for use in heifer selection. Additionally, a carcass merit index will be produced from use of this Brangus-specific panel. The Brangus breed was developed to do it all. They are cattle that economically excel in the pasture for commercial cow-calf producers, in the feedlot for cattle feeders, and in the grocery store for retailers. Brangus cattle are known to produce a tender, high-yielding beef product with optimum levels of marbling,

which meet the stringent demands of health-conscious consumers. The outstanding maternal strengths, feedlot performance, and carcass merit of Brangus cattle make them the reliable beef breed to build the nation’s cowherd. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any specific questions about Brangus genetics for use in your operation. For information about IBBA programs or other inquiries, please call (210) 696-8231 or visit www. GoBrangus.com. Stay connected to IBBA through Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube, or receive news updates by joining our email list. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Perkins is the Executive Vice President for the International Brangus Breeders Association. He most recently was the executive for another breed association after serving as a professor at Missouri State University and Texas State University for nearly twenty years. His professional career is most noted for excellence in the field of beef cattle ultrasound. He has a doctorate in animal breeding from Texas Tech University.

Total Commitment

TOWN CREEK FARM

WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

Since 1993

Saturday, October 15, 2016 • 12 noon

175 TOWN CREEK FARM BULLS

14B9 SELLS. ADJ. WEAN WT: 779 LBS.

Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls. Entire 2 year-old calf crop sells. Powerful, practical, functional bulls developed on high roughage forage-based ration. Bulls guaranteed fertile and reproductively sound. Largely Cow Creek Ranch based genetics.

280 COMMERCIAL BRANGUS AND ULTRABLACK BRED HEIFERS

Multi-generation genetically-tracked heifers mostly sired by, and bred back to, Town Creek Farm and Cow Creek Ranch bulls. Some Black Baldies.

BRANGUS BULL4329B5 SELLS. YEAR REA/CWT: 1.35 SQ. IN.

BRANGUS BULL 4861B9 SELLS. YEAR REA/CWT: 1.16 SQ. IN.

BRANGUS BULL 518B4. SCROTAL 43 CM.

BRANGUS BULL 788B4 SELLS. YEAR REA/CWT: 1.22 SQ. IN.

BRANGUS BULL 9733B12 SELLS. YEAR REA/CWT: 1.22 SQ. IN.

THESE COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS SELLS PLUS LOTS MORE.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Bulls developed on high roughage, forage-based, low energy ration to ensure longevity and reliable travel. Expansive herd health program. Bulls sell Trich tested and guaranteed Johnes free. Annual whole herd Johnes testing. Large selection of user-friendly, high maternal, low birth weight bulls to produce valuable replacement heifers. Slick haired, heat and humidity tolerant bulls. Fertility. We are committed to proving genetics that are functional and fertile. Heifers must calve as two-year olds.

Quality Assurance always comes first. Total Commitment

Since 1993

Town Creek Farm

Milton Sundbeck, Owner Office 662.494.5944 32476 Hwy. 50 East, West Point, Mississippi 39773-5207 Joy Reznicek 205.399.0221 • Joy@TownCreekFarm.com Clint Ladner 662.812.8370 • Cladner@TownCreekFarm.com www.TownCreekFarm.com

Call, email or go to our website for a 2016 Sale Catalog.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 7

MARKETING

by Kyle DYKES ibba field service representative

Keep on Truckin’

all sale season is approaching fast, and it’s time to start thinking about buying bulls and replacement females. Having quality replacement females is crucial in order to maintain quality cattle in future years. With cattle prices finally reaching a floor for the summer, I hope that we can gradually see the market take a turn for the best in the coming months. I hope you have received some of the recent rain, and that your stock-pile of hay is still plentiful, and even increasing in some parts of the country. I hope to provide some insight for you as we enter this year’s fall sale season.

When looking to buy bulls and females, it is important to consider all of the available information for each animal. For instance, when you attend a sale this fall, get the catalog

EARN

WITH

and sort through the animals on paper. Determine which traits you are looking pursuing, and then go through those selections on the hoof. Now, personally, I tend to work the other way around. I like to give every MORE PROFIT animal a chance to impress me from a physical standpoint. Then I choose my favorites and sort them on paper after I make sure they fit my eye. Regardless of the process you WEST COAST BRANGUS choose, just make BREEDERS ASSOCIATION sure you put the For more information, contact any member of the effort in to get it West Coast Brangus Breeders Association listed below: BELLA TERRA FARMS Atascadero, CA, (805) 391-0044 done. After all, BITTERWATER LAND & CATTLE CO Paso Robles, CA, (805) 239-8755 BRUNDY FARMS Seeley, CA, (760) 554-1044 you are paying a DEER CREEK RANCH Los Molinas, CA, (541) 817-2535 EL RANCHO ESPANOL DE CUYAMA New Cuyama, CA, (805) 245-0434 premium price ROMANS BRANGUS Vale, OR, (541) 212-1790 RUNNING STAR RANCH Lincoln, CA, (916) 257-5517 in today’s market SPANGLER RANCHES Corona, CA, (951) 735-5000 so you want the STARDUST FARMS Oak Run, CA, (530) 356-9300 TUMBLEWEED BRANGUS Delhi, CA, (209) 484-0152 best bang for your WAYNE GLASGOW Santa Ysabel, CA, (760) 789-2488 buck. It is extremely www.westcoastbrangus.com important to know where the

BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Genetics.

8 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

quality is and to attend the sale with a solid budget in mind. Buying bulls is expensive but I have been told on many ranch visits: “the fastest way to turn a cowherd around is with a good bull.” I am not discounting a good cow by any means, but you have to have a good bull that can handle the workload you give to him. We all have heard the saying, “you get what you pay for,” and that proves true in the cattle business. It is especially important now, because of the market decrease and the astronomical prices we experienced in the past two years. Just as quality brings top dollar in any market, whether that premium is ten dollars one year or five the next, you want to be on the high end when selling. In my opinion, money is made on the buying side of the cattle business. Just like the stock market, you either buy low and sell high or ride it out if you happened to make the late and expensive purchases, and hope to bounce back in the next go round. In other words, as a cattleman, you need to become an expert in hedging the market. The beauty of the business, and the saving grace for those cattlemen, who were able to stay in the business,

MARKETING before we hit record highs, is that hopefully you own your cattle outright. When you own your cattle outright, you own the opportunity to claim the money sitting on the table, and to now move forward with a bit of an advantage during the latest price drop. As for those who bought in during the high times, you still own the cattle so it’s time to take the returns you can get and reach that breakeven point as fast as possible. Both of these strategies should take place without the sacrifice of buying quality bulls for your herd. This is where you are going to make the next best calf crop to demand top dollar from the market. Lastly, have confidence when you 7.25x4.875 Journal approach Brangus the sorting pen. Go to the sale knowing the type of cattle you need to

Brock Kerr, DVM Chad Kerr, DVM Dodge City Veterinary Clinic Dodge City, KS

make your operation run successfully, and stick with that plan. Don’t hesitate to ask breeders and ranch managers about their cattle. They are happy to help and proud of the product they raise, and no one knows their product better than they do. Overall, I hope that you are as excited as I am to see some of the great cattle that will be offered this sale season. Brangus cattle have improved tremendously over the years, and have been molded to fit the commercial stockman’s needs. They have what it takes to deliver quality and consistency in all sectors of the business, and ultimately aim to send you smiling all the way to the bank. Do some homework this sale season, and cash in on money-making cattle that are

out there. And as always, Build with Brangus! ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A native of Killeen, Texas, Kyle Dykes grew up on a small farm raising commercial crossbred cattle. Agriculture has always been a passion of his, and he has been actively trying to help make a difference and be a part of the growth of agriculture in Texas. Previously, Dykes worked as the Natural Resources County Extension Agent for McLennan County. This allowed him the opportunity to work with some of the finest 4-H youth in Texas as well as producers in the Central Texas region. His educational background helped him build a strong network within the industry that he is now able to apply to his current position as the IBBA Commercial Marketing Coordinator. Dykes received his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University in 2013, and has also been a licensed auctioneer in Texas since 2011. Dykes believes it is truly an honor to have the opportunity to promote Brangus and play a role in the cattle business on a national level. Contact Dykes to see how you can get involved too!

