Fall 2018 FRONTLINE Beef Producer by International Brangus Breeders Association

A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMERCIAL BEEF PRODUCERS

FALL 2018 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

2 | FALL 2018

PU BA LA CK R BY DE M AN

BEEF IT’S WHY WE RAISE THEM

™

Santa Rosa Ranch takes pride in the relationships we build with our customers and we appreciate the confidence our customers have in us. We stand behind everything that we sell and we appreciate the confidence you have in our goal to develop the best Brangus and Ultrablack cattle in the breed! We are proud to introduce our Once you become our customer, you will be enrolled and receive 5% off the sales price of any bull or female you purchase! There is no expiration to this program - as a loyal customer, you will always be eligible!

Contact Kent Smith at 979.540.8338 or email info@srrbrangus.com ♦ Available by Private Treaty only; not eligible in a production or consignment sale scenario. ♦ Discount is based on currently available price list and not in combination with other offers. ♦ Discount is not cumulative from year to year - it is 5% off of the current published price list for that buying season.

Santa Rosa Ranch Kent Smith, General Manager (979) 540-8338 | kent@srrbrangus.com Gerald Sullivan, Owner Kelley Sullivan, Owner

www.SRRBRANGUS.com

Crockett & Navasota, Texas •936-624-2333 • info@srrbrangus.com3

FRONTLINE BEEF PRODUCER >> FALL 2018 Brangus Publications Inc. Editor and Layout/Art Director Jessie England Administration/Circulation Justine Voss Contributing Authors Jason Banta, PhD., PAS John Genho Joe C. Paschal, PhD. Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS Maclaine Shults

FRONTLINE Beef Producer is a product of:

Brangus Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 Phone: (210) 696-8231 Fax: (210) 696-8718

Brangus Publications, Inc. Directors: Doyle Miller, Chairman Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS, President Chris Heptinstall, Secretary/Treasurer Bill Davis, Director Eddy Roberts, Director

Advertising Melanie Fuller Jessie England Operations Emilio Silvas Kelsey Wages Marissa Murphy Macee Prause Information appearing in this issue may be reprinted only with written permission of Brangus Publications, Inc. LPC Livestock Publications Council - Member

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE CORNER............................................................................................................................6-8 INTEGRITY BEEF ALLIANCE ADDS BRANGUS®..................................................................................10 THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY....................................................14-18 CROSSBREEDING AND HYBRID VIGOR WITH BRANGUS® CATTLE..........................................22-23 ALTERNATIVE HAY AND WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS...............................................................24-30 BRANGUS® DNA TEST RESULTS YIELD MATCHING CARCASS RESULTS................................. 35-38 BUILT TO LAST.................................................................................................................................. 36-37 USING SELECTION INDEXES..........................................................................................................42-45 CARCASS MERIT EXCELLENCE CHALLENGE PROGRAM...........................................................48-49 SERVICE DIRECTORY.............................................................................................................................51 CALENDAR...............................................................................................................................................52 ADVERTISERS INDEX............................................................................................................................54 FALL 2017

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE! Visit page 51 to subscribe to FRONTLINE Beef Producer – your source for all things Brangus® cattle, and all they offer the commercial cattleman!

4 | FALL 2018

A NEWS SOURCE

CIAL BEEF

FOR COMMER

PRODUCERS

A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMERCIAL BEEF PRODUCERS ISSUE 2 VOLUME 9

SPRING 2017 VOLUME 9 ISSUE 1 A NEWS SOURCE FOR COMMER

CIAL BEEF

PRODUCERS SPRING 2018

VOLUME 10

ISSUE 1

Over 100 head of Registered Brinks Brangus® bulls available for sale. • Proven genetics. • Hard-working, tough animals built to work in any country. • Ready to turn out and go to work in your herd today.

Westall Ranches, LLC

1818 Arabela Road, Arabela, NM Ray & Karen Westall • 575-361-2070 • owners Tate Pruett • 575-365-6356 • manager

Call today to schedule a visit to the ranch and pick your next herd sire. 5

IBBA << A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

EXECUTIVE CORNER by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

The International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) has released three new expected progeny differences (EPDs) and two new selection indices for registered breeding cattle and the commercial cattlemen purchasing them. These indices provide a means to optimally weight the current and new EPDs based on economic importance. Sire selection is now simplified by using a selection index as it allows producers to consistently force selection pressure on economically relevant traits from year to year. The new EPDs released by IBBA include Mature Cow Weight, Stayability and Heifer Pregnancy. The Mature Cow Weight EPD is a prediction of the cow’s weight as a five-year-old with adjustments for age and body condition score considered. The Stayability EPD measures the probability that a cow will still be in the herd at six years old. The Heifer Pregnancy EPD measures the probability that a cow will have a calf as a two-year-old.

The new heifer pregnancy, stayability and mature cow weight EPDs, along with heifer pregnancy and other indicator traits, support the new Fertility Index. This Index is a function of the economically relevant traits of heifer pregnancy, days to calving, stayability, and calving ease. Mature cow weight, body condition score, scrotal circumference, ultrasound backfat, birthweight and milk EPDs are used as indicator traits for the fertility index. This economic selection index for fertility was developed for Brangus cattle reared in a generalpurpose production system to produce reproductively sound replacement females or bulls that will sire reproductively sound replacement females. Implementation of this index would facilitate genetic improvement and increase profitability of Brangus cattle operations with a general-purpose breeding objective when replacement females are retained as cows. Current IBBA EPDs supporting introduction of the terminal index include the economically relevant traits of hot carcass weight, marbling at score, yearling weight, direct calving ease and maternal calving ease. This new selection index merely offers cattle producers a new tool for making balanced decisions for measuring predicted long-term end product improvements. An IBBA selection index provides a single value, reported in standard deviations from the mean, for the identification of breeding “West Texas Tough” stock in order to optimize Brangus and Ultrablack Bulls selection on a number of traits all while maximizing profit in a particular production scenario. Commercial cattlemen can Danny and Mary Beth Farris find confidence in their bull Tuscola, TX · 325-669-5727 purchases knowing these farrisranching@yahoo.com new selection tools improve the prediction of offspring

Every Day is Sale Day

Farris Ranching Company Farris ++ Ranching Company

continue reading on page 8

6 | FALL 2018

IBBA << continued from page 6

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Tommy Perkins, PhD., PAS is a graduate

of West Texas A&M University, where he was recognized as a Graduate of Distinction by the Department of Agriculture in 2014. He also earned his doctoral degree in animal breeding from Texas Tech University. He served as a professor at Missouri State University and Texas State University for nearly twenty years, where his professional career is most noted for excellence in the field of beef cattle ultrasound. Perkins is a member of the Beef Improvement Federationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (BIF) Board of Directors, and he also serves as chairman for BIFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End Product Committee. Additionally, Perkins serves on the board of directors for the Texas Beef Council, Beef Promotion and Research Council of Texas, and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He recently completed a two-year term as Beef Breeds Council president. Today, Perkins is the executive vice president of the International Brangus Breeders Association, chief executive officer of Genetic Performance Solutions, and president of Brangus Publications, Inc.

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performance when making bull selection decisions for the future. Lastly, commercial cattlemen can continue to use the Igenity Brangus Profiler to predict maternal, growth and carcass traits in Brangus influenced feeder calves and replacement heifers. The Igenity Brangus Profiler helps you understand and manage the potential of your calf crop based on economic importance. Feel free to call, text or email if you have any specific questions about the new EPDs, indices, Igenity Brangus Profiler, genomic enhanced EPDs, or other programs. For information about specific 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.

JANUARY 30-FEBRUARY 1, 2019

#Catt lecon19 www.NCBA.org

8 | FALL 2018

“

GENETRUST was on the top of my list when I started looking for a bull. Your quality and service was good, and GENETRUST will remain on the top of my list for next time.”

