2020 Spring Directions by NCBA

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2020 SPRING DIRECTIONS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF NCBA

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Marty Smith Jerry Bohn Don Schiefelbein Joe Guild Buck Wehrbein Todd Wilkinson Mark Eisele Jennifer Houston Colin Woodall

CONTENTS

TABLE OF

N A T I O N A L

4.................................................LETTER FROM THE CEO 8.......................................................................................BEEF DEMAND 14.......................................................SUPPLEMENTING FORAGES 20.............................................................HEAT TOLERANT CATTLE 24...........................................................................NUTRITION MYTHS 28....................................................................DIETARY GUIDELINES 30.............................................................BOOTS ON THE GROUND 36.............................................................................ANIMAL WELFARE 40......................................................................................SEXED SEMEN 44..................................................USRSB AND SUSTAINABILITY 48.............................................................EMBRYONIC MORTALITY 52.....................................................................................BEEF QUALITY 56..............................................................PASTURE MANAGEMENT 62.................................................................................BULL BREEDING 66............................................................................ESTATE PLANNING 68................................................................EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

John Robinson Brittany Schaneman Walt Barnhart

Contributing Writers

Ed Frank Steven Johnson Creative Director Don Waite Graphic Designer Dancinee Jennings Copy Editor Judy Van de Mark For ad sales, contact Jill DeLucero or Beka Wall at 303-694-0305.

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Contact NCBA: 9110 E. Nichols Ave., Suite 300, Centennial, CO 80112 (303-694-0305); Washington D.C.: 1275 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Suite 801, Washington, D.C. 20004 (202-347-0228). National Cattlemen’s Beef Association reserves the right to refuse advertising in any of its publications. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association does not accept political advertising in any of its publications. National Cattlemen’s Beef Association does not accept any advertising promoting third-party lawsuits that have not been endorsed by the board of directors. ©2020 National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this magazine may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or part, without the prior written consent of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

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oly Manufacturing Portable Cattle Handling Systems Marty Smith NCBA President Florida

Jerry Bohn NCBA President-Elect Kansas

Don Schiefelbein NCBA Vice President Minnesota

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Buck Wehrbein NCBA Federation Chair Nebraska

Todd Wilkinson NCBA Policy Chair South Dakota

Mark Eisele NCBA Policy Vice-Chair Wyoming

9110 E. Nichols Ave. Suite 300 Centennial, CO 80112 303.694.0305 membership@beef.org

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE 1275 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. Suite 801 Washington, D.C. 20004-1701 202.347.0228

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Colin Woodall NCBA CEO Colorado

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produce so we can stay ahead of consumer trends and ensure that consumers everywhere continue to choose our product over the competition in good times and bad. At the time of this writing, much of America was still taking self-quarantining precautions, but eventually those measures will pass, and beef producers need to be ready for the demand boost that will occur on the other side. To help with that process, NCBA has been working throughout the crisis to allow producers to continue to operate with as little interruption as possible. We’re hard at work to ensure Congress provides relief in any stimulus bill passage. We’re helping to keep cattle and commerce moving by working with USDA, DOT and several other agencies. We’re monitoring markets and working with regulators and the full supply chain to make certain markets are operating as they should. That work extends to this publication, which contains many important management articles to ensure cattlemen and women have access to expert advice that can be applied to their operations. We know you can’t put your business on hold or shut it down, so this Spring issue of Directions includes management articles that will help you improve your operation, your sustainability and your bottom line to make certain you’re ready for what comes next as you prepare to move your cattle to green pastures and turn bulls out for spring breeding season.

LETTER FROM THE

CEO

Colin Woodall, NCBA CEO From Uncertainty Comes Opportunity There’s a great deal of uncertainty in our business right now, but we’re going to get through these difficult times. In fact, there are many reasons for optimism about what lies on the other side of this crisis. Consumers have flocked to stores to stock up on supplies and one of the most purchased items has been beef. At the time this magazine went to print, consumer demand at the retail level was about as strong as anyone has seen in recent times. At the same time, demand for plantbased protein has been abysmal. As consumers have sought staples, plant-based protein has been cast aside by consumers. In many stores, it’s about the only product left on shelves and that bodes well for us as beef producers. It’s important for all of us to continue the ongoing process of improving our herds and the quality of the beef we produce and that’s why this Spring issue of Directions is important. This issue is designed to provide NCBA members with cutting-edge management information and ideas for improving their cattle and the beef those animals

Each of the articles in this publication are written by beef industry experts, many of whom were present to share this information at Cattlemen’s College in San Antonio, Texas, at this year’s convention. The information in Directions is provided to NCBA members to share that knowledge and help you with ideas you can incorporate into your business this year. When America and the beef business emerge from the Coronavirus-related interruptions that have changed life for all of us, the businesses of NCBA members will be well-positioned to benefit. The articles in this publication and the work NCBA has done on behalf of the industry throughout the crisis were all undertaken to help position beef producers for the future. By working together and understanding that every link in the supply chain can improve, we’ll all benefit from the renewed consumer appreciation of and growing demand for beef. At NCBA, we’re committed to the goal of improving the business climate and growing global beef demand. It’s a mission we take seriously, and it directs the work we do each day on behalf of our members and the entire beef industry. We hope this issue helps demonstrate our commitment to that mission and we hope it assists you in meeting the growing global demand for high-quality, safe and great tasting beef.

For more information and news visit NCBA.org/Coronavirus.aspx 6

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CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

These are companies that have teamed with NCBA as corporate members, demonstrating their commitment to the beef industry. Their involvement strengthens our future. NCBA members are urged to support these partners in turn by purchasing their products and services. Those who would like to become corporate members with NCBA (securing premium booth placement at the annual convention and trade show as well as other membership benefits), please call the Corporate Relations team at 303-694-0305.

Bayer Animal Health

Merck Animal Health

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Micro Technologies

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Allflex USA, Inc. Animal Health International CHR HANSEN Elanco Animal Health Farm Credit Council Huvepharma, Inc. 44 Farms ADM Animal Nutrition, Inc. Agri-Pro Enterprises of Iowa, Inc. Alltech, Inc. American Hereford Association American National Insurance American Wagyu Association Animal Nutrition Anipro Arm and Hammer Arrowquip Bank of America Merrill Lynch Barenbrug USA Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Beef Magazine Behlen Manufacturing BFGOODRICH® Tires Bimeda BioZyme Cargill Animal Nutrition Case IH Certified Hereford Beef CME Group DATAMARS Livestock Diamond V ENDOVAC Animal Health Furst-McNess Company Gallagher Gravely, an Ariens Company

Ritchie Industries Inc.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition Massey Ferguson Norbrook, Inc. Rabo AgriFinance RAM Trucks Roto-Mix Greeley Hat Works Growsafe Systems LTD Hayden Outdoors Real Estate Hyundai Construction Equipment Insure My Forage International Stock Food Kent Nutrition Group

Krone Kubota Tractor Corporation Kunafin “The Insectary” Laird Manufacturing Meat & Livestock Australia, Ltd. Micronutrients Neogen New Generation Supplements Noble Research Institute Novus International Parker McCrory

PBS Animal Health Phibro Animal Health Priefert Ranch Equipment Provimi QualiTech, Inc Quality Liquid Feeds R&R Machine Works Red Angus Association RFD-TV Rice Lake Weighing Systems Roper/Stetson/Tin Haul Apparel and Footwear Stone Manufacturing Summit Livestock Facilities Superior Livestock Tarter Farm and Ranch Equipment The Hartford Livestock Insurance The Vit-E-Men Co. Inc./ Life Products Trans Ova Genetics U.S. Premium Beef Vermeer Vitalix Westway Feeds Wilson Trailer Company Y-Tex Zinpro Performance Minerals

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stable or higher or if beef prices are higher but consumption does not fall, we can say that beef demand is stronger.

Derrell S. Peel, Ph.D., Professor, Oklahoma State University

of demands for specific beef products with a multitude of product interactions. Final consumption of beef occurs in a wide variety of market sectors including retail grocery, food service (restaurants, institutions, etc.) and exports. The beef industry is ultimately the source of several thousand different products and understanding how they affect each other and how they come together to determine total value in the beef industry is a daunting task.