We AI using MULTIMIN® 90 on customers’ heifers to help synch their program and we’re seeing a 10% to 15% increase (from 55% to 70%) with settling rates and that’s a BIG DEAL. In our bull breed programs with first calf heifers, we’re seeing 96% to 97% conception rates and second calf heifers a rate of 94%—again that’s really good! Before MULTIMIN® 90 we were only seeing an 82% rate. On the herd health side we’ve seen some really impressive results on calf sickness, mortality and morbidity. And in our stocker cattle, we’re using a lot less antibiotics.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 9

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY

by Peyton WALDRIP ibba COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR

Tom Davis: Cattleman & Storyseller

great storyteller can make or break a story. But Tom Davis, of Cold Creek Ranch, in Reynolds, Georgia, is one great storyseller. He uses the attributes of his Brangus and UltraBlack cattle to market his product. And more importantly, to him, Davis includes all members of the Brangus-beef supply chain as he strives toward producing a product consumers want.

The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) strives to serve, promote and strengthen the Brangus breed every day. Our breed’s association is just a piece of the whole pie that makes up the supply chain for Brangus beef. It’s important for producers of commercial cattle, and all cattle for that matter, to consider all supply chain positions, or other pie pieces, in their production. In order for us to all work toward successfully accomplishing the overarching endgoal of providing a quality product for consumers, Davis says it’s crucial for all members of the supply chain to talk to each other and understand each other’s role. Davis humbly began his cattle operation after he devoted 35 years of his life to business and the food industry. 10 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

“We just wanted to own a cow,” Davis explained about himself and his wife, Betty. “We wanted a couple of cows to look at on our farm about six years ago.” As he set out to buy cattle, Davis said he became intrigued about why there were so many different breeds. “I got to studying and finally said I was going to have Brangus cows, and I bought about 10.” His first set of

cattle were registered Brangus, with some Angus, too. When he became more interested in the beef industry, Davis said he was also “intrigued about how it all worked,” and sought after the commercial industry. As Davis began his marketing efforts, he talked to feedlot operators, meat packers, chefs, and restaurant owners. After spending a large portion of his life working in

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY the food industry, this was a natural place for him to start. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started selling the Brangus cattle, and figured out how to get good carcass quality,â&#x20AC;? Davis explained. His marketing efforts became successful, he claims, when he took commodity products to tell a story and make them more value-added. As his operation grew, Davis said he was torn between doing that with Angus and really liking Brangus. After considering the feedback from the restaurant industry, he said he felt like he could make a whitetable-restaurant quality product by utilizing Brangus cattle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt like Brangus were easier to deal with and were easier keeping than the Angus by themselves. I wanted to

incorporate the Brangus with the Angus to create UltraBlack cattle.â&#x20AC;? Davis said he was nervous about maintaining the Brangus traits in his herd when he went to raising UltraBlack cattle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wondered if they would have enough Brahman in them,â&#x20AC;? he recalled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing great.â&#x20AC;? With this decision behind him, it was time to start selling those valueadded commodity products. It was time to start selling a story. Davis has been successful in selling that story, and encourages other producers to define their story for promotion. The best advice he said he has to offer in regard to producing and marketing your cattle is â&#x20AC;&#x153;understanding how the feedlot guy, the commercial

cattleman, the packer, the purveyor each make their money and what the consumer wants at the end of the day.â&#x20AC;? Davis claims itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for the producer to understand the whole cattle industry and the beef business, not just cattle. For those who need help understanding a broader perspective, Davis said he interacted with a chain to understand the meat business. He encourages breeders to ask questions, like â&#x20AC;&#x153;What does it mean to raise a certain size ribeye? What size animal do I need to raise? What are they going to do with the meat: freeze it? sell it fresh? age the beef? Are they going to wet-age or dry-age the beef?â&#x20AC;? After getting (continued on page 12)

Spanish Ranch Delivers i Brangus s angus s Ultrablacks

Looking to Jumpstart Your Cowherd? Our genetics will produce superior black-hided calves that will top the market. Like many of you, drought conditions have forced us to keep only our best cattle and make smart breeding decisions when it comes to producing seedstock loaded with predictability, muscle and marbling.

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 11

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY (continued from page 11) answers to these questions, figure out how to meet the specifications. Strive to help others understand your role, but also strive to understand others’ roles. “Learn how to utilize beef, the whole process,” Davis says. “It’s not too complex or dynamic. You have to approach it, and know who your customer is.” According to Tom, communication is of utmost importance among all producers and members of the supply chain. He said registered cattlemen and commercial cattlemen have to talk to each other in order to understand all of the goals toward which they’re working. “Based on getting the supply chain to understand, and particularly on the consumer end, that you can make the kind of cattle you want and market them on your own, have customers, chefs and purveyors visit your ranch to get in touch with the cattle side of it,” he explains. “Tell them the story and invite them to

come in to touch, feel and smell the cattle. Help them realize what it takes to make good cattle, and let them see good cattle.” Davis has practiced this advice on his own ranch. He says “chefs are passionate about their careers and products; they like to be able to get in touch with it all.” In telling your story, it’s important to also give your story credibility. This credibility comes from numbers and understanding data during breeding. “From an attribute standpoint,” Davis says, “it depends on who you’re talking to, a consumer or a cattleman. With consumers you sell taste and juiciness; with cattlemen you sell tolerance against pink eye and heat and the fact that cows take care of their calves.” Today, Davis still raises registered Angus and registered Brangus cattle to produce registered and commercial UltraBlack

cattle. “I worked with Brangus cattle and became more oriented as I told the story and started dealing with individuals in the supply chain who became more interested,” Davis said. “Now we’re making what I would call way-above-average UltraBlack; and in this business you have to be way above average.” ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

IBBA Communications Coordinator Peyton Waldrip received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Communications in 2015 and a Masters of Agribusiness in 2016, both from Texas Tech University. Her agricultural background comes from growing up on her family’s beef cattle operation, in New Braunfels, Texas. In college, she continued expanding and strengthening her passion for the industry through active involvement in a variety of activities and organizations. Prior to joining the IBBA, Waldrip worked in communications, marketing, and event planning for one of the nation’s top chambers of commerce.