NEW SALE SCHEDULE

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Cody Gariss • (417) 425-0368 codygariss@gmail.com Craig Green • (870) 834-1976 craig@genetrustbrangus.com

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www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com • 1-877-GENETRS (436-3877) 99

IBBA CONNECTION << INTEGRITY BEEF ALLIANCE ADDS BRANGUS TO THEIR PROGRAM

Brangus Bulls ®

Most Recent Addition to Integrity Beef Alliance Program SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – The International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA) is excited to announce the inclusion of Brangus® bulls into the Integrity Beef Alliance Program making them the seventh breed recognized. The terminal bull protocol now accepts registered Black Angus, Beefmaster, Brangus, Charolais, Gelbvieh (including Balancer), Hereford, and Red Angus boasting EPDs in the top 20 percent of their respective breed for weaning and yearling weight. “The acceptance of Brangus genetics into the Integrity Beef Alliance program will allow IBBA

10 | FALL 2018

members another option for marketing superior Brangus bulls”, says Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., IBBA Executive Vice President. “This partnership affords recognition of superior genetics to be placed in a simplified cow-calf producer management decision system to increase marketability of high quality, uniform, preconditioned calves.” Established in 2000 by the Noble Research Institute in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Integrity Beef emphasizes progressive, sustainable management methods, ranch stewardship and humane care of all livestock. Large and small ranches benefit equally from participating in integrity Beef through implementation of best management practices and increased marketing venues, replacement cattle and ranch supply procurement support. Brangus bulls will be an exceptional addition to the Integrity Beef Alliance Program due to their superior genetic traits, captured from two highly successful parent breeds. Their hardiness and adaptability, combined with added carcass quality and maternal characteristics are highly sought after, especially by commercial cattlemen looking to market and/or retain replacement females. By partnering with the Integrity Beef Alliance Program, the IBBA has provided members with the opportunity to capitalize on proper herd-management practices and progress their marketing strategies within their operation, as well as within the general beef production industry. The IBBAs mission is to empower members to advance the quality, reliability and value of Brangus and Brangus influenced cattle; to provide innovative programs and services which enhance the economic well-being of members and commercial customers.

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12 | FALL 2018

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IBBA CONNECTION << THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY

by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

The Benefits of Improved Reproductive Efficiency Reproductive efficiency has always been necessary for a profitable cow/calf enterprise. This requires producers to get cows bred, so they can give birth to healthy calves with heavy weaning weights. Pregnancy diagnosis is a simple management tool available to producers to cull cows who are not pregnant. Unfortunately, most literature suggests that only about one-third of the commercial cows are actually palpated at the end of the breeding season. Early pregnancy diagnosis allows producers to make the right management decisions on an individual cow basis. Pregnant cows should remain in the cow herd while the open cows should be culled. Knowing pregnancy status gives producers alternatives: 1) is early weaning necessary, 2) should thinner cows be fed to increase market value, 3) can open heifers be fed for the fat market, or 4) should a veterinarian be called in to determine if there

14 | FALL 2018

is an infectious disease or sexually transmitted disease problem. Fortunately, early pregnancy determination is more accurate and reliable today than ever before. Use of the new blood Pregnancy Specific Protein B (PSPB) test (BioPRYNE, DG29, and others) or ultrasound allows pregnancy calls to be made as early as 28 days. The blood test is the most practically priced at about $4 per cow but you must wait approximately 48 hours before receiving results. Ultrasound costs more at $7-$10 per head but gives pregnancy results immediately. Traditionalists still prefer rectal, hand palpation by their veterinarian when the cows are worked 120-150 days post-calving. The cost of rectal palpation is minimal, the results are accurate and the calves can be dehorned, castrated, vaccinated, etc. when being ran through the chute simultaneously.

In general, producers fail to understand the negative impact nonbreeding females have on the economic viability of an operation. Open females result in a significant economic loss to production because, no income will be realized from those cows in a timely manner. Non-pregnant cows generally fall into two categories: 1) cows failing to conceive in a 90-day or less breeding season; and 2) cows conceiving but failing to produce a calf during breeding season. Failure to conceive is generally due to late maturing heifers who are pre-pubertal or cows with poor body condition score (BCS) post-calving. Vibrio, Leptospirosis, Trichomoniasis and other diseases can also lead to reproductive failures. These diseases may result in conceptual failure but most often lead to early abortion during the gestation period. Therefore, animal health and proper nutritional management are both imperative for reproductive success. The earlier and more accurately pregnancy status can be determined, will minimize added expenditures given to open cows. These costs include pharmaceutical or animal health supplies, supplemental feed, forage intake, hay and other expenses. Producers must diligently manage the herd, in order to notice late term abortions should they occur. Cows who become pregnant but fail to calve or calve later in the season, have a negative impact on the net return continue reading on page 16

Town Creek Farm Bull Sale & Commercial Brangus Bred Heifer Sale AT THE RANCH NEAR WEST POINT, MISSISSIPPI

Saturday, October 20, 2018 • 12 noon 150 TOWN CREEK FARM BULLS Johnes-Free, Trich, BVD Tested.

Brangus, Ultrablack and VigorMax™ Half-Blood Bulls. Large selection of stout, FULL 2-year old bulls (DOB: Fall 2016). Powerful, practical, functional bulls developed on a high roughage, forage-based ration. Bulls guaranteed. Bulls sell guaranteed Johnes-free and BDV-PI and Trich tested. Large selection of user-friendly and calving ease bulls.

300Ranch BRANGUS AND ULTRABLACK COMMERCIAL BRED HEIFERS and source verified heifers selling with at LEAST two generations of Town Creek Farm genetics. Heifers bred back to Town Creek bulls. Fall and spring calving heifers sell. Reputation heifer sale in its 21st year. g

4861D21 – 14.10 REA - 123%. Full 2-year old.

4329D3 – 14.11 REA - 131%. Full 2-year old.

g g

25D5 – Calving ease bull. 3.70% Year IMF.

007D11 – Growth and carcass over 100% ratio.

True Ultrablack – 4.04% year IMF.

These commercial bred heifers sell plus lots more.

Select bulls from proven Brangus, Ultrablacks and Vigor Max™ (Brahman x Angus half-blood, maximum heterosis). Keep your cow herd black. Full two-year old bulls selling. Fertility is our top priority. All other traits follow fertility. Opportunity to buy bulls from a program that culls EVERY open female and EVERY female that doesn’t bring a calf to weaning pens. Genetics developed and proven for more than 30 years. Genetics have provent to develop powerful, profitable cow herds.

g g g

Maternal bulls to develop superior replacement heifers that are fertile and long lasting with good udders. Selection of calving ease heifer bulls. User Friendly bulls. Bulls are hard, ripped and toned; ready for breeding pastures. Managed to be disease free. ALL bulls out of Johnes-free cowherds. Environmentally adapted and acclimated bulls that withstand heat and humidity. Longevity – of bulls and their daughters.

REAL WORLD GENETICS FOR OUR REAL WORLD. Call or go to our website to request a sale catalog and to join our mailing list.