With the relationship between beef People talk about beef demand price and consumption established, everywhere…producers, consumers, we typically turn our attention to industry organizations, media, products that compete with beef policymakers and economists. It seems in demand. The focus is usually on a rather simple and straightforward other meats such as pork and poultry idea. To an economist, beef demand, or as substitutes for beef in demand. indeed the demand for any product, has Indeed, pork and poultry prices matter a precise definition which is not always for beef demand but this is where beef what other folks mean when they talk Researchers at Oklahoma State demand gets very complicated. about demand. University recently For example, approached this changes in per Figure 1. 112A (Ribeye), 175 (Strip Loin) and 189A (Tenderloin) challenge by 2016-2018 Seasonal Price Index capita consumption conducting an are sometimes extensive set of said to indicate interviews of all beef beef demand. industry sectors However, per capita including packers, consumption is further processors, just a measure food distribution of supply. If beef companies, retail production goes up, grocery companies, with everything else restaurant companies, constant, then per and industry capita consumption organizations involved will also increase, in beef marketing and simply because exporting. In total, there is more some 30 interviews beef – beef is were conducted Figure 2. 116B (chuck roll), 171B (outside round) and 171C (eye of round) perishable and around the country, 2016-2018 Seasonal Price Index will be consumed involving 22 companies if produced. But and organizations. change in beef These interviews consumption revealed a vast array alone is not a of uses for a multitude true measure of of beef products that demand. often interact in ways that may not even Similarly, changes be apparent to the in beef price are companies involved. sometimes confused with demand. Individual beef Higher beef prices products have distinct, alone do not mean but different, seasonal better beef demand. price patterns. Figure For example, higher 1 shows the tendency beef prices may for strong middle occur because meat prices in the Beef is not a single product, but many beef is less available (i.e. per capita first half of the year moving toward different products, each of which is consumption decreases) and the higher summer grilling season. Strip steaks, a separate market with a separate prices merely reflect the market’s in particular, show a pronounced peak demand. Moreover, many of these beef means of rationing a limited supply. Or in May and June driven by grocery products interact with each other. For lower beef prices may occur because demand. However, in the fall, strip example, when a consumer approaches of increased beef supply (i.e. increasing steaks are relatively weak while ribeye the meat counter looking for a ribeye per capita consumption) in a situation and tenderloins increase seasonally, steak, they may consider a pork chop or driven by holiday and restaurant where people will only eat the additional chicken breast in making that decision, beef at lower prices. It is only when beef demand. By contrast, Figure 2 shows but they will almost surely look first price and consumption are considered that end meats are weak through the at strip steaks or beef tenderloin as summer but increase in the fall as together that we have a true indication possible alternatives to the ribeye cooler weather drives crock pot and of beef demand. If, for example, beef roast demand. consumption increases when prices are steak. Beef demand is thus a huge set 1.38

1.34

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The Complex Story of Beef Demand

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BEEF DEMAND

Growth and changes in beef markets are, however, dramatically changing some beef markets and the typical price patterns. Figure 3 shows how the seasonal price pattern of some chuck products have changed in recent years. This is likely due primarily to growing export demand for chuck products, especially in Asian markets. Exports add significant value to U.S. beef, providing markets for both variety meats, often seen as undesirable to American consumers, as well as high-quality middle meats and end cuts. Asian countries continue to drive U.S. beef exports, particularly for high fat cuts from the chuck, short rib, and navel, and Latin

American countries are a viable market for many lean cuts from the round and loin. The industry has also found a way to add value to cull cow and fed Holstein carcasses. Cull cows are not just ground beef providers anymore; middle meats are used for valuepriced steak and roast options in grocery stores, restaurants, buffets, and even cruise lines; and end cuts are utilized for stew meat and jerky production. Fed Holsteins are proving to be a source of high-quality fed beef, with 70 to 80 percent grading Choice and providing a significant portion of Prime carcasses each year. Continued on page 12

Figure 3. 114A (Chuck Clod) Seasonal Price Index 1.08

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SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

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BEEF DEMAND

While there isn’t room in this short article to cover all of the information found in this research, other important findings impacting beef product markets include: fresh/ frozen and cold storage changes; changing demand for bone-in and boneless products; impacts of growing export markets; growth in Prime beef supplies; ground beef production; labor issues in the beef industry; and the growing importance of the further processing sector of the beef supply chain which cuts steaks and roasts and prepares meat items to be sent directly to restaurant kitchens or retail meat cases.

Figure 4.Percentage of Carcasses by Grade, Weighted Average

/1 0 /3

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Carcass quality and size have also increased in recent years as Figures 4, 5, and 6 show. With Prime carcasses now almost reaching the 10 percent mark, there is an abundant supply of high-quality beef to serve restaurant, food service, and export customers. Increasing carcass size, on the other hand, has had serious industry implications. While larger carcasses do provide more pounds of beef for packers to sell and trim to use for ground beef production, increased muscle size leads to larger steaks and meat packages at the restaurant and grocery store. To better understand these issues, Figure 7 shows how an increase in muscle diameter often means cutting steaks thinner to meet a certain portion size, an undesirable side effect for many consumers. This has led to many innovative solutions including a center cut ribeye steak and the popular “cowboy” or “tomahawk” ribeye providing a large portion for two or more to share.

Continued from page 10

80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 45% 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10%

SELECT

Value in the beef industry is the result of a complex set of demands for thousands of beef products that ultimately result from beef fabrication and further processing. Check out the details in our Cattlemen’s College presentation entitled “Beef Demand: It’s Way More Complex than You Think” on NCBA.org/producers.aspx. If you would like to learn more about this research project or would like a copy of the results, please contact Dr. Derrell Peel at Derrell.Peel@okstate.edu.

Figure 5. Percentage of Carcasses by Grade, Weighted Average

Figure 7: Increased Muscle Diameter’s Effect on Steak Thickness

= 8 oz

9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1%

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Figure 6. Annual Average Carcass Weights 1968-2018 900 875 850 825

Weight in lbs

800 775 750 725 700 675 650 625 600 575 550

Steer Wts

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Heifer Wts

SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

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By Eric Bailey, Ph.D., University of Missouri Beef cow annual costs have increased in recent years, and producers across the country are feeling the pinch. At the 2020 NCBA Cattlemen’s College, I discussed strategies to lower feed costs for beef cows. The most significant annual expense in any beef cow business is feed. Remember, we market forages through beef cows. Cows are the only animal protein source that uses forages in their diet. Cows grazing forage and provided minimal supplement only when necessary is the least-cost strategy. Forage quality and cow nutrient requirements change a lot over a year; one of the most effective strategies to cut cow costs is to match cow nutrient requirements to your forage base. Appropriate matching of cow nutrient requirements to the forage base depends on your location, but the concept is simple. Try to make your cow’s peak nutrient requirements line up with high-quality forage. Beef cow nutrient requirements peak approximately sixty days postcalving. Calving in sync with nature can be a challenge for some operations when the calving season is picked based on labor. However, if your calving season is based on tradition, it is time to reevaluate. In parts of the country where warm-season forages are common, many have had success shifting calving from winter (Jan-Feb) to spring (April-May). In the Fescue Belt, many extension faculty promote switching from spring calving to fall calving, which avoids the late spring/ early summer peak of ergot alkaloids in tall fescue. Consumption of alkaloids by beef cows cause fescue toxicosis issues in many farms across the Southeast. To be clear, calving in sync with nature is the most effective tool for controlling cow feed costs. If that is not an option for you, here are some other strategies and tips to keep supplementation under control.

SUPPLEMENTING F O R AG E S

Many producers buy supplements without identifying the nutrient (protein, energy, minerals/vitamins) the cow truly needs. Many calls I get from producers are about minerals and vitamins, yet when I dig deeper, other issues stand out. A common issue in my region is hay quality. Producers regularly feed hay for over 100 days per year. They also make hay when time or weather allows, rather than when forage quality is best, so we end up with large quantities of hay that are not adequate to meet cow nutrient requirements.

Supplementing Forages on a Budget

In areas of the country where beef cows are managed on native warm-season rangelands, the first limiting nutrient in beef cow diets is protein. This nutrient deficiency occurs during the time of year when the forage is dormant. Nutritionists have long known that when the crude protein in a cow’s diet drops below 7 percent, forage intake declines. Provide a pound of crude protein per cow per day to increase forage intake. In a sense, we upgrade low quality forages with supplemental feeds. For cost-effective supplementation in this system, price supplement options on a per pound of crude protein basis. You will find large differences in price across feeds. In the presentation available online, a table is shown that will help you do the math on this calculation. 16

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SUPPLEMENTING FORAGES

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In parts of the country where cows are managed on cool-season forages, low-quality forage rarely drops below the crucial 7 percent crude protein level. More often, the energy content of the cool-season forage is not adequate to meet cow requirements, so nutritionists encourage cow-calf producers to feed a supplement that contains energy and protein. In cases where energy is limited, I like to use rules of thumb created by the Noble Foundation (https://www.noble.org/news/publications/ag-news-andviews/2014/october/cattle-nutrition-rules-of-thumb-allow-quickestimation/). Use them in conjunction with forage tests to identify how deficient a forage (hay) sample is.

One difference between supplementing energy versus protein is the frequency of supplementation. Protein supplements can be fed only a couple of times a week, and so long as cows receive a pound of crude protein per day on average, the supplement will be effective. Energy supplements need to be fed in greater quantities and more frequently than protein supplements. A cow will eat 2.5 percent of her body weight per day. When you are providing extra energy, supplement about 0.5 percent of body weight per day as a starting point. However, this can vary based on forage quality, nutrient requirements, and the supplement used. It is best to work with a nutritionist to fine-tune your energy supplementation program.

Table 1. Beef Cow Nutrition Rules of Thumb

The final piece of cost-effective supplementation is a resource inventory. How frequently can you provide supplements? Do you have the equipment and facilities to store large quantities of feeds? Can you put the supplement in a bunk using a feeder? Pair these questions with appropriate use of supplements and understand that a number of the supplements marketed have a place. Any supplement that the cow self-regulates intake is going to be more expensive, but it saves you time by having to put it out less frequently.

Diet concentration TDN%

CP%

Mid-Gestation

Late-Gestation

Lactation

This article is a summary of the presentation and discussion at the 2020 NCBA Cattlemen’s College. Please visit NCBA.org/producers.aspx to watch a recording of this presentation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at baileyeric@missouri.edu or 573-884-7873.