Tell them the story and invite them to come in to touch, feel and smell the cattle. Help them realize what it takes to make good cattle, and let them see good cattle. 12 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 13

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY

by Kyle Dykes ibba field service representative

Modern Day Practices for Long Time Cattlemen

he commercial sector of the cattle industry is the grease that turns the wheels in the cattle business today. Without the commercial producer creating the daily buying and selling of cash cattle there would be a lower demand for the quality genetics of the seed stock sector. Therefore, it is crucial to keep up with market trends and the needs of commercial operations. It is a two-way street as the commercial sector’s responsibility to keep basic records and track their herd progress in order to know where they stand when it comes to performance. The Winston 8 Ranch, in Lufkin, Texas, is a strong advocate of data collection and result submission to Brangus and Braunvieh associations, and any other associations that register the type of cattle that they are using in their crossbreeding program. In later years, Winston 8 has moved more towards Brangus genetics and for that we are super excited. Simon Winston, and Ranch Manager Paul Wood, work extremely hard to maintain the most accurate information on their replacement herd. Sire selection is also a huge part of their operation. They cull very strictly when attending sales across the country in search of the bull that best fits their herd goals. This means creating cattle that are easy fleshing, high marbling, low birthweight, and produce a high yielding heavy carcass on the rail. Working closely with the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) over the past few years, they are able to better achieve this goal by collection and submission of their performance information and utilizing the natural heterosis of Brangus cattle.

Winston has been in the cattle business for over 50 years, with a history that extends back to his grandfather, to total about 115 years

14 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

of the Winston family’s involvement in the business. The family’s auction number at the local sale barn used to always be eight, and this became

the official brand of the outfit. The Winston 8 Ranch started by raising 20-25 head of assorted-breed cattle, and has turned into a 250-head of

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY commercial beef cow ranch, sending feeder calves into the yard with retained ownership through the packer. This means that the kill data they receive enables them to make adjustments and develop the cattle in order to better accommodate consumer needs. In recent years, Winston and Wood have started using Ultrablack bulls, and are really pleased with the results they are getting. They market the cattle on a hormone-free beef agenda, and say that Brangus cattle with their natural disease resistance help to decrease the number of treated calves throughout the year. The ranch’s hot, wet climate makes it tough to fight typical issues when utilizing other breeds of cattle. Having the proper amount of heat-tolerant traits in their herd helps them to produce cattle with the necessary hardiness and survivability. This saves time and money to utilize in other areas of the operation. Winston 8 Ranch prides itself on being an ultra-low stress operation with the most attractive pasture management around. Winston and Wood are very involved with the cattle, and interact with them on a daily basis, which makes for very docile cattle. As Wood likes to say, “50 years raising cattle and we still sit on the tailgate and hand-cubefeed our cattle in the evenings.” Additionally, consistent and accurate records are kept daily in order for their cattle to continue to possess traits that respond well to their methods and perform even better. Wood said, “We raise cattle because we love it and it’s rewarding, and like Simon says, if it was just work we wouldn’t do it.”

Winston and Wood are very hands-on in their cattle operation. Calving season is priority when the time comes. All other major activities are set aside to focus on the well-being of the dams and their

calves being born. There is always someone around to witness the calving process. This helps ensure that calving scores for their herd are recorded based on a calf being born, (continued on page 16)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 15

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY (continued from page 15) and for the full process of that specific cow. This information is not taken lightly. Proper record-keeping, upto-date practices, and knowledge of the changes in genetics is imperative. Especially since Winston 8 strives to provide its marketplace with the most wholesome and highestquality natural beef. Winston 8 Ranch’s breeding success equates to over 98 percent preganancy rate on a 100 day breeding season. Calving rates are directly attributed to matching the highest-quality performance bulls with their highest-quality dams and retained heifers. According to Winston and Wood, the Brangus breed has helped them reach the marks they continue to maintain. “This is only achieved through data collection, proper, honest and accurate record-keeping, the best genetics available, and knowing performance of your herd,” Wood says, “And

having all of the information at your fingertips with today’s technology.” Being able to access the information you collect while in the pasture sure helps for quick decision-making. Winston explained: “You get out what you put into it when it comes to record keeping.” The personnel at Winston 8 Ranch keeps close tabs on all aspects of their operation, especially on the fedcattle side. They retain ownership up until the buyer sees the quality

Winston 8 Ranch has had huge success with it’s breeding and calving rates because of the pressure put on high quality bulls.

16 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

grading on the carcasses that are processed. This is a high-risk practice in the eyes of many but for Winston 8 it is merely seen as a higher reward because they are confident in how their cattle perform. Due to many years of consistent results, Winston and Wood feel that the guess work is taken out of their cattle, because they know how good they are going to be before the buyer sees the quality grade. Their database dates back several years to some of their earliest feeding results. Their cattle have been maintaining over 85 percent (continued on page 18)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 17

FACES OF THE

INDUSTRY (continued from page 16) choice or higher, hot carcass weight averages of about 875 pounds, and an average yield of 67 percent for six-years-running now. Buyers are willing to pay more for proven

cattle. These tremendous records show that having the right type of cattle will give your operation the opportunity to maximize profitability. Winston 8 Ranch’s philosophy is that education is the greatest tool when it

Perry Ranch Brangus

a small family ranch with big accomplishments

lable fo

s avai andson

rivate r sale p

treaty

PR Elixir 698L3

PR Double Time 55/9 PERRY RANCH BRANGUS IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT PR ELIXIR 698L3 HAS ACHIEVED SUMMIT SIRE STATUS! For a small family ranch, two sires on the IBBA Summit Sire list is solid evidence of our committment to using animals that fit our environment and the consistency of our breeding program. Contact us today to see how perry ranch genetics can work for you!

18 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

www.perrybrangus.com Frank Perry 405.833.5189 23651 NCR 3240 Pauls Valley, OK 73075

comes to proper management of your herd. As Winston 8 works closely with IBBA, and other associations, they are able to stay on top of the game using the most current practices, products, genetics, and market trends to help raise the highest-quality cattle possible. The performance results they are achieving with the influence of Brangus cattle into their crossbreeding program are amazing. This is certainly a relationship that the IBBA is proud to have made. This is the kind of great feedback that the association likes to hear from breeders. Brangus cattle work in any situation and with proper care and management they thrive, and ultimately help to solve the everyday consumer standards of today’s cattle industry. The IBBA would like to extend a special thanks to Winston 8 Ranch for participating in this edition of the Frontline Beef Producer and encourages all commercial producers to get involved at the association level to take part in IBBA programs and capitalize on marketing opportunities with Brangus genetics. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 19

FEATURE

by Traci EATHERTON FEATURE writer - nebraska cattleman reprinted with permission nebraska cattleman june 2016

Changes in Progress for Producers, Veterinarians and Feed Mills

ig adjustments are in the works for livestock operators due to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) June 2015 announced Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) changes, set to be fully implemented by Jan. 1, 2017. While January is still months away, experts are recommending that all parties affected now wait until then to make the needed transitions.and maternal heterosis is advantageous to your breeding program.