TOTAL COMMITMENT

3 Quality Assurance always comes first. TOWN CREEK FARM

25TH ANNIVERSARY

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

TCFRapidReward 14B9 R10271327 DDF DOB: 9/11/2014 Sire: BRB RapidReward 99W11

IBBA CONNECTION << THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVED REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY continued from page 14

from calves sold at weaning. Early, accurate pregnancy determination should confirm more females will calve at the beginning of the calving season, thus offering a higher probability of heavier weaning weights. Three good measures of reproductive performance include; 1) pregnancy percentage, 2) calving percentage and 3) weaning percentage. Calculating all three and multiplying them, yields a value sometimes referred to as â&#x20AC;&#x153;percent calf crop.â&#x20AC;? For example; a 90 percent pregnancy percentage multiplied by a 97 percent calving percentage multipled by a 99 percent weaning percentage equals an 86.4 percent calf crop [(0.90 x 0.97 x 0.99) x 100) = 86.4%]. Generally, any percentage calf crop above 85 percent would indicate positive reproductive efficiency. Pregnancy percentage is calculated by taking the number of pregnant cows divided by the number of exposed cows and multiplying by 100. For example, 88 cows/heifers exposed to bulls during the breeding season with 80 females pregnant would yield a 90.9 percent pregnancy percentage [(80/88) x 100 = 90.9%]. Calving percentage is calculated by taking the number of calves born alive divided by the number of pregnant cows multiplied by 100. For example, if 4 calves were born dead or died shortly after birth from the 80 pregnant cows above would yield a 95 percent calving percentage [((80 - 4)/80) x 100 = 95%]. Weaning percentage is calculated by taking the total number of calves weaned divided by the number of calves born alive and multiplying by 100. For example, if two calves die before weaning (e.g. died at four months of age), you would have a 97.4 percent weaning percentage [(76 2)/76) x 100 = 97.4%]. Percent calf crop should be close to 85 percent. Therefore, using the values from the examples above, the percent calf crop is 84.1 percent (0.909 x 0.95 x .974 = .841). Improving any one of the three reproductive measures above,

16 | FALL 2018

can increase the cow/calf enterprises profitability. Highlighted in figure 1 below is an example of change in pregnancy percentage, with the other values remaining relatively constant, in order to show the impact on final calf crop percentage. A move from a 68 percent pregnancy rate to a 91 percent pregnancy rate would improve the percent calf crop from 62.5 percent to 84.1 percent, when holding calving percentage and weaning percentage relatively constant. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assume we have an average weaned calf weight of 500 pounds which is currently being marketed at $1.75 per pound. In example one (shown in Figure 2 below), the sale price of the 55 weaned calves would be $48,125 [(55 x 500) x 1.75) = (27500 x 1.75) = $48,125)]. Likewise, example three (shown in figure 2 below) would net $64,750 which is a difference of $16,625.00 on an 88 head cowherd simply by improving the pregnancy rate from 68 percent to 91 percent. Producers should determine the impact of fertility on their own operations by calculating these simple measures of reproductive efficiency in the herd. Another way to look at this is to take the value of weaned calf per exposed cow. For example, 500 pounds of weaned calf multiplied by

Figure 1. (Pictured Above)

100 percent pregnancy percentage, multiplied by calf price per pound. In this case, a 100 percent pregnancy percentage would yield $875 per exposed cow [(500 x 100%) x $1.75 = 500 x $1.75 = $875]. The value of weaned calf per exposed cow with a 68% pregnancy rate would be $596.75 per exposed cow [(500 x 68.2%) x $1.75 = 500 x $1.75 = $596.75]. This $278.25 loss due to non-pregnancy assumes no difference in maintenance cost of the pregnant cow versus an open cow as well as 100 percent of the pregnant cows calving and weaning their calves. Cattlemen should strive to make necessary management decisions to improve overall fertility. This may include 1) improvements in animal health protocols, 2) improved nutritional programs, 3) breeding soundness evaluations (BSE) annually for all herd sires, 4) use of estrous synchronization protocols 5) incorporating artificial insemination for first calf heifers, 6) better matching the cow or breedtype to the environment, 6) use of more crossbreeding to take advantage of heterosis and 7) any other environmental stress reduction. There are several options for injecting Bos Indicus genetics into the nations black hided cow population.

Figure 2. (Pictured Below)

continue reading on page 18

IBBA <<

EARN MORE PROFIT

WITH

BRANGUS & ULTRABLACK

Genetics.

WEST COAST BRANGUS BREEDERS ASSOCIATION For more information, contact any member of the West Coast Brangus Breeders Association listed below: BELLA TERRA FARMS Atascadero, CA, (805) 391-0044 BITTERWATER LAND & CATTLE CO Paso Robles, CA, (805) 239-8755 BRUNDY FARMS Seeley, CA, (760) 554-1044 DEER CREEK RANCH Los Molinas, CA, (541) 817-2535 EL RANCHO ESPANOL DE CUYAMA New Cuyama, CA, (805) 245-0434 ROMANS BRANGUS Vale, OR, (541) 212-1790 RUNNING STAR RANCH Lincoln, CA, (916) 257-5517 SPANGLER RANCHES Corona, CA, (951) 735-5000 STARDUST FARMS Oak Run, CA, (530) 356-9300 TUMBLEWEED BRANGUS Delhi, CA, (209) 484-0152 WAYNE GLASGOW Santa Ysabel, CA, (760) 789-2488

www.westcoastbrangus.com

18 | FALL 2018

continued from page 16

Use of Brangus genetics will offer you improvements in reproduction, longevity, feedlot performance and carcass attributes while maintaining those black hided premiums. Brangus cattle give you all the maternal benefits of the Bos Taurus and Bos Indicus cross in one package, that excels in all environments with no loss in yield or quality grades. Real world results from profitdriven producers prove that the Brangus crossbred female is not only the most productive, but also the most profitable female in the industry. Ultimately, Brangus and Brangusinfluenced cattle will excel in feedlot growth and placement of high yielding, high marbling carcasses in the packing phase. The addition of Brangus®, Red Brangus, UltraBlack®, and/or UltraRed genetics would be a great option to improve overall fertility and environmental adaptability in your operation.

CX Ms Legends Dream 59/E

CX Legends Dream 610/U1

Son of CX Ms Legends Dream 71/Z2 Sells Sired by 365/A 20 | FALL 2018

2018 Futurity Reserve Gramd Champion…Full Sib to Embryos Selling

CX Legends Dream 3/B1…Embryos Sell

CX Dream’s Hombre 31/A…Progeny Sells

2017 Houston Grand Champion

2016 Houston Grand Champion

CX Dream Forever 365/A

CX Meathouse 930/U

Sire of 15 Lots Selling

Sire of 20 Lots Selling

CX Ms Promise Keeper 177/D 2018 Grand Champion San Antonio…Sibling Sells

CX Ms Payloads Meathouse 957/B…Siblings Sell!

21 21

EXPERT CONNECTION << CROSSBREEDING AND HYBRID VIGOR WITH BRANGUS

Crossbreeding and Hybrid Vigor with Brangus CATTLE by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Livestock Specialist Joe C. Paschal, PhD.

Crossbreeding is an effective and less expensive method to improve adaptability (including longevity and fertility) and production (milk, growth, and carcass merit). The Brangus and 22 | FALL 2018

all the American or Eared breeds were created on that premise, blending two or more diverse breeds to create a new breed with higher performance (particularly in the subtropics and tropics

under adverse conditions) than the average of the original breeds. The greater the difference in genetic origin of the parental breeds, the greater the difference is in the average performance

>> EXPERT CONNECTION

of the crossbred offspring. Even crosses from breeds that are relatively close in genetic origin, Hereford and Angus for example, exhibit hybrid vigor - but to a lesser degree than either of these crossed with Brahman, which has genes from more distant relatives (both physically and genetically). In the initial cross (the F1) between two breeds (A and B), each parent contributes copies of their own breed’s genes, so the crossbred offspring should be 100% heterozygous with respect to their parent’s breed’s genetic makeup. If the breeds are similar in origin, their cross will exhibit less heterosis and less hybrid vigor. A backcross is a mating in which the F1 is mated back to one of its parental breeds. On average, heterosis is predicted to be reduced by half in the progeny as it is now 75% of the sire breed

and only 25% of the other breed. In a three-breed cross, usually called a “terminal cross” since all crossbred offspring are marketed; an F1 is bred to a third breed C. This results in offspring that are 50% C, 25% A, and 25% B. A threebreed cross of this type is still 100% heterozygous and should still exhibit 100% hybrid vigor because no breed is present in both the sire and the dam. Usually when hybrid vigor is discussed by ranchers, they focus on the effects of hybrid vigor in the calf for growth (direct heterosis) and the value of hybrid vigor for maternal ability (maternal heterosis) in the crossbred cow is often overlooked. Like hybrid vigor for growth, hybrid vigor for maternal ability is highest in cows whose parental breeds are not the same.