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HEAT TOLERANT CATTLE Cool Genes for Hot Cattle

By Raluca Mateescu, Ph.D., Professor of Quantitative Genetics & Genomics, University of Florida Climatic stress is a major limiting factor of production efficiency in beef cattle in tropical and subtropical environments and in dairy cattle throughout most of the world. This stress is expected to increase due to climate change. More than half of the cattle in the world are maintained in hot and humid environments, including about 40 percent of beef cows in the United States. Substantial differences in thermal tolerance exist among breeds and among animals within breeds indicative of opportunities for selective improvement. Use of genomic tools to produce an animal with superior ability for both thermal adaptation and food 22

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production represents an energy-efficient sustainable approach to meet the challenge of global climate change. This year I had the opportunity to present work conducted at the University of Florida addressing this issue during the NCBA Cattlemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College. I invite you to watch the online recording as an introduction to this article where we present our work in more detail. Two resource populations were developed at the University of Florida with support from USDA-NIFA and the UF Agricultural Experimental Station. One is a population of 2,273 Brangus heifers where a large number of phenotypes describing the SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

thermotolerance concept have been measured. The second population is an Angus-Brahman multibreed population developed at the University of Florida Beef Research Unit. The herd, initiated in 1989, consists of a group of cattle spanning the range from 100 percent Angus to 100 percent Brahman. Phenotypes, DNA and pedigree records have been collected on these cattle (currently 8,241 animals with historical data, 600 animals with complete thermotolerance phenotypes and skin tissue). Over the past four summers, core body temperature was measured in these two populations every 15 minutes over a 5-day period using an iButton temperature measuring device SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

implanted in a blank CIDR in two-year old heifers. Coat score, sweating rate, chute score, exit score, and weight were recorded as the animals passed through the chute. Hair samples were collected and measured for length and diameter.â&#x20AC;ŻSkin biopsies were used for histological measurement of several skin properties including sweat gland number and size. Environmental measurements of dry bulb temperature and relative humidity were collected every 15 minutes during the entire time of data collection to calculate the temperaturehumidity index (THI) to describe the environment. All animals in both populations have been genotyped with the GGP Bovine F250K SNP chip. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

HEAT TOLERANT C AT T L E

Variation in Thermotolerance The UF multibreed population was used to evaluate the effect of various proportions of Brahman genes in Angus-Brahman crosses on body temperature in response to different levels of naturally occurring environmental heat stress. Four levels of THI (<75, 75 to 78, 79 to 83, and >84) described the level of heat stress from minimal heat stress to moderate, major and critical heat stress.

Figure 1. Body temperature of Angus (red line), Brahman (orange line) and Angus-Brahman crosses cattle under major and critical temperature-humidity index (THI). Brahman cattle are able to maintain body temperature within normal range while the body temperature of Angus cattle rises above 39Ë&#x161;C for extended periods. Out of the crossbred cattle, only the 1/4Angus x 3/4Brahman (25A) are able to maintain a lower body temperature comparable to purebred Brahman.

Variation in Heat Exchange Ability In response to heat stress, beef cattle regulate internal heat production (by modulating basal metabolic rate through thyroid hormone actions and changing feed intake, growth, lactation, and physical activity) and heat exchange with the environment (by increasing blood flow to the skin, and increasing evaporative heat loss through sweating, panting and behavioral wetting of the skin). Selection for improved thermotolerance needs to be focused on improving the heat exchange ability which is not expected to have negative effects on production. Under heat stress, cattle lose heat primarily via cutaneous evaporation at the skin-hair

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coat interface. Many factors affect the efficiency of evaporative cooling including sweating capacity, sweat gland properties and hair coat properties. Sweating is an important method of heat loss. When the ambient temperature exceeds 86Â°F, 85 percent of the heat loss is achieved through sweating. One skin biopsy was used for histology where cross-sections of the skin biopsy with a thickness of 7 Âľm. Pictures of the stained histology slide (Figure 2 below) were taken under a microscope and several skin properties were measured. Skin properties measured include number of sweat glands, sweat gland area, number of sebaceous glands, depth of sweat glands from skin surface, epidermis/dermis thickness, and epidermis/dermis area. Tremendous differences in skin properties are evident when comparing the skin histology of Brahman and Angus, with Brahman having larger sweat glands located closer to the skin surface than Angus cattle.

These preliminary results indicate that there are significant differences in skin properties related to heat exchange ability between Brahman and Angus cattle, such as sweat gland size and the depth of the sweat glands in the skin. These differences are also accompanied by significant levels of variation within each breed, which is encouraging and indicative that selection for these skin traits would result in improvement of heat exchange ability in beef cattle. Further, selecting beef cattle for these skin traits would lead to increased resilience to heat stress without disruption of production traits. Ongoing research is focusing on identifying genomic regions controlling the variation in these skin properties which are likely to impact thermotolerance without a negative effect on production traits. Integration of functional information regarding the heat exchange capability will provide opportunities to breed and select cattle for superior thermotolerance and for optimum productivity.

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By Dusty Abney, Ph.D., Cargill Beef Technical Specialist Wesley Moore, Ph.D., Cargill Beef Technical Specialist If you’re anything like us, you’ve probably heard of or seen the popular show “Myth Busters,” where a team of scientists test, and in many cases, debunk common myths. While the show has tested the age-old saying of “a bull in a china shop” with an actual bull running between shelves with china on them, there are a number of other cattle-related myths that still need debunking. Our presentation at the 2020 Cattlemen’s College included some of the most common myths we hear in the field, including: •

All my cows weigh 1,200 pounds

•

I can’t afford to feed those cows!

•

All feed is created equal

•

Fat replacement heifers will make great cows

•

Fat on a feed tag equals calories

•

Hay is cheap feed and all a cow needs

•

Creep feeding is too expensive

While this is not an exhaustive list of all the myths we discussed in our presentation, the common factor among all the myths we cover is their connection to nutrition and what we feed our animals. Since nutrition plays such an important role in a cattle operation’s success, we must pay close attention to all aspects of it, including the building blocks of a diet. While it may seem like all feed ingredients have been created equal, that simply is not the case. Feed value is dependent on the situation and the base diet that is being fed. For example, when we buy feed, we will see protein listed on the tag, but as producers, we can’t tell what that protein listed on the tag means from an energy or degradability standpoint. While urea has 100 percent degradability in the animal, it provides zero percent energy, therefore the information on the tag doesn’t always tell us the full story.

NUTRITION MYTHS Nutrition Myths Busted

Similarly, if we look at the fat on a feed tag, we don’t necessarily understand how that translates into energy being received by the animal. Most commercial feed tags don’t contain a good measure of calories, and other ingredients besides fat can impact the energy content of feed. Without knowing the energy profile in the feed, we won’t be able to accurately determine how many calories our cows are receiving. In both the urea example and the fat example, there is missing information we need to get the whole nutritional picture. In order to manage a herd to its full potential and create a comprehensive feeding program, producers must understand the nutritional requirements of the herd and the nutritional quality of the feed they are providing. 26

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NUTRITION MYTHS

An important factor that comes into account when determining an animal’s nutritional needs is their current body condition score (BCS). A standard BCS recommendation in the U.S. is between 5.5 and 6, and anything over or under can result in sub-optimal performance. While some producers think a fat replacement-heifer is a wonderful member of the herd, too much of a good thing ISN’T a good thing. If you have a fat heifer, she may have problems with getting bred in a timely manner, she may not produce enough milk for her calf, and she could have a higher risk of dystocia issues due to her birth canal being surrounded by fat.

Another myth that has been thoroughly busted over the years is that if you overfeed a pregnant cow, her calf will get too big. As mentioned above, a BCS between 5.5 and 6 is ideal at calving, and it is easier to influence the cow’s body condition during this time since any additional feed goes directly into her body condition and the fetus. Numerous trials have shown that pregnant cows with a healthy BCS will not have increased issues with dystocia and they will have better colostrum quality. A cow that goes into calving with a good BCS is more likely to breed back quickly and produce more weaning weight in her subsequent pregnancy.

Conversely, if we have an underweight cow, she may not be as successful getting pregnant or maintaining pregnancy, she could have issues producing enough milk for her calf, and her overall longevity in the herd will likely be reduced. It doesn’t take much weight loss to create a major loss in economics and efficiencies. If we take good care of our cows, they will build us better calves. Balancing your cows’ diets and making sure they are getting the proper nutrients will help them be more productive members of the herd and can in turn help your bottom line.

While this article did not cover all of the common cattle myths we presented at Cattlemen’s College, it starts to paint an important picture of how nutrition influences a herd’s successes or failures. There’s a lot more that goes into good cattle management than just feeding hay and relying on information from feed tags. Management decisions that you make today can have an impact on your herd for generations to come. To learn more about nutritional myths and what you can do to combat them, please visit NCBA.org/producers.aspx.