The regulations, initially established in 1999, were revised in 2015 to better facilitate the VFD’s expanded use under FDA’s antimicrobial resistance policies, according National Grain and Feed Association Senior Vice President of Feed Services David Fairfield. “The revised VFD requirements already are in place. The Jan. 1, 2017 date is when drug sponsors are to have transitioned the marketing status of their affected products from over-the-counter to VFD status,” Fairfield says. The rule now requires producers to administer antibiotics with a VFD marketing status through animal feed under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to ensure the drugs are only being used when necessary to treat an infection in an animal. “The VFD regulation only applies to drugs with a VFD marketing status that are used in animal feed. Medically important antimicrobials that are approved for use in water 20 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

consumed by animals will be transitioned to prescription status effective Jan. 1, 2017,” Fairfield says. Antimicrobial resistance policies being implemented by FDA include eliminating the growth promotion use of medically important antibiotics and expanding the list of feed-grade antibiotics classified as VFD drugs. Historically, a majority of feed-grade antibiotics used in or on animal feeds have been available to producers over-thecounter, without approval from a veterinarian. The strategy of a VFD is to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials in food-producing animals. To some, that simply boils down to “more regulations.” According to the FDA, they put the rule together in the hope of minimizing oversight, taking into consideration the variety of antibiotic needs producers have. “The actions the FDA has taken to date represent important steps toward a fundamental change in how antimicrobials can be legally

used in foodproducing a n i m a l s ,” said Michael R. Taylor, FDA deputy commissioner for foods, in a news release. “The VFD final rule takes another important step by facilitating veterinary oversight in a way that allows for the flexibility needed to (continued on page 22)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 21

FEATURE While it is hoped that the transition will be relatively simple, the AVMA has been looking at what exactly the VFD means for veterinarians. (continued from page 20) accommodate the diversity of circumstances that veterinarians encounter, while ensuring such oversight is conducted in accordance with nationally consistent principles.” The rule requires veterinarians to issue, in writing, all VFDs within the context of a veterinarian-clientpatient relationship (VCPR) and specifies the key elements that define a VCPR. These key elements include that the veterinarian engage with the client (i.e., animal producer or caretaker) to assume responsibility for making clinical judgements about patient (i.e., animal) health, have sufficient knowledge of the animal by conducting examinations and/or visits to the facility where the animal is managed, and provide for any necessary followup evaluation or care. The final rule requires veterinarians to follow state-defined VCPR requirements; in states where the FDA determines that no applicable or appropriate state VCPR requirements exist, veterinarians will need to issue VFDs in compliance with federally defined VCPR requirements. “The point is two-fold. First, because the VFD is written and signed by your veterinarian, use of the medicated feed cannot be approved by a phone call. You had better give your veterinarian time to get the documents submitted 22 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

prior to your need for the medicated feed. Secondly, the VFD is submitted to the feed supplier, with a copy going to the producer, and a third copy remaining with the veterinarian. This is certainly an additional layer of management which hasn’t been required before, but for all parties to demonstrate that the sale and the use of the product was legal, the paper trail must be in place throughout the system,” Chris Reinhardt, extension feedlot specialist at Kansas State University, says. For the most part, the labelapproved uses of medications won’t change. The VFD is designed to curtail unapproved uses of some products, because a veterinarian must sign off on the intended purposes of medicated feed, Reinhardt points out. “The VFD won’t change the ranching world a great deal,” Reinhardt says, “but it will require some additional planning and subsequent recordkeeping. If you don’t have a veterinarian involved in your operation now, or lose the

ability to buy certain medicated feeds in the future.” While it is hoped that the transition will be relatively simple, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has been looking at what exactly the VFD means for veterinarians. “Shifting away from over-thecounter status to one requiring veterinary oversight doesn’t come without its challenges,” Christine Hoang, DVM, MPH, CPH, assistant director of the Division of Animal and Public Health at AVMA, says. “Now that nearly all antimicrobial feed additives will transition to VFD drugs, we want to help ensure that the VFD program is as efficient as possible, while keeping in mind the program’s primary goal of protecting human health as well as animal health and welfare.” According to Fairfield, under (continued on page 24)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 23

FEATURE (continued from page 22) FDA’s antimicrobial resistance policies, the agency established that use of medically important drugs should limited to that: 1) are considered necessary for assuring animal health (i.e., medically important antibiotics should not be used to promote animal growth or to improve feed efficiency); and 2) include veterinary oversight or consultation (i.e., medically important antibiotics should not be used in the feed or drinking water of food-producing animals without veterinary oversight or consultation). A listing of those animal drugs and drug combinations that will become subject to FDA’s antibiotic-use policies and the VFD regulation is available on FDA’s website (http://www.fda.gov/ AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ AntimicrobialResistance/ JudiciousUseofAntimicrobials/ ucm390429.htm). Among the

easier transition. For example, Purina Animal Nutrition is using New Planet Technologies RxExpress software to help meet feed documentation requirements for VFD. The technology is designed to streamline the VFD and non-VFD prescription processes. Simple electronic protocols prompt veterinarians to quickly and accurately produce an e-transmittable VFD or script; protocols contain unique, intelligent technology to streamline data entry and guide compliance, using a smartphone or tablet. The FDA has put together several VFD brochures to help with the transition: • Veterinary Feed Directive Producer Requirements • Veterinary Feed Directive Requirements for Distributors (Who Manufacture VFD Feed) • Veterinary Feed Directive Requirements for Distributors (Who Do Not Manufacture VFD Feed) • Veterinary Feed Directive VFD KEY COMPONENTS Requirements for Veterinarians • Producers can fill a VFD order • A copy of the VFD order must • Veterinary Feed Directive be kept by the producer for two at any mill, retailer or other Requirements for Veterinarians – For Veterinary Students establishment listed as a years from the date of writing. These resources may be distributor with the FDA If the farm is inspected by the found online, at http://www. • In order for feed mills to fill FDA, producers must be able requests for feed with VFD to provide VFD orders, when f d a . g o v / A n i m a l Ve t e r i n a r y / DevelopmentApprovalProcess. requested. drugs, a current VFD must be According to the FDA, the rule will on file. • Labels of VFD drus must have cost the industry as much as $1.41 • A veterinarian can write a VFD the following statement: order that may only apply for “Caution: Federal law restricts million in one-time compliance fees. medicated feed containing the FDA expects the annual benefits of up to six months. The FDA will publish a list of specific products VFD drug to use by or on the veterinarians offering more efficient feed directives to be $13,000 over that are allowed VFD renewal. order of a licensed veterinarian. 10 years, and the reduction in • The expiration date on the VFD • VFD feeds made at the mill will veterinarian labor costs due to this order is the last date the VFD need to carry a VFD cautionary rule is expected to result in a cost feed can be fed. statement on their label. savings of about $7.87 annually. 24 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

animal drugs currently not classified as being important to human medicine are wormers, ionophores, carbadox, bacitracin, bambermycin and tiamulin. With the implementation planned by the end of the year, Fairfield points out the responsibilities for feed mills. “That means sponsors of affected drugs are to have eliminated any growth-promotion claims associated with their products by that time. In addition, sponsors are to have transitioned the marketing status of their products so they may be distributed to animal producers only under the requirements established by the VFD regulation. Once the policy implementation is complete, the affected antibiotics no longer will be available to be distributed to animal producers on an over-thecounter basis,” Fairfield says. The added paperwork and costs have industry players working together to develop software for an

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26 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 27

FEATURE

by Robert WILLIAMS, Ph.D. GENERAL MANAGER CAIN CATTLE COMPANY

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lose Less Sleep: Birth Weight and Calving Ease

ounds of healthy calves weaned, as a percentage of cows exposed, is one of the most important characteristics of a profitable beef enterprise. There are several traits which contribute to this measurement of herd profitability, including: fertility, calving ease, calf vigor, udder quality, teat quality, mothering ability, and growth. Some of these traits have an effect on other traits. For example, calving ease can contribute to improved fertility, as cows experiencing fewer calving issues are quicker to return to estrus. Likewise, calves that are born more easily typically express better vigor, and are healthier from birth to weaning, which contributes to heavier weaning weights. Plus, we, and our veterinarians, lose less sleep.