Brangus, like the other Eared breeds, were bred to reproduce and thrive in tropical and subtropical environments and designed to produce their own replacements. The hybrid vigor of these crosses, along with the Brangus genetics of the crosses, makes them a very profitable cross for commercial cattle producers!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Joe Paschal, PhD. has

been the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension livestock specialist for South Texas and the Gulf Coast Regions since 1988. He works with county agents and purebred and commercial producers, feeders and processors within the beef cattle industry to provide practical information to improve production efficiency and profitability.

EXPERT CONNECTION << ALTERNATIVE HAY AND WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS

Alternative Hay and Winter Feeding Options by Associate Professor & Extension Beef Cattle Specialist Jason Banta, PhD., PAS

Fortunately, drought and soil moisture conditions are improving for much of the U.S. However, due to a cool spring in some areas and dry conditions during much of the growing season, hay supplies are low in many areas. Additionally, recent outbreaks of armyworms have also contributed to tight hay conditions. If enough grass hay cannot be obtained, other roughage sources can be used in developing a winter feeding program for cow-calf operations. Roughage is a collective term used for forage, hay, and other fiber based feedstuffs that cause cattle to chew their cud and help maintain rumen health. Alternative hay sources include corn stalks, grain sorghum stubble, straw from small grains, and hay purchased from areas of the country that have had better growing conditions. Cotton gin trash can also serve as a roughage source. Alternative roughage sources can vary tremendously in feeding value, palatability, and cost. These alternative sources should be carefully evaluated before purchase and use in a winter feeding program. They should be tested to determine actual nutrient content. Additionally, corn stalks, corn hay, and grain sorghum stubble should be tested for nitrate levels. Below are some considerations for a handful of the more common alternative roughage sources. Corn Stalks Corn stalk hay actually consist of leaves, husk, stalks, and some cobs. Experience and testing results from 2011 show a wide range in quality of corn stalks. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) averaged 46.5 percent but ranged from 32 – 63 percent ; crude protein averaged 5.7 percent and ranged from 5.0 – 6.4 percent. The tremendous range in TDN content is due to a very large range in ash content from 5.6 – 32 percent; as ash content increases TDN content goes down. Ash does not contain any energy and would include minerals and soil contamination. When the chaff spreader is removed from the combine and the corn stalks are dropped in a windrow and baled without the use of a hay cutter or rake, ash content should be lower leading to higher quality hay. continue reading on page 26

24 | FALL 2018

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EXPERT CONNECTION << ALTERNATIVE HAY AND WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS

continued from page 24

However, after combining when a shredder or hay cutter is used to cut all stalks and then everything is raked the bales will have more soil contamination, higher ash content, and less TDN. This is especially true if the person raking gets really aggressive trying to get every leaf, stem, and husk. Looking at the field after baling can be a good indicator of how much soil contamination the hay may have. As long as soil contamination is not to high, corn stalks can provide a palatable cost-effective roughage source. They can be fed in a hay ring or a pile with limited waste. Corn stalks wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t unroll like grass hay, but a front-end loader can be used to spread out the bale. They are generally one of the more available options when hay supplies are short. Corn Hay Corn hay consists of the entire corn plant including the ear with kernels. Because of the corn kernels aflatoxins can be a concern; aflatoxins are not a concern with corn stalks. Additionally, if the kernel moisture content is not below 16 percent aflatoxin levels can continue to increase in the bale. Nitrates are a greater concern with corn hay than corn stalks. This is because the plant didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow well enough to produce a grain crop worth harvesting.

Grain Sorghum Stubble

Cotton gin trash

Grain sorghum stubble is cut and raked like sorghum x sudangrass hybrids which are routinely planted for hay. Results from 2011 showed that grain sorghum stubble was similar in TDN content to corn stalks, but protein content was a little lower than corn stalks. There is generally more waste with sorghum stubble than corn stalks. Grain sorghum stubble can be unrolled or fed in a hay ring.

This product is also known as cotton gin by-product or cotton burrs and is the result of cotton ginning. It consists of cotton leaves, stems, burrs, lint, and immature seeds along with soil and anything else brought into the gin with the cotton. On average it will contain about 7-9 percent crude protein and 3842 percent TDN, but nutrient content can vary greatly. Because of its loose bulky nature, it can be difficult to handle and is best when mixed with other feeds. Storage conditions prior to and after purchase can greatly effect if value and usefulness. Additionally, there may be residue concerns depending on what pesticides were applied to the cotton.

Straw from Small Grain Crops Wheat straw is the most common, but straw can also be baled from oats, rye, barley, or triticale. Crude protein and TDN content of straw is low. Book values indicate that wheat straw will contain about 3 percent crude protein and 40 percent TDN. Straw is not very palatable and is best used when ground and mixed with other feeds.

When developing a feeding program for this fall and winter it is important to determine how much hay a cow will consumed. If non-lactating cows are allowed continue reading on page

26 | FALL 2018

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27 27

CAPITAL CB

GAIN 924D19

CAPITAL GAIN: /ˌkapədl ˈɡān/

An increase in the value of an investment that gives it a higher worth than the purchase price.

HIGH SELLER

This high selling featured sire sold to Marshall Farms, Grady, AL at the 2017 GT sale at Cavender’s.

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PERFORMANCE

Use Capital Gain to add shape and dimension without adding frame or sheath.

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Royally bred, his granddam is the mother of Final Cut.

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EXPERT CONNECTION << ALTERNATIVE HAY AND WINTER FEEDING OPTIONS continued from page 26

to eat moderate quality hay free choice they will generally consume 1.8 – 2.0 percent of their body weight on a dry matter basis each day. A lactating cow will consume about 2.3 – 2.5 percent of her body weight. Remember to account for any storage or feeding losses and dry matter content when comparing needs to available supplies. If you do not have enough hay, there are ways to stretch limited supplies. Selling cows is one option that should be considered. Keep in mind what it will cost to feed cows compared with how much profit they can generate in the future. Another option is to limit the amount of hay that is fed. For example, a 1,350 lb Brangus cow in late gestation could be fed 15 lbs of corn stalks, 8 lbs of whole corn, and 2 lbs of cottonseed meal to maintain her current body condition. If she was allowed to eat hay free choice she would consume about 27 lbs per day plus 1-3 lbs of a supplement. It is critical to work with a nutritionist to determine what and how much feed will be needed to meet the nutrient requirements of your cows and to ensure that no potential mineral problems exit in the diet. Feed costs will vary but will likely be from $1.80 $2.50 per day for each cow when limiting hay and providing 8-12 lbs of additional feed. As a rule I like to supply at least 10 lbs of roughage to a cow each day to help maintain rumen health. This amount may be a little conservative compared to some recommendations, but I would prefer to be

30 | FALL 2018

on the safe side when dealing with breeding stock that we hope will be in the herd for a long time. Additionally, it is important to gradually increase supplementation of grains and other carbohydrate feedstuffs to allow rumen microbial populations to adjust. Cottonseed meal, soybean meal, and other similar high protein supplements don’t have to be gradually increased. Planting ryegrass and small grains can also help stretch limited hay supplies. While seed costs may be higher this year these winter annual grasses still provide high quality forage at extremely low prices ($20 – $60/ton of dry forage). The best approach is the plant them and then wait to apply fertilizer until after germination. Limit grazing of these winter annual grasses could also be used to replace energy and protein supplements like those used in the example above. The key to successfully deal with limited hay supplies will be to evaluate the costs and logistical considerations for each available option and determine which one is best for your operation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Jason Banta has worked as an Extension Beef Cattle Specialist since 2005. He is stationed at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton, where he works with county Extension agents and allied industry personal to develop educational programming for cow-calf and stocker producers. Banta also works with other AgriLife and A&M faculty to conduct beef cattle research in the areas of ruminant nutrition, cow-calf and stocker management, and animal health. Additionally, he teaches a Special Topics in Applied Beef Cattle Nutrition course in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M.