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By Shalene McNeill, Ph.D. , R.D., Executive Director, Nutrition Science, Health & Wellness, NCBA The process to develop the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) is well underway. The DGAs are the cornerstone of federal nutrition policy and nutrition education programs, providing food-based recommendations to Americans that promote health, help prevent diet-related disease and meet nutrient needs. Updated every five years through a requirement of the 1990 National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) jointly release the DGAs. Each edition builds upon previous versions, considers the scientific report from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), along with input from Federal agencies, and comments submitted by the public. Previous editions of the DGAs provide dietary advice for Americans ages two years and older. The Agricultural Act of 2014 mandates the addition of dietary guidance for women who are pregnant and infants and toddlers from birth to 24 months of age beginning with the 2020 edition. The DGAC will share their scientific report this May, which will inform the USDA and HHS as they develop the 2020-2025 DGAs. The two agencies are expected to release the 2020-2025 DGAs by the end of the year, which will go into effect immediately following publication. The DGAC is comprised of 20 nationally recognized experts, including nutrition scientists, medical doctors and registered dietitians, to allow a range of viewpoints regarding health and nutrition into the committee’s discussions. The committee members were nominated by their peers and the committee was selected and established by USDA and HHS. The responsibility of the DGAC is to look at the prioritized research topics and questions, identified by the USDA and HHS, and review the relevant scientific evidence. The DGAC is established to provide independent, science-based advice and recommendations to be considered by USDA and HHS for the DGAs. Scientific evidence on the topics and questions on nutrition and health across the lifespan, from birth into older adulthood, with a continued focus on patterns of what Americans eat and drink is currently being evaluated. During public meetings, the DGAC discuss their review of the scientific evidence and, thus far, approximately 30 of the 70 draft conclusions for the research questions have been shared over the last four public meetings. The fifth and final meeting was held March 12-13, in Washington, D.C. The public is encouraged to submit written comments to the DGAC for review throughout its work. NCBA, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, is fully participating in the scientific review process

for the 2020-2025 DGAs by submitting written comments to the DGAC providing the most informative, up-to-date scientific research regarding their prioritized research questions, to ensure the totality of the evidence is considered about beef’s role as a foundational food for optimal health and wellbeing across the lifespan. Research shows that beef helps Americans: avoid nutrient shortfalls across the lifespan; support healthy pregnancies; grow and develop throughout childhood; maintain strength, energy and vitality into adulthood; and age vibrantly and independently. Beef is a great tasting source of protein and other essential nutrients including iron, zinc and B vitamins that supports healthy diets. Scientific evidence shows that beef delivers high-quality protein needed to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, preserve and build muscle and support healthy aging. The nutrition research team at NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has thus far submitted 16 written comments on behalf of beef farmers and ranchers and several other comments are in development for future use. Along with sound scientific evidence showing that balanced diets with beef nourish and sustain good health, NCBA, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, has invested in a pipeline of research to better understand the benefits of beef in a healthy diet. The public comment period for written comments will remain open until the DGAC completes its work in May 2020. Along with the opportunity to provide written comments, the public was invited to provide oral comments at two of the four public meetings. At the second meeting in July 2019 in Washington, D.C., Clara Lau, Ph.D., director of human nutrition research at NCBA, provided oral comments expressing how vital beef is in the American diet across the lifespan and highlighted that there is high-quality evidence showing there’s an opportunity to help Americans enjoy more beef in healthy dietary patterns. Similarly, at the fourth meeting in January 2020 in Houston, Texas, beef cattle rancher Molly McAdams, Ph.D., gave oral comments highlighting lean beef’s contribution to heart health and other positive health outcomes such as the reduced risks for chronic diseases and how beef plays an important role in any balanced, healthy diet. Although the DGAC’s work will soon be coming to a close, stakeholders from all points of view are encouraged to continue to weigh in through public comments. NCBA, through both the Center for Public Policy as well as the Beef Checkoff, will remain engaged and active in the DGA process. Be sure to follow NCBA on Facebook and on Twitter at @BeltwayBeef to stay up to date on all the latest information on the 2020-2025 DGAs.

DIETARY GUIDELINES Keeping Beef On The Plate

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BOOTS ON THE GROUND Understanding Foot and Mouth Disease

By Julia Herman, DVM, MS Beef Cattle Specialist Veterinarian, NCBA Biosecurity involves taking necessary steps to prevent the transmission of pathogens to animals, humans, and the environment. This applies to an individual, farm, or any level of the food supply chain and relies on accountability at each of these levels. Transdisciplinary approaches are most effective when addressing biosecurity across livestock industries. Within the U.S. cattle industry, cattlemen work alongside professionals from all aspects of the industry from pasture to plate to implement best management practices based in science and aligning with government guidelines. 32

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As we watch how diseases like COVID-19 are affecting our everyday lives and interactions, it is pertinent for farmers and ranchers to be prepared for such a disease that would be just as (or more) devastating to our livestock industry by having a biosecurity plan. Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is the most contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hooved animals (i.e., cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, wildlife). This disease causes blisters in the mouth and on the feet of these animals. Thankfully FMD does NOT affect public health or food safety so meat and milk from affected animals are safe to eat and drink. The effects on our economy, trade, and way of life, however, would be tremendous if this disease were to enter the U.S. or North America. SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

With the beef communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to food safety and animal health, NCBA was invited to participate in a training course to better understand the impacts FMD would have on the livestock industry and economy. As one of NCBAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff veterinarians, I was fortunate to be one of the first North American participants to attend this course in February in the beautiful country of Uganda. Directed by the European Commission for the Control of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (EuFMD), a commission of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), participants attended workshops and in-field trainings focusing on progressive control of FMD in endemic countries, where the disease is present in the region at all times. For animal health professionals from SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

FMD-free countries, this opportunity strengthens contingency planning and preparedness for the disease in the event that FMD enters their country. During the training course, animal health professionals from seven countries collaborated on strengthening local and global response and awareness to FMD. We were fortunate to have both Ugandan veterinary officers and local farmers working with us and explaining how FMD affects their industries. The complexities of the Ugandan livestock industry is beyond the scope of this article. I wanted to highlight some observations that our group experienced in rural Uganda that translates to the U.S. cattle industry and may provide guidance on how to improve our foreign animal disease response. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

BOOTS ON T H E G R O U N D

Livestock play important roles for rural Ugandan families, including providing a source of income, sustenance, and acting as currency. Goats and cattle are the most popular livestock trade for both meat and dairy products. Few farmers can own land and even fewer have handling facilities or reliable fencing like we are accustomed to in the United States. A pastoral system is often used where animals are moved daily by herdsmen who watch over them day and night. As such, comingling of multiple herds at feeding sites or watering holes with other livestock and wildlife is common. Due to an increasing shortage of land, many producers have had to diversify their operations with crop or produce farms. Ranching and dairy production tend to be in more commercial systems. Agriculture employs over 70 percent of the Ugandan workforce but substantial market gaps, excessive taxation, and policies regulating veterinary services and vaccines, animal breeding, and other aspects have prevented the livestock value chain from evolving. As in the United States, FMD is a reportable disease in Uganda so district veterinarians and their teams are sent out to investigate suspect cases, collect samples, trace the disease origin, and where it may spread through interviews of farmers, market owners, livestock buyers, etc. These investigatory roles are similar to U.S. local and public service veterinarians if a disease outbreak occurs. Production losses, such as reduced milk production, reduced growth rates, and decreased fertility are major concerns to Ugandan farmers when FMD enters their area. When these outbreaks occur, local quarantines implemented around the infected areas prohibit sale of animals

within the quarantine zone, often for years after the outbreak. Farmers within the quarantine zone are unable to freely market their animals until the quarantine is lifted. Local and national governments often have inadequate resources to supply personnel, diagnostic equipment, vaccines, or support to affected communities. If FMD were to enter North America, normal activities would be halted and limited animal movement would be implemented to allow for Regulatory Officials to identify where the infected animals are and plan for safe movement of animals. As such, having biosecurity and contingency plans (i.e., communication, managing movements, financial risk management) in place before such an event are tools that will help U.S. producers maintain their business if they are unable to market their animals during an FMD outbreak. Other impacts would include lost opportunities with delayed marketing of animals, genetic lines, and products until the outbreak was under control. Since FMD is endemic to Uganda, the disease is regularly diagnosed in livestock and wildlife. Many species of African wildlife native to Uganda and certain species, such as the African buffalo, can serve as a carrier and reservoir of FMD, meaning the risk of spreading FMD to livestock is ever present. To mitigate this risk, farmers that do own land try to have fences to distance their livestock from wildlife. This is not foolproof as other farmers or animals break down fencing in search of food and water.

Continued on page 34

YOU’RE ONLY AS HEALTHY AS YOUR HERD

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BOOTS ON T H E G R O U N D

Continued from page 32 It is unmistakable how important these animals are to the Ugandan farmers, not just as a business, but as a livelihood. The herdsman knew each of their animals by appearance and personality, which mirrors how U.S. farmers and ranchers value their animals. Neighbors are willing to help each other, even during a disease outbreak, which put their own animals at risk. Although our livestock systems appear very different on the surface, the underlying sentiment is that farmers and ranchers truly care for their animals and want to advance cattle health and wellbeing as best they can. Producer and community awareness on livestock disease control issues and increased biosecurity between farms are obstacles that Ugandan farmers face. Electricity and running water are luxuries in rural Uganda so providing consistent and in-person messaging takes much of their resources. Producers and veterinarians in Uganda see value in the management opportunities we have in this country and the ability we have to control disease instead of spending most of our time dealing with the consequences of endemic

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FMD. We could all learn from the many challenges Ugandan livestock farmers face. Here in the United States, biosecurity is one aspect that the producer has the most control over and yet it often gets overlooked. Preparation is the biggest lesson our industry could take from our colleagues in Uganda, in both preparing for a disease that is common, such as bovine respiratory disease, or a disease we hope never comes, such as FMD. These concepts are instrumental in keeping both humans and animals healthy and can be continually improved upon.

Unable to attend a recent or past Cattlemen’s College session?

As we move forward, Beef Quality Assurance, funded in part by the Beef Checkoff, is partnering with the USDAfunded Secure Beef Supply (SBS) Plan to provide resources to cattle producers and veterinarians on how to properly prepare in case of an FMD outbreak. Our goal is to continue to incorporate disaster planning during normal business operations, so we as an industry are better equipped in a potential FMD outbreak. Collaboration among all levels of the supply chain will be vital as we continue to protect the integrity of our cattle and livestock industries.