28 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FEATURE The earliest genetic evaluations mostly focused on computing birth weight EPDs, which are a great indicator for calving ease. But producers were aware that birth weight alone didn’t explain all the differences in calving difficulty. Questions still remained, regarding calving ease and what other traits contributed. Early research indicated that birth weight was the biggest driver to determine genetic differences between bulls, but variation still existed. Many suggested that body shape was an important factor, and it is; but research found that those calves, with larger heads, shoulders, etc., also had larger birth weights. Once birth weight was included in prediction models

for calving ease those additional body measurements didn’t improve predictability of calving ease. Plus, those measurements were difficult to measure in the field. Calving ease scores are a useful tool as they are easy to record, and differences between bulls are recognized by breeders. Few mature cows experience dystocia; and when they do it’s most often an abnormal delivery, such as a breach birth, rather than an issue of inherent calving difficulty. At first we might wrongly believe there are no genetic differences between bulls for calving ease if they are mated to those mature cows. In other words, there is no variation for calving ease typically observed in most mature

cow herds. However, for these same bulls, differences in calving ease are often more apparent when mated to heifers, rather than mature cows. It’s important to understand that a given sire, because of either chance or has been mated only to mature cows, may have never had a difficult birth reported. We know there are underlying differences between sires and cows for calving difficulty that are not always observed in the calving pasture. So this could be problematic if we solely relied on calving ease scores to determine calving ease sires. It’s for that reason, the differences between mating bulls to mature cows or heifers, that for the most (continued on page 30)

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 29

FEATURE (continued from page 29) part only calving ease scores are important to genetic evaluations when differences can be observed and variation exists within groups, mostly first calf heifers. On occasion we observe differences among some groups of mature cows, which makes it important to report calving ease scores for mature cows as well. Today’s calving ease models incorporate both birth weights and calving ease scores to compute Calving Ease EPD. This approach is more accurate than using either one of the two measurements alone to predict future calving ease differences between sires. Another advantage for calving ease EPD is the division into both direct and maternal components, much like weaning weight is divided into direct (Weaning Weight EPD) and maternal (Milk EPD). Direct calving ease is the genetic contribution of a calf for the probability of being born unassisted and is a combination of the genetics inherited from both its sire and dam for calving ease. The dam also effects calving ease through factors unrelated to the calf. This may be due, in part, to greater pelvic area for example. These genes

30 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

are inherited from the cows, sires and dams. Calving ease EPDs are reported on a scale as if they are being mated to first-calf heifers. This is because most calving difficulties arise when bulls are mated to young females and calving ease is of the greatest concern. Both calving ease direct (CED) and maternal calving ease (CEM) are presented as a percentage difference in unassisted births when bred to heifers or when calved as heifers, respectively. For example, two sires with CED EPD of +6 and -6 one would expect a difference of 12 percent in unassisted births when both bulls are mated to heifers with the +6 bull expecting fewer difficulties. The same is true for CEM EPD. If a sire (or dam) has a 12 percent advantage in CEM EPD compared to another sire (or dam) you would expect their daughters to calve unassisted 12 percent more of the time as heifers. The question also arises: “Should I select for calving ease EPD or birth weight EPD?” For CED, both are highly related because of the high genetic correlation between calving ease and birth weight, larger calves experience more calving difficulty

typically. But calving ease EPD incorporates additional information missed by the birth weight EPD, and is a better indicator for calving ease than birth weight alone. Selecting for calving ease EPD gives no promises we will never experience calving difficulty from those sires. But when using calving ease EPD correctly, and if we’ve done everything else right, we should be able to get a little more rest and save on veterinarian bills come calving season, as we’ve reduced the likelihood of calving difficulty in our cowherd. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert E. Williams, Ph.D. was raised on a farm and ranch, near Freedom, Oklahoma, where his family still farms and runs a cow-calf operation today. This agricultural background laid the foundation for him to actively pursue participation and leadership roles throughout several outlets of the beef cattle industry. Williams was a member of the 1981 Oklahoma State University (OSU) National Champion Livestock Judging Team. He completed his masters and doctorate degrees in Beef Breeding and Genetics at the University of Georgia. Williams has served the cattle industry in several roles among the following organizations: Beefmaster Breeders Universal, Still Hills Beefmasters, American-International Charolais Association, Beef Improvement Federation, Ultrasound Guidelines Council, and the United States Livestock Genetics Export Association. Having served in many different geographical regions within the United States, Williams has earned more than sufficient credentials to receive recognition from multiple organizations. The OSU animal science department graduate was recognized in 2014 as a Graduate of Distinction for his contributions to the beef cattle industry. Williams directed the release of the U.S. beef industry’s first web-based selection index, has authored or co-authored numerous research papers and educational articles, has traveled extensively promoting U.S. genetics worldwide in addition to serving as a beef cattle judge and invited speaker both domestically within the United States and internationally. Currently, Williams is the general manager for Cain Cattle Company, where he directs all operations. Cain Cattle Company is an elite supplier of seed-stock genetics for Angus, Beefmaster and Brangus beef cattle with two ranching divisions in the state of Mississippi.

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 31

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FEATURE

by Jenny BOHAC ibba EDUCATION AND DATA COORDINATOR

Carcass Merit Attributes of Angus, Brangus and Ultrablack Sired Calves

ata from 88 crossbred calves, sired by Angus, UltraBlack, and Brangus bulls, were evaluated for carcass merit in early 2016. The data came from 14 Angussired calves, 51 UltraBlack-sired calves, and 23 Brangus-sired calves born between October and December in 2014 on a commercial ranch located in Lufkin, Texas. All calves were produced by a single sire, natural-service mating in a 100day breeding season. The commercial cows producing these calves were predominantly comprised of Angus and Braunvieh influenced genetics.

The calves were allowed access to creep feed while nursing their dams, from approximately three months of age until they were weaned in early May 2015. As you would expect, the calves consumed larger amounts of creep feed as they grew closer to weaning age. The calves also received a Ralgro implant in February 2015. The calves were backgrounded for a 45-day period, post-weaning, following a Vac-45 Program. The cattle were then transported by truck, to Irsik and Doll Feedyard, which is located in Garden City,

Kansas, where they completed their feeding phase. As shown in Chart 1, the Brangussired calves weighed less at shipping, and lost less weight on the 500-plus mile haul, from Texas to Kansas, than the UltraBlack and Angussired calves. It is also interesting that the UltraBlack-sired calves (692 pounds) weighed less than Angus-sired calves (769 pounds) at weaning; however, the UltraBlack calves (867 pounds) weighed more than the Angus calves (838 pounds) as hanging carcasses.

Angus

Brangus

Ultrablack

Number of Calves

Ranch Weight (lbs.)