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32 | FALL 2018

33 33

34 | FALL 2018

DNA TEST RESULTS YIELD VALUES MATCHING CARCASS RESULTS >> IBBA CONNECTION

BRANGUS DNA Test Results YIELD MATCHING CARCASS RESULTS by IBBA Executive Vice President Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., PAS

Most research literature concludes that DNA testing is a breed specific tool – meaning it performs best when it is calibrated using the same breed being tested. Therefore, the International Brangus® Breeders Association (IBBA) and Neogen, have collaborated to offer the Igenity® Brangus® Profiler, a DNA evaluation tool for commercial Brangus cattle. Using the profiler, breeders are able to predict maternal and growth traits and/or carcass traits by using Brangus-specific indices for confident selection decisions. Igenity Brangus reports on four maternal traits, in addition to four performance and carcass traits. The Brangus Igenity Profiler product, a breed specific DNA test,

yields scores from 1 to 10 for all of the Expected progeny differences (EPDs) available to Brangus breeders. These include calving ease scores, weaning weight, yearling weight, ribeye area, percent intramuscular fat and others. A study recently completed by the IBBA evaluated results from data collected on a set of Brangus and UltraBlack sired calves. Results demonstrated the Igenity® Brangus Profiler DNA scores accurately predicted ribeye area, marbling score and fat thickness as reflected in the final carcass values. Brent and Sandra Gundy from Walker, Missouri tested 35 head of feedlot steers with the new Igenity Brangus Profiler DNA test. The cattle were then fed at a custom feed yard, Irsik and Doll Feedyards,

in Garden City, Kansas and carried through the harvest phase to obtain carcass data on each individual animal. The top 10 head with the highest DNA scores for ribeye area (REA), intramuscular fat (IMF) and fat thickness were compared to the bottom 10 head, having the lowest DNA scores for the same traits. Furthermore, the top 2/3rd scoring cattle (top 25 head) were compared to the bottom 1/3rd (bottom 10 head) of the cattle. Results for the two groups are summarized below. continue reading on page 38

DNA Scores and Actual Carcass Values DNA Scores Top 10 Head Top 25 Head Bottom 10 Head Igenity Brangus REA Score 5.7 4.56 2.5 Igenity Brangus IMF Score

6.9

6.16

4.2

Igenity Fat Score

6.7

5.68

3.2

Actual Carcass Results Top 10 Head Top 25 Head Bottom 10 Head 2 Ribeye Area (in. ) 14.77 14.1 13.11 Marbling Score 414 407 398 Backfat Thickness (in.) 0.537 0.537 0.488 Yield Grade 2.1 2.16 2.5 35

IBBA CONNECTION <<

BUILT TO LAST by IBBA Content Specialist Maclaine Shults

The summer of 2018 was not kind to farmers and ranchers throughout the nation. The intense heat throughout the state of Texas was felt by all, including livestock. Lack of rain in early spring and summer, preluded the difficult winter cattle producers would face. Without adequate water and feed resources, keeping cattle healthy during the cold season would be challenging. However, Saul Cattle Company in Quitaque, Texas, confidentially put their faith in the unfailing, adaptability of the Brangus breed. “We use Brangus cattle because they fit our rough country and extreme weather changes.” Jim Saul said. Jim Saul, co-owner of Saul Cattle Company, has trusted the resilience of the Brangus breed for over 30 years. Jim started the operation with his father in 1980. He and his wife Barbara along with their son Kirk and daughterin-law Whitney, have continued to use registered Brangus bulls on commercial cows to produce high-quality replacement females to sell to other commercial cattlemen, along with the occasional Brangus bull-calf. Weather conditions in the Panhandle of West Texas can be extreme. Though little snow fall is recorded most years, intense winds coupled with below zero

36 | FALL 2018

temperatures are not uncommon in the winter. Summer offers little reprieve with its dry conditions and at times, triple-digit temperatures. “The drought put us in trouble for feed.” Saul said, “but our real problem is tank water.” Typically, at least 20 inches of precipitation is recorded annually in that region. Enough to replenish the water supply for the Sauls’ and other producers. But by August 2018, less than five inches of rainfall was recorded in West Texas since September 2017. With little hope for mild weather conditions, the Sauls know their cattle can handle dramatic environmental shifts. “We are pleased with the way our Brangus cows are willing to get out and hustle in the dry years.” said Kirk Saul, “We have some pretty rough country and they are willing to go wherever they have to in order to find grass. We even found them climbing the canyon walls back in the drought of 2011.” “Rough country” at Saul Cattle Company is unlike most. Cattle there are expected to thrive and survive within the jagged terrain of the Caprock Canyons, where Comanche Indian history is rich, but grass and water is scarce. Throughout summer 2018, Jim and Kirk hauled over 18 loads of

water to their cattle on the plains, but couldn’t do the same for the cattle in the canyons “The canyon isn’t easy to navigate, so we can’t take feed or water to those cattle.” Jim said. “But [the canyon] offers more protection for them in the winter than the plains.” Cattle producers in the Panhandle deal with more than extreme weather conditions, however. Snakes, large insects and parasites must also be conquered by the herds. According to the Sauls’ their Brangus cattle handle those well. “Our neighbor runs both English and Brangus cattle,” Jim said, “he was amazed at the amount of ticks he found in his English cows’ ears, but not in the Brangus’.” Cedar flies, with their vicious vampire tendencies are also known to terrorize livestock and Equine throughout the Panhandle, but once again the Brangus cattle triumph over this challenge too. “We love the Brangus female.” Kirk said. These cattle are survivors and as they overcome the dayto-day challenges of nature, they continue to champion the hearts of commercial cattlemen with their impressive physical build and quality genetic traits.

Long, deep-bodied, low birthweight bulls with high milk numbers and muscle, are the type of cattle the Sauls’ work to use and produce at their operation. They continue to purchase registered bulls from other producers, like GeneTrust in Kansas, to use on their commercial females in order to produce bulls and superior replacement heifers to retain and sell. Though selling females wasn’t part of the initial plan, they have taken advantage of the unique opportunity many years of genetic evaluation, planning and purchases have provided. “We started producing extremely sound, good bodied females that moved us towards selling replacement heifers, when we hadn’t thought of starting.” Jim said. By using the Brangus Built Replacement Heifer eartags, they

have added even more value to their marketed cattle. “We feel it helps to verify the better genetics of using several generations of registered Brangus bulls.” Saul said. The equally impressive male progeny is either kept in-tact and sold to other producers or taken to the local sale barn. For Sauls’, Brangus genetics have resulted in bigger, better calves that bring higher premiums at the sale, while also increasing the quality of their herd at home. “The quality of Brangus bulls at these sales has really gone up.” Jim said. “There were always a few good bulls when we’d go, but now there’s a lot of good ones!” With the quality of registered Brangus bulls increasing, the Sauls decided to branch out and purchase their first Ultrablack bull. With the new bull’s progeny expected

to hit the ground in the Fall 2018, they’re excited to see his impressive EPD’s influence future generations. The Ultrablack program began in 2013, allowing producers the opportunity to inject new Angus genetics into their Brangus herds. Since then, they have been widely accepted by the industry thanks to their exceptional carcass traits, while continuing to set the standard for maternal excellence.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Maclaine Shults was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming and raised in the Rocky Mountain region of Nortwestern Colorado. She grew up showing cattle and judging livestock around the United States. She went on to judge livestock at the collegiate level at Redlands Community College in El Reno, Oklahoma then Texas Tech University, where she was a member of the 2016 National Champion Team. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with a minor in animal science. Her passion for journalism, photography and art led her to a career in communications, where she will utilize those skills within the agriculture industry.