Visit the Cattlemen’s College Online Campus on NCBA.org today!

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DON’T MISS OUT!

Virtually watch all the recorded sessions from past Cattlemen’s Colleges!

By Lily N. Edwards-Callaway, Ph.D., Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University Animal welfare is something that we all value and participate in whether it be through raising livestock, taking care of our companion animals, or appreciating the wildlife around us. The welfare of farmed animals in particular has been an area of increasing public concern. Unfortunately, the public interest in understanding where food comes from is often accompanied by a lack of trust in how animals are being raised. The most recent consumer research summary by the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) indicated that only 25 percent of respondents believed that meat is derived from humanely treated animals (CFI, 2018). Animal welfare is considered a public good, meaning an animal’s welfare is something that all (the public) can enjoy and from which no one is excluded, regardless of who consumes the end product (Lusk and Norwood, 2012). The recognition of animal welfare as a public good helps to explain the expansive public interest in wanting to improve the welfare of farmed animals.

ANIMAL W E L FA R E Consumer Expectations and the Evolving Science of Animal Welfare

As the consuming public has demonstrated a growing interest in how their food is raised, particularly in regard to animal care, the field of animal welfare science has also been expanding rapidly. Walker et al. (2014) reported a 10-15 percent annual increase in the number of scientific publications focused on animal welfare within a two-decade time span. Interestingly, Walker et al. (2014) also indicated that research focused on farmed animals dominated the literature, speculating that the vast populations of farmed animals and the increasing societal concern about their welfare has contributed to the large number of publications. The scientific study of animal welfare can help inform the cattle industry on how to address animal welfare challenges identified by stakeholders, society considered a stakeholder in this context. How do we determine if an animal has great, good, satisfactory, better, worse, bad, or mediocre welfare? There are many different frameworks with which we can discuss, assess, and improve upon animal welfare. The framework that many are most familiar with is the Five Freedoms, a set of ‘freedoms’ codified in 1979 by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in the United Kingdom to articulate the needs of farmed animals in production settings (FAWC, 1993). The Five Freedoms ignited the focus on farmed animal welfare and have served as the foundation of many animal welfare programs across animal industries to date. Over time there have been additional welfare frameworks introduced into the animal welfare science literature that have all helped guide our current discussions about farmed animal welfare, e.g. the Five Domains, Fraser’s Three Orientations and quality of life assessment (Fraser et al., 1997; Bono and Mori, 2005; Green and Mellor, 2011). In brief, all of these welfare frameworks acknowledge the multi-faceted nature of wellbeing, the necessity to consider the positive and negative experiences of the animal, and the importance of taking into account both the physical and psychological state of the animal when assessing welfare. Animal welfare is an integral component of cattle production and it is essential that as an industry we embrace the current welfare dialogue to continually improve upon our management approaches. Using Fraser’s Three Orientations (Fraser et al., 1997) as a basis for 38

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A N I M A L W E L FA R E

discussion, cattle welfare can be measured through biological functioning and health, affective state, and adherence to aspects of natural living. Health and performance indicators have traditionally been the focus of cattle well-being assessments as these factors are fundamental to the process of raising cattle for food. Additionally, these types of parameters are often easily quantified making them appealing metrics to include in assessment programs. Looking at the Beef Quality Assurance program, it is evident that considerable attention is paid to ensuring the physical health of cattle on-farm either directly through animal observations or indirectly through development of protocols. Although health and performance parameters should be included in an overall welfare assessment, they are not the only metrics that should be considered when trying to evaluate an animal’s welfare. The affective, or psychological, state of the animal is important to consider when evaluating welfare. In addition to utilizing physiological and behavioral measures to assess an animal’s affective state, we can also utilize research techniques designed to ask animals about their preferences and needs. Ede et al. (2019) provide a thorough review of these animal welfare science methodologies that can be employed to gain insight into an animal’s preference, motivation, and affective valence associated with various environments and resources. Ede et al. (2019) categorized these tests by the question asked to the animal: this or that, yes or no, and how much. For example, studies could be designed to ask cattle how motivated they are (how much) to have access to herd mates

It’s all in the numbers.

or if they preferred one type of bedding to another (this or that). Although these tests won’t likely be utilized on-farm, they can be used in a research setting to inform on-farm decisionmaking. Lastly, animal welfare assessments should consider an animal’s ability to lead a reasonably natural life and this often refers to an animal’s ability to perform natural, highly-motivated behaviors. Some of the tests mentioned above also apply to understanding this component of welfare. Sometimes consideration of an animal’s affective state seems like a challenge – you often hear people question how we can understand the animal mind when we often can’t even understand the minds of other humans. The world of animal welfare science has progressed to a point where we have ways to actually make some judgements about the psychological needs of an animal based on what they tell us by their physiology, behavior, and choices. As we learn more about the needs of cattle, we will develop our cattle care programs to reflect the critical components needed to provide cattle with a good quality of life. Programs like Beef Quality Assurance have been identified as a mechanism to assure and inform the public that animal care is an integral component of cattle production while simultaneously providing cattle producers with a framework for best management practices. It is necessary that we combine and consider our knowledge of cattle production, the emerging findings in the growing field of animal welfare science, and consumer questions about how cattle are raised to continually improve the state of cattle welfare within our supply chain.

Works Cited Bono, G.; De Mori, B. Animals and their quality of life: Considerations ‘beyond mere welfare’. Vet. Res. Commun. 2005, 29 (Suppl. 2), 165–168. CFI. 2018. The Center for Food Integrity. A dangerous food disconnect, when consumers hold you responsible but don’t trust you. http://www. foodintegrity.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/01/CFI_Research_8pg_010918_final_web_REV2-1.pdf. (Accessed 4 March 2020.) Ede, T., Lecorps, B., von Keyserlingk, M. A., & Weary, D. M. (2019). Symposium review: scientific assessment of affective states in dairy cattle. Journal of dairy science, 102(11), 10677-10694. Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC). Second Report on Priorities for Research and Development in Farm Animal Welfare; DEFRA: London, UK, 1993. Fraser, D.; Weary, D.M.; Pajor, E.A.; Milligan, B.N. A scientific conception of animal welfare that reflects ethical concerns. Anim. Welf. 1997, 6, 187–205 Green, T.C.; Mellor, D.J. Extending ideas about animal welfare assessment to include ‘quality of life’ and related concepts. N. Z. Vet. J. 2011, 59, 263–271. Lusk, J. L., & Norwood, F. B. (2012). Speciesism, altruism and the economics of animal welfare. European Review of Agricultural Economics, 39(2), 189-212. Walker, M., Diez-Leon, M., & Mason, G. (2014). Animal welfare science: Recent publication trends and future research priorities. International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 27(1).

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SEXED S E M E N Sexed Semen: Costs, Benefits, and Systems for Successful Use

Jordan Thomas, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and State Beef Reproduction Specialist, University of Missouri

Most importantly, we talked about when you actually should use it from a profitability standpoint. Here’s a recap.

Sexed semen has revolutionized how dairy producers make breeding decisions, and progressive beef breeders are already using sexed semen effectively. With more sexed semen available for more beef bulls now than ever before, it is time we tackle how to best use this potentially gamechanging tool. In my talk at the 2020 Cattlemen’s College during the Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show in San Antonio, I tried to lay out what we know – and what we don’t know – about sexed semen. We also talked about what it takes to make sexed semen work in a breeding program, and why you would use it in a breeding system.

What We Know (and Don’t Know) About Sexed Semen

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Sexed semen is commercially available from a variety of sources, although there are now two different processes used to produce sexed semen. The majority of the sexed semen on the market is produced using a flow-cytometry-based sorting process. This sex-sorted product has gone through several rounds of improvements over the years and is also now marketed at higher sperm cell numbers per unit. If you see a product marketed with the trade name SexedULTRA 4M™, that is semen produced using the latest version of that process and packaged at the higher SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

sperm cell concentration of 4 million cells per unit. X-bearing (heifer) or Y-bearing (bull) units can be produced. There is also now another process that can be used to generate sexed units of sperm cells using a laser-ablation technique. Product marketed under the Sexcel™ trade name is produced using this process. This is a newer process that is marketed as producing units capable of fertility similar to traditional sex-sorted semen.

What It Takes to Make Sexed Semen Work The critical point is this: sperm cells from conventional units and sperm cells from sexed units are fundamentally different. Sperm cells are altered somewhat as a result of the sexing process, freezing, and thawing. As a result, it is generally accepted that SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

the fertile lifespan of sexed sperm cells is shorter. Since that lifespan is shorter, insemination with sexed semen needs to occur at a time point relatively close to ovulation in order to maximize pregnancy rates. If using sexed semen in heat detection-based programs, it appears to be more favorable to inseminate at a slightly later time after onset of standing heat instead of following the typical AM-PM rule. If using sexed semen in timed AI programs, it is clear that the animals that exhibited standing heat before timed AI achieve much higher pregnancy rates with sexed semen than those that did not. Data from our program at the University of Missouri as well as Dr. George Perry’s program at South Dakota State University have clearly illustrated this with SexedULTRA 4M™ and Sexcel™ respectively. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

SEXED SEMEN

A HARD DAY’S WORK DOESN’T HAVE TO FEEL LIKE IT.