769

651

692

Feedlot Weight (lbs.)

713

660

654

HCW (lbs.)

838

808

867

Chart 1. Comparison of calf weights. 32 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Carcass data collected at the packing plant included hot carcass weight (HCW), quality grade, marbling score, yield grade, ribeye area, carcass fat thickness, price per hundred weight and price per head as shown in Chart 2. Although the Angus-sired calves had the highest price per hundred weight ($221.25 per cwt), the UltraBlack-sired calves had the highest value per head ($1827.35 per head). This is because the UltraBlack calves also had the highest average HCW (867.5 pounds). Little difference in quality grade and marbling score were seen among the sire breeds as all of the carcasses graded low choice. The UltraBlack-sired calves had the highest numerical yield grade as indicated by a more external fat thickness (0.69 inches). There were no differences in ribeye size between the Angus-sired calves and UltraBlack-sired calves. (continued on page 34)

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 33

FEATURE (continued from page 32) Results from this data suggest that use of a Brangus bull on Angus cows may produce cattle that will outperform others from pasture to plate. This is evident in the improved growth of the UltraBlack (Brangus X Angus cross) calves in this study. Additionally, the improved growth was topped with a more impressive carcass profitability. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jenny earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and Master of Science in animal breeding from Texas A&M University. She has always loved animals and wanted to work in agriculture despite having grown up in the suburbs of Chicago. In college she got involved in research projects with horses and cattle which helped her become interested in the cattle industry. She is excited to be getting her feet wet by working for and representing the Brangus breed as the IBBA Education and Data Coordinator.

34 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Angus

Brangus

Ultrablack

Marbling Score

470.5

427.4

439.9

Quality Grade

Ch-

Ribeye Area (in.2)

13.9

13.1

13.9

Fat Thickness (in.)

0.60

0.62

0.69

Yield Grade

2.6

2.7

3.0

Price per cwt

$216.60

$211.00

$210.86

Price per head

$1,813.88

$1,702.78

$1,827.35

Number of Carcasses

Chart 2. Carcass data on calves harvested.

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FEATURE

by Lauren PRINE IBBA Field service representative

Contemporary Grouping 101

ith the wagon comes the wheels. The ideology of the wheel stands for a practice that has already been set in motion. Here at International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA), we’re not trying to reinvent our EPD program; we want to improve our practices and data accuracy. IBBA members’ can help by accurately recording and entering contemporary group data.

Contemporary groups are “a group of cattle that are of the same breed composition and sex, are similar in age, and have been raised under the same management conditions,” as defined by the Beef Improvement Federation. “More simply put, a contemporary group is a group of animals that have had an equal opportunity to perform.” The use of contemporary groups helps our industry to progress by keeping records based on factual data, without the influence of personal biases. Sometimes breeders go through the process of making contemporary groups, and are unsatisfied with the outcome. Even if your results are unsatisfactory, don’t skew your data by only recording the calves with the highest performance. By only recording animals with a high genetic performance, breeders create a biased herd evaluation. Every calf must have recorded data; even calves born dead must be accurately weighed at birth. Reporting data on all calves will not only help identify poor-producing parents, it will also help establish accuracy. This accuracy will give both the dam and sire credit for their genetic merit, of which they are deserving. As more data is available 36 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Figure 1 Birth Contemporary Group (CG)

100 calves, Born within 90 days of each other

Sex of Calf (C) - (50 heifers)

Sex of Calf (B) - (50 bulls)

Service Type (ET) Embryo Transfer (25 heifers)

Service Type (NS) Natural Service (25 heifers)

Service Type (AI) Artificial Insemination (25 bulls)

Service Type (NS) Natural Service (25 bulls)

Weaning CG

Feed Management

Difference (1-4) (1) - Own Dam, No Creep Feed (25 heifers)

Difference (1-4) (2) - Own Dam, Creep Feed (25 heifers)

Difference (1-4) (2) - Own Dam, Creep Feed (25 bulls)

Difference (1-4) (1) - Own Dam, No Creep Feed (25 bulls)

Yearling CG

No Change (25 heifers)

Different Pasture ID (#) (20 heifers)

Different Pasture ID (#) (5 heifers)

Ultrasound CG

Document Measurements

(Measurements taken on the same day)

Private Treaty (25 heifers)

Document Document Measurements Measurements (Measurements taken (Measurements taken on the same day) on the same day)

Replacement/ Keeper (20 heifers)

Cull (5 heifers)

Sex of Calf Changes (S) -

Management/ Feed Code (1-7)

(10 steers)

(15 bulls)

Cull (10 steers)

Ultrasound CG

Document Measurements (Measurements taken on the same day)

(Measurements taken on the same day)

Sire Prospects (15 bulls)

Sire Prospects (25 bulls)

Castrated to Steer (1) - Pasture/Roughage

No Change (25 bulls)

Document Measurements

FEATURE on any given animal (eg. dam, sire, etc.), the EPDs improve in accuracy. If both the dam’s and sire’s genetic evaluations have been recorded, the calf is likely to receive more credit. Contemporary groups are set up to create the most unbiased and most uniform data available. Understand that calves with unequal environmental conditions must be assigned to different contemporary groups. It is important to understand that groups can only decrease in size. As calves grow older, groups will decline in size, based on factors such as breeder management practices, selfreported grouping, injury, sickness, and even death. Carefully map out a planned process to ensure you don’t create too many or too few groups. Also, keep in mind, if you don’t have enough animals to compare against each other, your data can be overly inflated or underestimated. Here is a list of the information to be included in each type of contemporary group, in chronological order: • Birth Contemporary Group: Premise ID, Pasture ID, Sex of Calf, Service Type, and SelfReported Contemporary Group • Weaning Contemporary Group: Premise ID, Pasture ID, SevenDay Window for Weights, Sex of Calf, Feed/Management Code, and Self-Reported Contemporary Group • Yearling Contemporary Group: Premise ID, Pasture ID, SevenDay Window for Weights, Sex of Calf, Feed/Management Code, Weaning Contemporary Group, and Self-Reported Contemporary Group

• Ultrasound Contemporary Group: Premise ID, Pasture ID, Scan Date, Sex of Calf, Feed/ Management Code, Birth Contemporary Group, Weaning Contemporary Group, Yearling

Contemporary Group, and SelfReported Contemporary Group Please reference Figure 2 (found on page 38) to understand contemporary group codes. (continued on page 38 & 40)

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 37

FEATURE Figure 2 Understanding Contemporary Group Codes Initial Codes in Birth Contemporary Group *Cattle must all be in the same birth contemporary group to be grouped together in further contemporary groups - Premise ID: A personal ID associated with individual ranch - Pasture ID: An ID specifically created to determine different pastures (will default to one unless otherwise changed) - Sex of Calf: C - Cow; B - Bull - Service Type: NS - Natural Service; AI - Artificial Insemination; ET - Embryo Transfer - Self-Reported Contemporary Group: This is a group created based on your own differential practice Additional Codes in Weaning Contemporary Group *Must be in the same weaning contemporary group in order to be in same yearling contemporary group - 7-Day Window: Weaning weights and yearling weights must be taken within seven days of each other - Sex of Calf: C - Cow; B - Bull; S - Steer - Feed Management Code: 1 - Own dam, no creep feed; 2 - Own dam, with creep feed; 3 - Raised on foster dam; 4 - On show ration Additional Codes in Ultrasound Contemporary Group - Scan Date: Ultrasounds must be done on the same date - Weaning/Yearling Contemporary Group: Must be in the same weaning and yearling contemporary group in order to be in the same ultrasound contemporary group