IBBA CONNECTION << DNA TEST RESULTS YIELD VALUES MATCHING CARCASS RESULTS continued from page 35

Whether analyzing the top 10 or top 25-DNA-scoring steers, it was concluded they produced larger ribeyes, had more intramuscular fat and yielded more external fat thickness than the bottom-DNAscoring steers. The highest REA scoring cattle also produced the best final yield grades (YG) in the harvested cattle. The final carcass harvest results showed the cattle graded 6 percent YG1, 66 percent YG2, 25 percent YG3, and 3 percent YG4 with no YG5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Additionally, 51 percent of the cattle graded choice or better with the other 49 percent grading high select. The Igenity Brangus Profiler also yields three different selection index tools for use by commercial cattlemen. These include; Maternal Economic Index (MI), Terminal Economic Index (TI) and an all-purpose Brangus Built Index (BBI). MI is a useful predictor of maternal strengths for a management system retaining their own heifers and marketing steers and feeder heifers at weaning. BBI is a well-balanced index for multi-trait selection pressure, to build a cow herd with optimum maternal attributes, improved performance and profitable carcass traits. In this study, we evaluated TI in relation to the carcass merit attributes, as it is a valuable predictor of performance and carcass composition

38 | FALL 2018

traits. Especially, for a post-weaning production system where calves are marketed on a value-based grid. Results are shown in the table below. In this study, there was little difference in REA for steers in the top 2/3rd versus bottom 1/3rd TI scores. However, there was an advantage in IMF score and fleshing ability between the two. TI was also shown to select cattle with higher yielding, genetic potential. Shown in the table above, BBI DNA scores identified cattle with larger ribeyes, more IMF and improved yield grades, when comparing the top 25 head to the bottom 10 head. These data suggest that the BBI scores could be used to better identify replacement heifers in a breeding program where retained ownership of their progeny would exist.

In summary, these results validate the use of DNA to improve selection of carcass merit in feedlot cattle at the commercial level. Additionally, these results suggest the breeder could have culled the bottom third, based on low DNA scores, prior to the feedlot phase in order to maximize returns. Comparably, the DNA results could have been used to validate marketing strategies if the breeder chose to retain ownership of all the cattle, through the feedlot phase or to test a set of replacement females for improved carcass merit. This study further validates the need to test all Brangus sired feeder calf candidates and cull the low-scoring cattle.

The best way to predict the future is to

203BN01362 Reg: R10203255 DOB: 2/14/2011

MC SOMETHING SPECIAL CED BW WW YW Milk TM SC CEM REA IMF Fat 6 .5 31 76 11 27 0.4 3 .66 .50 -.01

551AN01485 Reg: 18578965 DOB: 1/11/2016

SAV RAINDANCE

CED BW WW YW RADG YH SC Doc 7 1.2 57 110 .25 -.1 1.03 15

HP CEM 8.4 3

Milk MW MH $EN CW Marb RE Fat $W $B 27 -11 -.4 -6.28 46 .14 .81 .008 63.58 127.96

Use

Sexed ULTRA High Fertility Sex Sorted Semen

for your Brangus

Ultrablack matings

551AN01476 Reg: 18066037 DOB: 1/17/2015

VAR Legend CED BW WW YW RADG YH SC Doc 8 1.6 82 151 .35 .7 1.53 21

HP CEM 15 13

Milk MW MH $EN CW Marb RE Fat $W $B 18 66 .7 -17.21 67 .87 .85 .046 68.75 194.02

Robert Whitacre 540-247-4282 rwhitacre@stgen.com

Luke Bradford 979-571-0028 lbradford@stgen.com

www.STgen.com

XY® and Sexing Technologies® sex-selected sperm products are made using the proprietary technologies of XY LLC and Inguran LLC, as partially represented by US patents 7208265, 6524860, 6357307, 6604435, and 8623657. Patents Pending worldwide. XY® sex-selected inseminates are packaged as single use artificial insemination doses for heifers not to be divided or used in MOET or IVF procedures. STgenetics is a division of Inguran LLC. XY is a registered trademark of XY, LLC. The STgenetics logo/mark and SexedULTRA are trademarks of Inguran LLC. Sexing Technologies and the STg logo/mark are a registered trademarks of Inguran LLC. Product of the USA.

PANTONE 661 C PANTONE 7497 C

Beef is our Business

COMPLETE FINAL DISPERSAL SAT., SEP. 29, 2018 | 10 AM

PICKENS, MS RANCH | 1479 STOCKYARD RD COMPLETE & FINAL DISPERSAL OF

THE BRANGUS, ANGUS & ULTRABLACK COW HERDS.

SELLING 350+ FEMALES (PLUS CALVES AT SIDE) 40 + BULLS | SEMEN & EMBRYOS

•DONORS •BRED HEIFERS •BREDS

•PAIRS •3-IN-1’s •HERD SIRES

•YEARLING •BREEDING AGE BULLS

Auctioneers: Andrew Conley & Gerald Bowie

w w w. c a i n c at t l e . c o m 40 | FALL 2018

Heavy influence of 803M and MC Onstar Genetics Maternally strong Angus and Brangus cowherds at Cain Cattle Company were designed to exceed industry demands in all phases of production. Cain cattle will excel in the feedlot and at the packer, yet are highly adaptable to any environment. Our customers understand and appreciate our continual quest for the best in maternal excellence.

*Brangus Pedigrees include the largest gathering of MS BRINKS ALI 803M daughters ever offered for sale. Sires and Grandsires include CSONKA OF BRINKS 30R4, SINGLETARY OF BRINKS 675R, LARGENT OF BRINKS 784R17, MC REVELATION 129T, MC ONSTAR 924W4, MC RESOLUTE 129X2, BRINKS SINGLETARY 468U15, SBR COAL TRAIN 222WR, CCC INTREPID, MC RESOLUTE 924Z24, MC SOMETHING SPECIAL 129W14, ATLANTA OF SALACOA 488Z, MC BOULDER 889Z14.

*Angus Pedigrees include GAR SURE FIRE, GAR PROACTIVE, BALDRIDGE WAYLON W34, GAR INGENUITY, GAR NEW DESIGN 5050, GAR PREDESTINED, GAR RETAIL PRODUCT, NICHOLS EXTRA K205, RITO 1I2 OF 2536 RITO 6I6, RITO 5EX1 OF 2536 EXAMPLE, RITO 5M42 OF 2536 PRED, RITO 8E28 OF RITA 5TD3 BEXTO, SAV HARVESTOR 0338, TC TOTAL 410, SS OBJECTIVE T510 0T26.

JOIN US AT THE RANCH FRIDAY EVENING 6 PM FOR BBQ & LUNCH AVAILABLE SALE DAY For information & Sale Catalog, Contact: PANTONE 661 C PANTONE 7497 C

Beef is our Business

Robert Williams, Ph.D. | General Manager

816.519.1179 | rwilliams@caincattle.com

sales + marketing

Garrett R. Thomas | Sales Consultant | garrett.r.thomas@gmail.com

936.417.4591

Owners: Ted, Julie, Logan & Evan Cain

w w w. c a i n c at t l e . c o m 41

EXPERT CONNECTION << PENDING

Using Selection IndICEs by John Genho, Livestock Genetic Services

International Brangus® Breeder’s Association’s release of selection indices and maternal expected progeny differences puts more tools into the hands of commercial producers in making bull selections. Most commercial producers are trying to find the balanced bull. They want a bull that can produce decent market steers that have high weaning weights, have high marbling scores leading to decent quality grades, but at the same time don’t have calving ease problems or too much fat on the carcass. This balancing act is constantly managed by bull buyers as they look across the previously available EPDs. However, typical bull buyers also want this same bull to produce heifers that can go back into the herd as replacements. These heifers must be able to breed as yearlings, have the calf unassisted, then continue producing calves for several years with minimal inputs. They typically must have moderate sizes to fit the harsh environments that Brangus cattle are expected to perform in. While producing good market steers is important, the heifer side of the equation is roughly more than twice as important economically. Cows that fail their first year or two, or that require high inputs to perform, are very costly to an operation.