In our program at the University of Missouri, we are focused on new synchronization and timed AI approaches to maximize expression of standing heat before timed AI. We have some exciting new work underway. However, there is already one good opportunity to improve success with sex-sorted semen simply by using an estrus detection aid (e.g. an Estrotect™ breeding indicator) to identify the best candidates to receive timed AI with sexed semen. Another alternative is to use what we call a split-time AI approach. This allows you to increase the number of females that have the opportunity to exhibit standing heat before timed AI, increasing overall pregnancies obtained with sexed semen. For more information on that, refer to the MU Extension publication “Split-Time AI: Using Estrus Detection Aids to Optimize Timed Artificial Insemination.” You might also check out our Mizzou Repro YouTube channel or Facebook page. We have some short videos on split-time AI and other topics, and those pages are a good way we can keep you in the loop on new approaches and opportunities, too.

Why You Would Use It With about 90 percent accuracy, sexed semen allows producers to effectively choose whether a mating results in a bull or heifer calf. That gives you an opportunity to either skew the sex ratio of the entire calf crop or selectively produce heifer or bull calves from specific planned matings. That could be huge. Is your goal to quickly turn over females in the herd with superior genetics? Produce elite animals to market as herd bulls or replacement

heifers? Market a larger quantity of uniform, high-quality feeder cattle? Reduce calving difficulty in heifers? Sexed semen is a tool that can be used in a number of different ways. My personal hope is that sexed semen gets more producers interested in AI in general, and changes our industry’s mindset about mating decisions. Even straightbred operations can capture a lot of value with a crossbreeding-like mentality, thinking through each mating as a terminal vs. maternal decision.

When You Should Use It The decision to use sexed semen really comes down to economics: if sexed semen isn’t profitable, don’t use it. The costs of using sexed semen aren’t trivial. Pregnancy rates with sexed semen are typically somewhat lower than pregnancy rates with conventional semen. Sexed semen will also cost more per unit than conventional semen, often $15-25 depending on the sire used. A higher cost per unit for a lower pregnancy rate means a higher cost per pregnancy. That is a really important consideration, because fertility in the beef business really requires a multi-year commitment. For use of sexed semen to be a profitable decision, there has to be a large enough value difference resulting from the sex selection to justify those costs and generate a profit. There is more to that question than just consideration of the market price of steer calves versus heifer calves, however. Sit down and try to put a pencil to it. How much value could you add to your operation if you could predetermine the sex of calves?

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By Chad Ellis, Industry Relations and Stewardship Manager, Noble Research Institute Deke Alkire, Ph.D., Noble Research Institute At the core of beef sustainability stands a rancher on a continuous journey while raising and supplying beef across the country. Sustainability encompasses much more than environmental considerations. Today, a sustainable food supply balances efficient production with environmental, social and economic impacts. To improve the sustainability of the beef industry, all production levels must work together. Further, we as an industry must participate in the sustainability conversation and not let sustainability be defined for us. To bring the industry together, the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) was formed in 2015 as a multi-stakeholder initiative. The USRSB was developed to advance, support and communicate continuous sustainability improvement in the U.S. beef value chain. When the USRSB came together, a major challenge was to define how sustainability would be measured or demonstrated by beef producers throughout the different segments of the supply chain, from cow-calf producer to retailer. Together, the group developed the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework (www. beefsustainability.us). The framework is comprised of six high priority indicator areas: animal health and well-being, efficiency and yield, water resources, land resources, air and greenhouse gas emissions, and employee safety and well-being. These six sustainability indicator areas are meant to span the entire beef production value chain. However, within each beef production segment, the metrics that fulfill the indicators are different and specific. Engaging each sector of the value chain was a critical component of the framework development. From cattle production to value chain sourcing and from veterinary science to soil health, individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise created a comprehensive and scientifically informed framework that can be adapted to diverse operation and company situations in the beef industry.

USRSB AND SUSTAINABILITY Sustainability Self-Assessment Tool for Cattle Producers

The ability to establish benchmarks for current conditions and assess progress toward goals is critical to the U.S. beef industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sustainability efforts. The USRSB is committed to measuring and documenting sustainability progress over time and will use surveys, the U.S. Beef Industry Life Cycle Assessment, and reported information to measure the implementation effectiveness of the U.S. Beef Industry Sustainability Framework and how it can best assist with industry-wide progress. But, more importantly, the framework needs to provide value and work for you. Noble Research Institute, in conjunction with the USRSB, has developed a web-based self-assessment tool for all segments of the beef industry. It can be found at: https://nobleapps.noble.org/usrsbassessment. 46

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USRSB AND SUSTAINABILITY

Following best management practices to be more sustainable should also result in being more profitable in the long run. Producers will have to be profitable to remain sustainable.

Results for High Priority Indicators 50

Animal Health & Well-Being 100%

100

Air & Greenhouse Gas Emissions 88.9%

100

Overall Results Efficiency & Yield 88.9% 50

This tool is an opportunity for each user to evaluate their company’s sustainability in a private and practical way. In a world of data insecurity, rest assured that user data is not stored in any way. The only information collected by USRSB is the industry segment and geographical area (state) selected. This helps the USRSB track use and adoption across the industry. This tool was created solely for the user to assess the sustainability of their operation, track progress over time and provide resources to make improvements. Because information is not stored, users will need to save or print a

This tool was developed as part of the first pilot project to test the USRSB metrics and framework. Initial versions of the tool received feedback from pilot project participants, members of the USRSB, and producers across the U.S. Their collective feedback was valuable in shaping the current version. In the future, based on feedback, we also hope to include regionally specific questions and guidelines as well as an anonymous pooled score for users to compare themselves to peers in their segment and geographic region.

100

88.9%

After completing the assessment, the user is provided a summary showing an overall sustainability score and a breakdown of

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Land Resources 75%

100

A self-assessment is available for each of the production segments in the beef industry: cow-calf, feedyard operator, packers or processors, retail or food service, and auction market. Each segment’s assessment asks thought-provoking questions about specific management practices relative to the USRSB metrics for each priority indicator area. This article will focus on the cow-calf sector, for which there is a total of 19 questions across the six key indicator areas. For example, a cow-calf producer is asked, “Do you implement a disease prevention plan that includes vaccination, biosecurity and nutrition protocols, which improves cattle health and reduces the need for antibiotics?” under the indicator area for animal health and well-being. The entire cow-calf assessment should take less than 15 minutes to complete for those intimately involved in the operation.

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Sample Questions & Answers Employee Safety & Well-Being 77.8%

copy of their results if they want to make comparisons to future assessments. This tool is a true self-assessment; honesty in answering the questions will most accurately identify areas for improvement.

Water Resources 88.9%

performance in each indicator area. Below that, each question asked is listed and color-coded: green shows adequate performance, yellow shows some improvement is needed and red indicates an area for great improvement. Each question also has a link to additional information on how to achieve the metric, where to find assistance, and links to tools and informational resources. In the cow-calf segment, there are 44 pages of additional information and numerous links to outside sources. The value of this tool is it builds user confidence, indicating areas of management where a producer is achieving sustainability results as well as areas where they could improve. Almost all producers are sustainable to some degree; it’s really about pursuing continuous improvement. The questions are asked in a way that encourages the user to think about implementing sustainable management activities they had not considered, and where to acquire assistance.

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Efficiency & Yield

Have you measured pounds weaned per cow or a similar production efficiency measurement and compared it from year to year?

Efficiency & Yield

When determining mating decisions are you selecting bulls based on a breeding plan that includes marketing Yes, I select sires to use in an AI program of my cow herd as well as the bull. goals and considers your cow herd's strengths and weaknesses?

Efficiency & Yield

Does your operation record revenues and expenses throughout the year In an accounting format?

We keep track of expenses and evaluate periodically.

Employee Safety & Well-Being

Have employees been trained on stockmanshlp techniques and their importance?

Some, but not all, who handle livestock have been through trainings on stockmanship.

Employee Safety & Well-Being

Do you conduct safety trainings for all employees?

New employees are provided with safety trainings in the tasks they perform.

Employee Safety & Well-Being

Does your operation actively try to mitigate or remove safety hazards In facilities and equipment?

Yes, where possible we conduct an analysis of hazards and try to eliminate or reduce risk.

Land Resources

Is the operation setup In an estate plan or other type of succession plan that keeps it In working lands?

We have a will and the heirs will decide what do with the property.

Land Resources

Do you have a GMP that includes contingency plans tor natural disasters (whatever is applicable In your region: drought, food, fire, hurricane, blizzard)?

Contingency plans are incorporated into our grazing management plan for natural disasters that occur in our area.

Land Resources

Do you have a GMP that considers protection of local endangered species and reduction of invasive plants?

Our GMP addresses one of these considerations.

Land Resources

Is wildlife conservation taken into account in your GMP?

I leave food cover for wildlife when possible.

Water Resources

Have you leveraged outside resources to help you protect existing, or develop new water resources? (examples may include: private technical service providers, Cooperative Extension Services, USDA NRCS, non-government organizations)

Yes

Water Resources

Do you or does your grazing management plan (GMP) identity wetland areas or navigable waterways on your operation and manage grazing to protect and/or improve them?

We do not have wetland areas on our operation.