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FRONTLINE Beef Producer 39

FEATURE (continued from page 37 & 38) IMPORTANT THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: • Premise IDs are determined at birth. If you decide to relocate your cattle to another cattleman’s pasture, feedlot, or location, then the premise ID for those cattle must be changed in the system, too. The changed premise code for your cattle should match the premise ID of the new herd to unify them into one contemporary group. • Weaning weights for all animals in a group must be captured and reported within a sevenday window. Any weight taken outside of the seven-day window will be placed into a different contemporary group. Yearling weights for all animals in a group must, also, be taken and entered within a seven-day window to be considered for the same contemporary group. • Ultrasound scans for all animals in a group must be performed

and recorded on the same day. However, ultrasound weights should be captured on the same day the animal is scanned. If you weigh calves outside of those seven days from the scan date, they will be placed into a separate contemporary group. There is significant negative impact on the animals’ contemporary-group ratios when only selective data is submitted. As shown in Figure 3, note that animal 1 has a 104-weaningweight-ratio when properly placed in a contemporary groups with his other four mates. The ratio drops to 96 and 91 when one or two, maybe respectively, animals are left out of the contemporary group. The higher the ratio, the better the impact for that trait in the genetic evaluation for EPD calculations. Anything over 100 is above average and preferred in the analysis. As the wheels of formulating contemporary groups continue moving, it’s important to understand

how all the wheels play an important role in the propelling the Brangus breed toward progress. With improved contemporary grouping and more data collection, Brangus will be able to create a superior genetic selection tool (EPDs) that continues to compete at industry standards. Member records are stored on the IBBA website and other online resources. The form in our online portal, which members use to register animals, is comprised of drop-down menus and other input fields. A new edition of the IBBA Breeder Handbook will be released soon to help members stay informed and better understand new opportunities not only for their operation, but the breed as a whole. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

IBBA Field Service Representative Lauren Prine is a native of San Antonio, Texas. Prine earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education, in 2013, from Tarleton State University, in Stephenville, Texas. She held the position of Agricultural Science Teacher at both Petersburg High School and Steele High School prior to joining the IBBA.

Figure 3

Animal #

Weaning Weight

Ratio with all animals

Ratio with only top 4 animals

Ratio with only top 3 animals

550

104

675

128

118

112

585

111

102

475

350

40 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 41

MANAGEMENT

courtesy of Purina Animal Nutrition

5 Ways to Reduce Stress in Your Receiving Protocol

A low-stress receiving protocol tailored to calves’ needs can set them up for future success.

s your receiving protocol causing stress, or is it seamlessly transitioning your calves and setting them up for future success? The difference between a stressful and a seamless receiving period can have a significant impact on future performance.

“How we receive calves at the feedlot can affect performance throughout the feeding phase,” says Chad Zehnder, Ph.D. and cattle consultant for Purina Animal Nutrition. “The ultimate goal is to get cattle on feed quickly and keep them healthy so that they gain weight efficiently during the receiving period and throughout the rest of their time on feed.” These five tips can help reduce stress in your protocol:

processing. A separate plan for preconditioned and newly weaned calves is also beneficial to maximize your receiving program. With a “one size fits all” approach, you might be investing unnecessary resources on preconditioned cattle and under prioritizing high-risk, newly weaned cattle.

Access to a clean, dry environment will also minimize stress and make calves feel at home. “Proper pen conditions with access to shelter, feed and water are essential to help cattle feel comfortable when arriving at the feedlot,” says Zehnder.

1. Be prepared

2. Reduce stress upon arrival

Transitioning calves from their herd of origin to the feedlot can be highly stressful for them, especially for those freshly weaned. Understand the stress levels of incoming calves and set aside downtime before processing to help make the transition easier for them. Calves that have traveled long distances may be dehydrated and tired from hours of standing when they arrive at the feedlot. To reduce stress before processing, it’s a good rule of thumb to allow one hour of rest for every hour spent in transport.

Monitoring feed intake and bunks is important to avoid what Zehnder calls the “yo-yo effect.” “As calves pick up intake after arrival, we tend to increase feed significantly. We try to get calves to eat more at too quick a pace,” explains Zehnder. “Usually, this leads to calves crashing and going off feed again.” “This cycle can follow calves throughout the whole feeding phase. It’s important to be consistent and methodical on any deliveries and increases of feed,” he adds. A good rule of thumb is to increase the amount of dry matter by one (continued on page 44)

“Have a plan in place for vaccinations, health protocols and feeding programs to help calves hit the ground running,” says Zehnder. “The more information you have on incoming calves, the easier it is to make health and nutrition decisions.” Which vaccines, if any, have calves received? Have they been dewormed or castrated? What type of feed are they used to? Knowing these answers before cattle arrive can help you create a more strategic plan for

42 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

3. Avoid the yo-yo effect

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 43

MANAGEMENT (continued from page 42) pound every two to three days. For yearlings and preconditioned calves, this process can take 7 to 10 days whereas freshly weaned calves can take 28 to 30 days.

4. Focus on fresh feed and feed type

“If calves leave feed in the bunk, they will typically not clean that feed up,” says Zehnder. “It’s likely spoiled and you need to clear that out and deliver fresh feed.” The feed delivered is also important. Look for a starter supplement that has appropriate trace mineral fortification, the correct protein makeup and proper feed additives

that may help calves stay healthy through respiratory and health challenges. When delivering a total mixed ration (TMR), it’s important to make sure the diet can’t be sorted. A diet that minimizes sorting results in nutrition that is consistent with every mouthful of feed. If feedstuffs are inadequate or unavailable to make a palatable starter diet, another option is to use a complete feed that can provide consistency and palatability.

5. Don’t forget water

The importance of water shouldn’t be overlooked. Staying hydrated can be a challenge for newly weaned

cattle that are not used to automatic waterers. “Calves will naturally walk the fence line when introduced to a new pen. Placing additional water troughs perpendicular to the fence will help maximize their exposure to water,” says Zehnder. “This strategy can be especially helpful for high-risk calves.” Letting the water run over for a day or two can also be beneficial for cattle arriving at a feedlot. The sound of running water will help calves find water troughs more quickly. However, allowing water to run over can also result in poor pen conditions, so it’s important to control where the water flows and make every effort to keep the space clean and dry.

! w o h S n o i t The Vaca o attend

t Make Plans

e An experienc like no other!