To address the maternal side of this equation, IBBA has released three new EPDs. The Mature Cow Weight EPD is a prediction of how much an animal’s daughters will weigh as a five-year-old versus the average of the breed. The Stayability EPD predicts the likelihood an animal’s daughters will still be in the herd at six years old versus the average of the breed. The Heifer Pregnancy EPD predicts the probability that an animal’s offspring will breed and have a calf as a two-year-old. Heifer pregnancy and stayability have direct impacts on the economics of commercial cow/calf operations. Females that do not breed as yearlings and cannot remain as productive cows are costly to an operation. While mature weight is not as directly related to returns, it is correlated to a cow’s ability to thrive in a commercial setting and continue producing calves. Larger cows have higher nutritional needs and often cannot produce in commercial settings without supplementation. This is especially true in harsh environments, a place where Brangus cattle thrive as a breed. Therefore, the goal with the mature cow weight EPD should be selecting a moderate cow that is not too large.

continue reading on page 45

42 | FALL 2018

OKLAHOMA BRANGUS ASSOCIATION OCTOBER 20, 2018 | MCALESTER, OKLA | NOON 4 5 Ultra b l a c k a nd B ra ng u s Bu l l s P LU S 3 5 R e g i ste r e d B ra n g u s F e m a l e s A S e l e c t S et of Co m m e r c i a l F e m a l e s For more information or to request a cat alog,plea s e contact Sale Vice President Mike Vorel at vorelfa r m s @ g mail.com or 405-826-6 959.

V ideos ava il a bl e at OK Bra ngu s Br eeders webs ite, DVAu ctio n & Idea l V ideo weeks pr io r to s a l e

20 E | M C B ODA CI O U S X REV EL AT I O N SU PERB G ROWT H A N D MAT E RNAL

331 E8 | S UH N T E MP L AT E X O PT I O N CA LVI N G E AS E , MAT E R N A L W I T H E XC E L LE N T G ROW T H A N D CA R CAS S

3 3 1 E1 5 | D D D ON E S O URC E X FI NAL ANSW ER CA LV I N G E AS E , G ROWT H, M AT ERNAL AND EX C TE M P ERA M E N T

9 1 8E5 | T RA D I T I O N X O N STA R CA LVI N G E AS E P LUS G ROW T H A N D CA R CASS

1 01 0E1 | B L A CK J E T X GARRET T F RO NT PAST U R E B R E D HEI FER

9 1 8D | T E XAS STA R X ME N A R D CA LVI N G E AS E B R E D H E I F E R

44 | FALL 2018

>> EXPERT CONNECTION continued from page 42

Balance is the key to any selection program. We often want to maximize certain traits, such as weight or marbling, without realizing that there are consequences to this maximization. To help create this balance, selection indices combine many traits into a single number. Weighing the costs and benefits in selecting for or against certain traits is done systematically by statistical modeling. This allows the bull buyer to not have to perform this complex weighting on the back of an envelope or in his head at a bull sale. This single number allows a buyer to confidently select the balanced bull for a particular set of traits. IBBA has released two selection indices. The first is a fertility selection index that combines heifer pregnancy, stayability, the age a cow will first calve, mature cow weight, and back fat EPDs into a single number. The second is a growth index that combines birth weight, weaning weight, milk production, post wean gain, ribeye area, marbling, and back fat EPDs into a single number. These indexes are expressed as standard deviations from the breed average, meaning that bulls with a +2 index are two standard deviations above the average. For both indices, higher numbers are superior. As a point of reference, 95% of the population will be between -2 and +2 standard deviations of the mean. This infers that only 2.5% of the animals will be worse than a -2 for an index, and only 2.5% of the animals will be greater than a +2 index. The bottom line is that animals with an index value above 2 are very good animals for the traits being considered. These additional tools of maternal EPDs and selection indices give bull buyers the ability to more confidently make purchase decisions based on sound data. As buyers adopt these tools and use them in purchases, they will see the difference in the economics of their cow herds.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Genho is a geneticist and beef producer based in Sperryville, Virginia. His company, Livestock Genetic Services, runs genetic evaluations for multiple breed associations including IBBA, commercial ranches, and other entities throughout the world. He has a Masters of Science in Animal Breeding and Genetics from Cornell University, a Master of Business Administration from Duke University, and a Bachelors of Science in Animal Science from Brigham Young University. In addition to his education, he has spent his life in commercial beef production.

NOT JUST A BREED.

CRC THREE D 561E7

DMR MAIN EVENT 99E9

DMR THREE D 468E60

DMR GUARDIAN 535E25

NOVEMBER 2-3

Chimney Rock Cattle Company • Concord, AR 150 Brangus & Ultrablack Bulls • 100 Registered Females 300 Commercial Females

46 | FALL 2018

“

Integrity is important to me and the integrity at GENETRUST is very high. I don’t shop anywhere else. The staff, network and cattle are helping me overcome the challenges of the commercial cow/calf business.” WALKER, MO

CB MS ONSTAR 75Y13

SELLING A DAUGHTER

MS DMR PATTON 468X6 2 DAUGHTERS SELL

SUHN’S MISS PATTON 30X6

FULL SISTER SELLS

Cody Gariss • (417) 425-0368 codygariss@gmail.com Craig Green • (870) 834-1976 craig@genetrustbrangus.com

Vernon Suhn • (620) 583-3706 vern@genetrustbrangus.com Doug Williams • (336)745-5252 whipowill@yadtel.net

www.GENETRUSTBrangus.com • 1-877-GENETRS (436-3877)

TJM THREE D 302A 47

IBBA CONNECTION << CARCASS MERIT EXCELLENCE CHALLENGE

48 | FALL 2018

>> IBBA CONNECTION

ADD VALUE TO YOUR HERD.

Brangus Built is the tag that works for you. Brangus Built is the ultimate commercial female tagging program. These tags can raise your profit, set your commercial females apart from others on sale day, and add value to your commercial brand within the Brangus breed. Brangus Built tags come in the form of a Temple Tag or a Z-tag and must be ordered from the International Brangus Breeders Association (IBBA). There is a unique identification number for ease of traceability, and space is allotted on the tag to allow for customization (i.e. private herd numbers). The cost of the tag is competitive, and adopting this tagging system adds value on sale day. Orders may be placed over the phone or online, at gobrangus.com. For more information, contact Jessie England at jengland@gobrangus.com.

50 | FALL 2018

>> SERVICE DIRECTORY

Col. Luke Mobley Auctioneer Livestock Marketing 205.270.0999 | www.LukeMobley.com

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS OR OPERATION To learn more about the advertising opportunties offered by Brangus Publications, contact the IBBA today.

MELANIE FULLER: (979) 255-3343 JESSIE ENGLAND: (512) 876-5441

SUBSCRIPTION FORM Yes, I want to receive my FREE subscription to FRONTLINE Beef Producer!