Water Resources

Do you have a plan to improve water resources, distribution and access for your cattle? (examples may be: spring development, solar wells, rotational grazing, alternative water sources)

Yes

SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

Yes

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EMBRYONIC MORTALITY Maternal and Paternal Contribution to Pregnancy Loss in Cattle

By Ky Pohler, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, Assistant Professor, Physiology of Reproduction Reproductive infertility and inefficiency in cattle are major economic challenges for the beef and dairy industries. While sire infertility and sub-fertility are known contributors to these issues, more emphasis has been placed on the embryo, uterus, oocyte and other factors influenced by female physiological function. It is important to remember, however, that when a cow ends up open or experiences pregnancy loss, it might not be 100 percent her fault. Fertility is broadly deďŹ ned as the ability to produce viable offspring. Between mating and birth, there are several time points that are used to evaluate fertility in cattle, including non-return to estrus rate, pregnancy rate and calving rate. 50

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Performing accurate pregnancy diagnosis and keeping good animal records are crucial to determining the true fertility status of your herd and sire performance. When artificial insemination (AI) is used, you have the opportunity to know exactly which male was mated to each female and at the end of the breeding season evaluate individual sire fertility. This article will address a few of the cow vs. bull factors influencing reproductive efficiency and pregnancy loss.

The Cow Embryonic development and pregnancy establishment rely on a series of carefully timed events and optimal conditions in the maternal environment. The pregnancy may be set up to

fail even before fertilization, as estrus expression (heat) or lack thereof may be a driving force for eventual pregnancy loss. It is well established that estrus expression at or before the time of insemination will increase pregnancy rates up to 30 percent in specific cow populations compared to those that do not express estrus. Moreover, lack of estrus expression before timed artificial insemination increases pregnancy loss even after the initial day 30 pregnancy check. We have since observed that positive trends associated with estrus expression transcends across parities, production statuses, body conditions and ovarian dynamics. Cows that do not express estrus have a smaller ovulatory follicle size, which leads to a reduction in estradiol concentration. Estradiol concentrations also have important implications on

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estrogen dependent glycoproteins in the oviduct crucial for sperm transport, fertilization and initial embryo development early in gestation. Prolonged impact of this estradiol concentration and estrus expression during later embryonic development periods is beginning to be explored as increased pregnancy loss to animals not expressing estrus have been noted. Optimal uterine environment is arguably the most critical factor for pregnancy success during early gestation. Without proper synchrony between the uterus and the developing embryo, the pregnancy will often fail before maternal recognition of pregnancy. The uterus plays a significant role not only for establishment of pregnancy, but also for maintenance of pregnancy, as it supports the placenta throughout pregnancy. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

EMBRYONIC MORTALI TY

The relationship between reproductive tract size, particularly the uterus, and pregnancy establishment has been believed to cause a decrease in fertility in older cows with presumably larger tracts. It has been shown that cows with larger tract sizes have decreased pregnancy rates compared to heifers and cows with the smallest tracts. In the same study, pregnancy loss between day 31 and 120 was less than 3 percent in animals with small tracts and almost 12 percent higher in cows with the largest tract size.

The Bull Clearly, the maternal environment is an important factor to consider with regards to pregnancy loss; however, that’s only one side of the story. As we know, in order to develop a proper embryo, both dam and sire fertility play an important role. Yet, if we consider that the sire is responsible for multiple pregnancies per year and up to thousands of pregnancies if used for AI, we need to draw more attention towards improving male fertility. Use of sub-fertile or infertile sires can have devastating impacts on the reproductive efficiency and economic viability of a beef herd. Being able to accurately predict bull fertility before the breeding season is every producer’s dream. Knowing which sire has the ability to get cows pregnant up front provides management opportunities and the ability to cull “bad” bulls well before the breeding season. A breeding soundness exam (BSE) is a good evaluation of the reproductive potential of a given male, which includes general physical examination, evaluation of the reproductive tract and assessment of sperm production and quality. Performing this exam in every bull at least 60 days before the breeding season is essential to identify and cull sub-fertile or infertile sires. Although a BSE is not a direct evaluation of fertility nor will it identify all causes of infertility, it can provide insight into many of the common issues that accompany infertility in bulls. When purchasing semen for AI from commercial bull studs, bulls and semen have passed all quality parameters assessed in a BSE, and are expected to have normal or high fertility, but there are many other factors that may affect final pregnancy results and overall fertility. Recent studies have shown paternal genetics provide far greater contribution to embryonic/fetal mortality in cattle than historically suggested and can drastically affect calving rate. Over the last few years, our group has been trying to understand the male related mechanisms that cause pregnancy loss and, more importantly, 52

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how this could be used to predict sire fertility through on-farm testing and genetic evaluations. The male contributes significantly to placenta formation, which is essential for proper delivery of nutrients and other resources for the developing embryo. When an insufficient 3D image of a bovine fetus. placenta is formed then pregnancy loss can happen, which may account for some of the variation among sires. For example, sires that have an initial day-30 pregnancy rate of 60 percent would commonly be classified as being high fertility, but if there is a subsequent 20 percent pregnancy loss following initial pregnancy diagnosis, this drastically drops the final pregnancy rate and sire fertility classification. Based on hormone levels from the placenta, this 20 percent pregnancy loss is most likely due to insufficient placenta formation, which, as previously stated, seems to be sire dependent. Based on our group’s research in this area, we believe these placenta-derived products, called pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs), which are commonly used in the blood/milk-based pregnancy tests, could be used to predict male fertility in the future. Evaluating sire fertility is a key component in establishing a good reproductive management program in your herd. If natural breeding is used, performing a BSE prior to the breeding season and multiple pregnancy diagnoses in different time points during gestation may be beneficial to evaluate the sire’s ability to establish and maintain a successful pregnancy. If AI is used, observe the fertility parameters when purchasing semen and keep good records during the breeding and pregnancy diagnosis in order to obtain an individual sire evaluation. More importantly, use the information obtained to make management decisions, such as culling sub-fertile sires and retaining high fertility sires. Overall, remember that pregnancy has a four times greater economic impact than any other production trait. SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

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By Tommy Perkins, Ph.D., Professor of Animal Science West Texas A&M University As I sit to compose this article, the current Choice/Select spread is $5.37. However, this spread was more than $25 in October 2019. As a matter of fact, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think it got below $22 from August 2019 through November 2019. Is this our signal to produce higher marbling beef for the marketplace or is it just a short term phenomenon as we continue down the path of commodity beef production?

B E E F Q UA L I T Y

Some say we have saturated the market with upper Choice to Prime carcasses. They go as far as to say we are on the verge of surpassing consumer desires for this high-quality beef. Others suggest the wide Choice/Select spread provides a signal to the feedlot industry to feed cattle longer in order to achieve higher grading carcasses.

Are We an Industry Moving Away from Commodity Beef?

Tom Brink and others with the Red Angus Association of America published a white paper in November 2018 suggesting Select beef may soon be a thing of the past, perhaps even as early as 2025. This prediction doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem farfetched if you look at the trends in Select beef production since 2008. It certainly shows a declining trend with about 40 percent Select being produced in 2008 and only 18 percent Select being produced by 2018. This trend continued in 2019 with better than 80 percent of carcasses grading Choice or better. The extreme culling of cows in the drought years between 2010 and 2012 may have led to selection of better marbling genetics in our current cow herd. Furthermore, lower corn prices in recent years may have also played a role in feeding cattle longer. Feeding cattle longer tends to push cattle upward to their genetic potential for marbling deposition. The seedstock industry has done a great job of creating selection tools for breeders to increase accuracy of selection for improved marbling scores (and other traits) in breeding cattle. These include genomic enhanced expected progeny differences (GE-EPDs), selection indexes and many reproductive technologies which allow us to shorten the generation interval in order to meet these growing demands for high quality beef. 54

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B E E F Q UA L I T Y

NEOGEN.com

The export market has been favorable for beef demand during this time as well. For instance, the high-quality beef demands of Japan and others may have had an impact on the Choice and better product supply and demand side. Likewise, an increase in branded-premium programs has played a role in the uptick of demand for premium beef production. This has produced a relatively long list of buyers requesting higher quality beef from the packer. This wasn't necessarily true 10 or 15 years ago. Does this mean that the short supply of Select product becomes discounted beef and upper Choice beef becomes the true base price? The real question becomes, “Can consumers afford to pay for premium beef?” or better yet, “Is the consumer willing to pay a premium for this higher quality beef?”. I think the answer is yes to both questions if producers and packers are able to keep the “waste fat” under control. Consumers will not accept a premium product with excessive external and/or seam fat. We as an industry can’t afford those inefficiencies as we compete with other protein sources on the dinner table. In my current position at West Texas A&M University, it is my desire to help commercial cattlemen and cattlewomen better utilize all technologies in their management system to account for this shift in beef production. I encourage

shortening the length of the breeding season, producing and/or buying replacement females that maximize production in their environment and increasing the use of artificial insemination in the herd. Artificial insemination will open up all kinds of opportunities for use of maternal sires to make replacement females and terminal sires to produce feeder steers and heifers meeting the upper Choice or better-quality grades. Hence, you don’t have to settle with producing “commodity beef” which may be heavily discounted in the future. I should also add, all breeds have “maternal” and “terminal” breeding bulls available, so this doesn’t have to be a breed war. I will confess, some purebred breeds still have some work to do on reaching the Prime carcass level, but the Choice market shouldn’t be out of grasp for anyone. As an industry, we need to produce the highest quality beef possible without sacrificing efficiencies of production throughout any one segment of the industry. Production of a higher quality beef should also create a more tender product leading to a more satisfied consumer at the end of the day.