December 27, 2015 - January 1, 2016 Growing the Future:

• • • • • • •

Junior Entries Due October 31, 2015 Open Entries Due November 15, 2015 Open Judge - Jason Hoffman, Thedford, NE Junior Heifer Judge – Shane Bedwell, Fort Collins, CO NEW! Supreme Champion Cow Calf Pair AND Reserve Supreme Cow Calf Pair — $2,300 in Premiums Arizona Commercial Heifer Show & Sale: December 29, 2015 For more information, call Rick @ 602-481-3879 Cattlemen's Day – December 29, 2015

44 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

InformatIon@anls.org www.anls.org

602-258-8568

ix See you in Phoen

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 45

46 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 47

CALENDAR SEPTEMBER 2016

NOVEMBER 2016

Cattle Country Commercial Female Sale powered by Salacoa Valley Genetics :: Brighton, FL

4-5

Space Deadline for October Brangus Journal

The Branch Ranch Sale :: Mansfield, LA

Thomas and Sons “Cadillac of Brangus” Sale :: Madison, MO

Space Deadline for December Brangus Journal

West Texas Fair & Rodeo Junior Brangus Show :: Abilene, TX

Western National Brangus Show :: Oklahoma City, OK

Southeast Brangus Breeder’s Association Showcase Sale :: Lake City, Fl

Sankey’s 6N Ranch Sale :: Council Grove, KS

OCTOBER 2016 1

The Oaks Farms “Range Ready” Sale :: Navasota, TX

CX Advantage Sale :: Weimar, TX

Big D Ranch Sale :: Center Ridge, AR

Cain Cattle Company Sale :: Pickens, MS

Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches Sale :: Arabela, NM

Calyx Star Ranch Sale :: Shuqualak, MS

Space Deadline for November Brangus Journal

Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Sale :: Poteet, TX

Town Creek Farm Sale :: West Point, MS

Little Creek & Friends Sale :: Okeechobee, FL

Miller Brangus Sale :: Waynesboro, TN

28-29

11-12 12

GeneTrust at Chimney Rock Sale :: Concord, AR

They’re Not Ordinary Sale at Blackwater Cattle Co :: Lake Park, GA Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association Sale :: San Angelo, TX

18-19 Salacoa Valley Farms Sale :: Fairmount, GA 19

GeneTrust at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Sale :: Jacksonville, TX

DECEMBER 2016 9

Space Deadline for January Brangus Journal

27-31 Arizona National Livestock Show :: Phoenix, AZ

The Oaks & Genetic Partners Proven Performance Sale :: Newnan, GA

Brangus National Show of Merit :: Shreveport, LA

Yon Family Farms Sale :: Ridge Spring, SC

Oak Creek Farms Sale :: Chappell Hill, TX

Oklahoma Brangus Breeders Sale :: McAlester, OK

2017 is just around the corner! Make sure your dates get added to this calendar as well as the online calendar by emailing your dates to Tyler at tylerwdean@gmail.com For the most current listing of upcoming events visit

gobrangus.com/calendar 48 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 49

SERVICES Lakin Oakley Auctioneer

7081 Highway 82 West DeKalb, Texas 75559 903/667-3251 Home 903/277-9610 Mobile

To place your ad in the SERVICE directory, contact: Melanie at 979.255.3343 or Kyle at 254.371.9388

AD INDEX Arizona National Livestock Show.....................................................44 Big D Ranch............................................................................................ IBC Blackwater Cattle Co.............................................................................21 Bovine Elite...............................................................................................23 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches, LLC..........................................39 Cain Cattle Company............................................................................17 Calyx Star Ranch.....................................................................................29 Cavender Ranches.................................................................................41 Chimney Rock Cattle Co............................................................... 26-27 Circle X Land & Cattle Co................................................................... IFC Clark Cattle Services..............................................................................50 Clover Ranch............................................................................................15 Cox Excalibur............................................................................................25 Doak Lambert..........................................................................................50 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch...............................................................33 E 3 Ranch..................................................................................................... 6 El Rancho Espanol de Cuyama..........................................................11 Elgin Breeding Service..........................................................................50 Farris Ranching Company...................................................................42 Genesis Ranch.........................................................................................23 GeneTrust.................................................................................... 26-27, 41 Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association Sale.........................47 Hurlbert Cattle.........................................................................................35 L.W. Hudgins Brangus...........................................................................31 Lack-Morrison Brangus.......................................................................... 4

50 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

Lakeside Brangus...................................................................................... 3 Lakin Oakley.............................................................................................50 Little Creek Farms...................................................................................37 Miller Brangus..........................................................................................51 Multmin 90................................................................................................. 9 Oak Creek Farms.................................................................................... BC Oklahoma Brangus Breeders Sale....................................................45 Perry Ranch...............................................................................................18 Sabal Ridge Brangus.............................................................................37 Salacoa Valley Farms......................................................................13, 43 Sankey Cattle...........................................................................................35 Sankey’s 6N Ranch.................................................................................35 Santa Rosa Ranch..................................................................................... 1 Silveus Insurance Group......................................................................46 Terry Reagan............................................................................................50 The Branch Ranch..................................................................................49 The Oaks Farms......................................................................................... 5 Town Creek Farm...................................................................................... 7 Truitt Brangus Farms.............................................................................43 Valley View Ranch...................................................................................47 W.E.T. Farms..............................................................................................37 Wes Dotson..............................................................................................50 West Coast Brangus Breeders Association...................................... 8 Westway Feeds........................................................................................19 Wyman Creek Cattle..............................................................................34

FRONTLINE Beef Producer 51

Heterosis.

Real Money. Real Fast. Benefit from heterosis without sacrificing carcass merit and customer satisfaction.

The science, as well as dollars and cents, behind this phenomenon are well documented. The increase in production from using Brangus and Ultrablack genetics in a crossbreeding program amounts to $186 annually/cow exposed, as well as a 38% increase in longevity, when compared to a straight-bred breeding program. Furthermore, research has proven a crossbreeding program with Brangus genetics shows an increase in production of 25-30% over a crossbreeding program combining two English and/or Continental Breeds. The science is real, the results are real, and the dollars are certainly real!

Dr.s Willie and Monnie Carol Carter, Hope Hull, AL“We added 100# to our weaning weights the first year. This was just from using Brangus sires. Now those calves are 825 pounds at shipping. We didn’t change anything else. Heterosis is responsible for that increase in weaning weights.”

Brangus. More than maternal. www.gobrangus.com

52 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

BIG

Big D Bulls

RANCH

Building Your Tomorrow

Big D Ranch Annual Bull and Female Sale October 8, 2016 | Center Ridge, Arkansas | 12:00 Noon

60 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls | 60 Brangus Influence Females Where efficiency, longevity, structural correctness, and power all come together to equal profitability in one package. Bull videos and sale catalog at www.BigDRanch.net

Phillip & Beth DeSalvo 173 Miller Lane, Center Ridge, AR 501.208.6119 | BigDRanch.net

Luke Mobley Auctioneer / Livestock Marketing 205.270.0999 | LukeMobley.com FRONTLINE Beef Producer 53

OAK CREEK FARMS FORAGE DEVELOPED LOW MAINTENANCE CATTLE For 49 years, Oak Creek Farms has been breeding and raising functional cattle designed to excel in any environment. Relying on their experience and utilizing the latest Technology in Genomics and Ultrasound, Oak Creek Farmsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Brangus, Red Brangus, and Angus bulls sire females that are easy fleshing, excelling in longevity and fertility. Steer calves from Oak Creek Bulls are designed for performance not only on grass but also in the feedyard while hanging high quality, high yielding carcasses. This type of performance does not happen overnight, it takes years of breeding and right cattle. Come see for yourself what 49 years of breeding functional cattle can do for your herd.

54 FRONTLINE Beef Producer

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2016 OCF SALE BULLS

THE FLORIDA CATTLEMAN / SEPTEMBER 2016 / 39