Mail my subscription to: Name: _______________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: ___________ Zip: _________ Country: _________________________ Detach form and send to: IBBA, P.O. Box 809, Adkins, TX 78101 Email: info@gobrangus.com | Fax: (210) 696-8718 51

UPCOMING EVENTS <<

CALENDAR

SEPTEMBER 2018 3 IBBA Office Closed (Labor Day) 15 Mid South Cattle and Neal Family Brangus 2nd Annual Bull and Commercial Female Sale, St. Francisville, LA 21 Southeast Regional Junior Brangus Show, Lake City, FL 21-22 Southeast Brangus Breeders Association Showcase Sale, Lake City, FL 22 Western National Brangus Show, Oklahoma City, OK 22 Junior Brangus Show at Oklahoma State Fair, Oklahoma City, OK 24 The Oaks Brangus 350+ Registered Brangus Dispersal Sale, Grantville, GA 29 Cain Cattle Co. Complete Final Dispersal, Pickens, MS 27-29 IBBA Office Closed (All Staff will be Attending the Fall Conference) 27-29 IBBA Fall Conference, Tyler, TX OCTOBER 2018 5 Black Belt Angus & Brangus Bull & Commercial Female Sale, Uniontown, AL 6 Red Bud Farms Field Day, Ben Lomond, AR 13 Building Your Tomorrow at Big D Ranch, Center Ridge, AR 13 Cox Excalibur CX Advantage Sale, Weimar, TX 20 Doguet’s Diamond D Ranch Annual Production Sale, Poteet, TX 20 Oklahoma Brangus Association Fall Sale, McAlester, OK 20 Town Creek Farm Sale, West Point, MS 25 Martin-Bruni Cattle Co. 5th Annual Brangus Bull Sale, San Saba, TX 25 Bieber Fever in the Southeast, Reidsville, GA 26 Junior Brangus Show at Louisiana State Fair, Shreveport, LA 27 National Brangus Show of Merit, Shreveport, LA 27 Oak Creek Farms Forage Tested Bull Sale, Chappell Hill, TX

NOVEMBER 2018 1 Producer Education Day at Santa Rosa Ranch, Crockett, TX 2-3 GENETRUST at Chimney Rock Cattle Company, Concord, AR 5 The Branch Ranch’s Rough & Ready Ranch Raised Brangus Bull Sale, Mansfield, LA 9-10 Blackwater Cattle Company Bull and Female Sale, Lake Park, GA 10 Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association’s 43rd Annual Brangus Bull & Female Sale, San Angelo, TX 16-17 Salacoa Valley Fall Production Sale, Fairmount, GA 16 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Commercial Female Sale, Jacksonville, TX 17 GENETRUST at Cavender’s Neches River Ranch Bull Sale, Jacksonville, TX 22-23 IBBA Office Closed (Thanksgiving) DECEMBER 2018 13 Heart of Alabama Brangus Bull Sale, Uniontown, AL

SEND YOUR IMPORTANT CALENDAR DATES TO JESSIE ENGLAND AT JENGLAND@GOBRANGUS.COM. FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE LIST OF UPCOMING EVENTS, VISIT GOBRANGUS.COM/EVENTS. 52 | FALL 2018

“Why Genomic Enhanced EPDs?” Using genomics to guide mating, management and marketing. Knowing both sides of a mating, producers can improve beneficial traits while breeding around less desirable qualities to accelerate herd improvement.

“With DNA profiling, we can now make progress in the life of a cow that once took a lifetime for a cattleman!” For more information, contact your Neogen Genomics territory manager.

genomics.neogen.com 53

ADVERTISERS INDEX <<

ADVERTISERS INDEX

8G Brangus ��42 American Marketing Services ��7, 32, 33 Bieber Fever in the Southeast ��43 Big D Ranch ��34 Black Belt Bull & Commercial Female Sale ��43 Blackwater Cattle Co. ��11 Bovine Elite ��31, 51 Briggs Freeman ��12, 13 Brinks Brangus @ Westall Ranches ��5 Cain Cattle Co. ��40, 41 Cavender Ranches ��9, 28, 29 Chimney Rock Cattle Co. ��46, 47 Clark Cattle Services �� 51 Cox Excalibur ��20 Doak Lambert �� 51 Doguet’s Diamond D ��IFC DVAuction. ��44, BC Elgin Breeding Service �� 51 Farris Ranching ��6 GENETRUST ��9, 28, 29, 46, 47 GKB Cattle Co. ��25 Hill Country Brangus Breeders Association ��23 Hi-Point Sales + Marketing �� IFC, 21, 23, 34, 40, 41, 43 Icon Global Group ��12, 13 Jones Farm ��43 L.W. Hudgins Brangus �� 31 Lack-Morrison Brangus ��45 Lakin Oakley �� 51 Luke Mobley �� 51 Marshall Farms ��28, 29 Mid South Cattle Co. �� 21 Mix 30 ��18 NCBA ��8 Neal Family Brangus �� 21 Neogen Geneseek ��27 Oak Creek Farms ��BC Oklahoma Brangus Breeders ��44 Ramro LLC ��45 Red Bud Farms ��43 Salacoa Valley Farms ��7 Santa Rosa Ranch ��3 Seminole Tribe of Florida ��7 Sexing Technologies ��39 Silveus Insurance ��19 Terry Reagan �� 51 The Branch Ranch �� 17 The Oaks Farms ��32, 33 Thomas Angus Ranch ��43 Town Creek Farms �� 15 West Coast Brangus Breeders Association ��18 Wes Dotson �� 51 Westway Feeds ��IBC BC: Back Cover, IBC: Inside Back Cover, IFC: Inside Front Cover

54 | FALL 2018

Forage Developed Brangus Bull Sale

Saturday, 12:30p.m. p.m. Saturday,October October27, 29, 2018 2016 -–12:30 Oak Creek Creek Farms Farms Sale Facility, Facility, Chappell Oak ChappellHill, Hill,Texas Texas

Selling 125 Forage Tested OCF Bulls Selling Forage 75 Brangus140 • 40 Red BrangusTested • 5 Angus OCF • 5 RedBulls Angus 65 Brangus · 65 Red Brangus · 5 Angus · 5 Red Angus

All Bulls AreCommercial Oak CreekHeifer FarmsSale Bred and Raised Source Verified to follow Bull Sale 100 Source Pre-Sale Verified Activities, Commercial Heifer Sale28, To2016: Follow Bull Sale Friday, October 6:00 p.m. - Seminar followed by Ribeye Steak Dinner sponsored Pre-Sale activities Friday, October 26, 2018 by Zoetis

Seminar Speakers: Dr. Tommy Perkins, IBBA Executive Vice President & Kevin Milliner, Zoetis

6:00 pm Tours - Seminar followedThursday by Ribeye Steak Dinner Ranch Available and Friday Seminar Speakers: Dr. Tommy Perkins, IBBA Executive Vice President Ranch Tours Available Thursday and Friday

51 YEARS

OAK CREEK FARMS

Discounts

Breeding Brangus Since 1967

OAK CREEK FARMS LOW MAINTENANCE BRANGUS EXCEL IN CARCASS QUALITY!! OCF — YOUR BRANGUS SOURCE • OCF Brangus has the superior traits of Angus and Brahman cattle • Genetics stabilized at 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus. • Traits for disease resistance, hardiness and maternal instincts from the Brahman. • Not treated for parasites or flies while calf at cow’s side. • Superior carcass qualities & females excelling in fertility & milking from the Angus • Resistant to heat & high humidity • Produce enough hair for cold climates EXCELS IN CARCASS QUALITY — Produces Restaurant Quality Beef — up to 95% Choice & Prime Harvest Data on 120 OCF Brangus steers and heifers: • 47% Premium Choice • 45% Choice • 3% Prime • 5% Select Using ultra sound results for 46 years and DNA results for heritable trait for 15-years has been utlilized in selecting cattle that improves the herd genetics.

75 Brangus • 40 Red Brangus • 5 Angus • 5 Red Angus

Our Top 125 Coming Two Year Old Forage Tested OCF Bulls Will Sell! John & Carolyn Kopycinski • Chappell Hill, Texas 77426 • 979/836-6832

OAK CREEK FARMS • oakcreekfarms@hughes.net www.oakcreekfarms.com

Directions from Houston: Hwy. 290 (60 mi. west) then 4 mi south on FM 1371 Accommodations: Comfort Suites, Brenham, Texas - 979/421-8100 Special rate under Oak Creek Farms OCF Phenom 854G born 12/15/1996 was a first generation 3/8 Brahman by 5/8 Angus Bull with V8 and Williams Brahman breeding on his top side and Hoff’s renowned Scotch Cap Angus Bull on his maternal side. This iconic sire’s genetics runs deep in Oak Creek Farms’ herd.

THE FLORIDA CATTLEMAN / SEPTEMBER 2018 / 23 Oak Creek Farms — Celebrating our 51st Year — Breeding Brangus Since 1967