You know your cowherd better than anyone else. All those countless hours spent planning your breeding rotation, the best bulls to use, which replacements to keep…it sure didn’t come easy. So, let Igenity take care of what’s underneath the hide. Igenity + Envigor is an advanced, accurate and economical DNA profile that reveals the genetic potential you need to build a stronger herd. Paired with the industry’s first, and only, heterosis tool, Envigor, increased Igenity + Envigor scores can lead to greater fertility in your females, and more profit at the rail.

Please visit the Cattlemen’s College online campus, NCBA.org/producers.aspx, to view a more in-depth discussion of this topic.

Select with Confidence at IGENITYBEEF.com

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PASTURE MANAGEMENT Intentional Management of Pastures

By Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute Director of Producer Relations Jeff Goodwin, Conservation Stewardship Leader and Senior Pasture and Range Consultant The concept of intentional management applied to a beef operation has seven components that need management attention: pastures, stocking rate, beef cattle, marketing, records, personnel and management planning. There is a logical sequence in which these are addressed. Within a beef cattle operation, management always begins with the pastures. In the example of a cow-calf enterprise, where cows are the factory and calves are the production unit, the pastures are the foundation, utilities and raw inputs that support the factory. 58

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Intentional management of pastures means proactively managing the soils, the pastures and stocking rate. Management implies that there are variables being measured as one cannot manage what one does not measure. Using an intentional approach to pasture management, we address what needs to be done and why, as well as how to do it and when as it pertains to soils, forages and stocking rate. We have provided tools through links at the Noble website https://www.noble.org/ncba-2020 that will have immediate application to your operation.

Intentional Management of Soils

water purification and climate regulation in addition to those we typically associate with beef production, like nutrient cycling and food production. To intentionally manage soils, we as producers need to be able to assess the soils on the ranch; assess by pasture the physical, chemical and biological attributes of the soils; and develop a monitoring plan to assess the soils consistently and routinely into the future. Soil assessments can begin by using the Web Soil Survey and investigating the soil types, limitations and capabilities, vegetative productivity for native range and crops, and ecological site descriptions.

Soils deliver ecosystem services that enable life on Earth. They serve many functions including carbon sequestration,

A soil assessment plan is a tool to be used to schedule sampling and analyses for physical, chemical and biological attributes

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of the pastures of the ranch. Physical assessments include descriptive variables of soil color, soil structure, biological activity, rooting resistance and soil smell. These need to be performed during the peak growing season, typically early summer. The only cost is the producerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time. Chemical assessments are those typical of a traditional soil test whereby organic matter, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients are measured. Ideally, these assessments should be performed during the non-growing season. Chemical tests are about $12 per sample for the basic soil analysis. Biological assessments such as the Haney Test, PLFA Test and Cornell Labs Test include additional information including measures of soil health, organic carbon metrics, microbial biomass, carbon dioxide respiration, bacteria to fungi ratio, and more. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

PAST U R E M A N AG E M E N T

Biological assessments should be performed during the active growing season along with the physical assessments. These tests are more expensive, ranging from about $50 to $110 depending on test. The third tool to consider using is the soil assessment scorecard. This tool is used to track the key variables by each type of assessment for each pasture over time. This tool makes it easy to track changes and progress of management toward a specific goal over time without having to constantly refer back to the original soil test results.

Intentional Management of Forages Forages are the raw product that is converted into beef. Forage management begins with understanding the vegetative productivity of each major forage type and then estimating the number of cattle the total forage production of the ranch can support for the year under proper management. Using Noble’s carrying capacity/stocking rate calculator, a producer who has an understanding of forage production and utilization rates can determine estimated carrying capacity (or forage production) and stocking rate (forage demand) for a ranch for an average year, and then adjusted for favorable and unfavorable years. Another tool is the forage management plan. A forage management plan can be in written or schematic form and includes soil management activities as well. The purpose of the forage management plan is to schedule and prioritize pasture activities. It is the template over which grazing and livestock activities are applied. A third pasture management tool is a water year table for the ranch. A water year table uses the ranch’s actual monthly rainfall information, compares it to the long-term monthly rainfall averages, and indicates the variance above or below

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an average year that the actual rainfall is tracking. The water year begins in October since that is typically the month that forage growth slows dramatically and water begins recharging in the soil profile. The water year table provides a producer the ability to quickly, although cursorily, determine moisture conditions at the ranch relative to a normal year.

You can catch NCBA's Cattlemen to Cattlemen every week on RFD-TV. Episodes air Tuesday at 8:30 p.m., with reruns on Wednesday at 12:30 a.m. and Saturday at 9:00 a.m. (All Times Eastern).

For producers desiring to monitor ranch conditions more closely as it pertains to annual rainfall and stocking rate, the intuitive ranch assessment scorecard is a good tool. Monitoring key attributes of the ranch using a four-category rating system annually, a producer can visually determine if stocking rate needs adjusting. The key attributes include: actual stocking rates for each year, average rainfall and variance from average, pasture condition ratings, cow body condition score at calving and weaning, and amount of hay feeding over planned and/ or extended “hustling” after the leaf portion of stand is grazed. A four-category rating system is used so there is no middle category; categories are moderately or highly favorable and moderately or highly unfavorable. A producer must predetermine what qualifies by each category, and utilizing a knowledgeable professional to assist in assessments can minimize individual biases. Finally, there are several other pasture management tools that assist in intentional management. Grazing exclosures can help visually assess forage productivity and grazing residual management. These are simple structures easily constructed using cattle panels and t-posts. Transects are another tool useful to more precisely determine trends in plant composition, plant cover and bare ground. Photo points are the easiest visual tool to monitor changes in pastures over time but need to be scheduled on a routine, annual basis, usually during the peak or last half of the growing season and stored/catalogued for quick reference.

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PAST U R E M A N AG E M E N T

Continued from page 58

Intentional Management of Grazing There is a science and an art involved in the intentional management of grazing. Largely, the art of intentional grazing management is focused on adjusting to changing forage conditions and adaptively managing the timing, intensity, frequency and duration of the grazing event to meet a specified outcome. These four core tenants of intentional grazing management are dependent on the producer’s flexibility and willingness to manage their stocking rate. Stocking rate is a foundational decision that when managed adaptively strives to continually balance forage production with animal demand. The key is to focus on those factors that are in the producer’s control. For example, weather patterns are in continuous flux and are out of the individual producer’s control. What producers do have control over is the management applied during those times and their adaptive response to changing conditions.

planning and monitoring, these limitations and opportunities are either overlooked or more often never known. Tools are available to assist producers with the planning and monitoring necessary to maintain flexibility within their grazing management. The grazing plan chart allows producers to develop and implement their pasture utilization strategy. This tool allows producers to plan their pasture utilization over a 12-month period, then track progress as it is implemented. The knowledge gained by implementing this plan provides keen insight in preparing to capitalize on future forage surpluses but also can provide red flags for caution if forage production becomes limiting.

These red flags are often the foundational component of the contingency plan. The contingency plan allows producers to have a defined direction to react to forage surpluses and deficiencies. We often refer to this as a drought plan, but intentional producers will have a contingency plan for floods, excessive snow, surplus forage, etc. The key point to a contingency plan is having the monitoring strategy in place to ensure that those red flags are recognized and a plan of action is ready to implement.

Key Takeaways Successful producers are producers who intentionally manage their operations. They manage their pastures, stocking rate, cattle, marketing, records and personnel — they invest in management planning.

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Nine pasture management tools have been presented and links to all can be found at the Noble website https://www.noble. org/ncba-2020. These nine pasture tools packaged together should be used as a type of owner’s manual and set of gauges to monitor pasture condition and inputs into the production system while intentionally managing toward desired outcomes. Remember: Successful producers are successful because they do what other producers are not willing to do — manage intentionally!

Nine Tools for the Intentional Management of Pastures

In an effort to apply adaptive and intentional grazing management, preparation, planning and monitoring are critical. The development of a grazing management plan assists producers with setting goals, inventorying resources, balancing forage production with animal demand, developing a pasture utilization strategy, and outlining contingency triggers and actions. The implementation of this plan allows producers the critical insight needed to maintain flexibility and to keep track of where there are limitations and opportunities to capitalize on within their grazing operations. Without

Intentional management begins with a focus on pastures. Pastures include the soils and forages (and surface and soil water) as well as management activities such as grazing, which includes stocking rate. The pastures are the foundation, utilities, and raw materials being managed for the factory, the cow herd, to efficiently produce the marketable product, the calves.

https://www.noble.org/ncba-2020

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By George Perry, Ph.D., SDSU Beef Reproduction Management Specialist Saulo Menegatti Zoca, SDSU Reproductive Physiology Graduate Student The number of cows bred during the breeding season plays the largest role in percent calf crop weaned, and percent calf crop weaned is the single most important factor influencing profitability in beef operations. In addition, the herd bull influences overall herd fertility more than any other single animal in the herd. Since greater than 90 percent of the beef cows in the United States are bred by natural service, it is important that bulls be managed to optimize breeding performance. Currently the best method to determine fertility is with a Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE).

Fertility Factors Evaluated in a Breeding Soundness Evaluation Breeding Soundness Evaluation (BSE) The American Society for Theriogenology developed minimum guidelines for a bull to pass a breeding soundness evaluation. A breeding soundness evaluation includes a physical examination, measurement of scrotal circumference, and evaluation of semen quality. To successfully complete a breeding soundness evaluation, a bull must have at least 30 percent sperm motility, 70 percent normal sperm morphology, and a minimum scrotal circumference based on age (Table 1; Chenoweth et al., 1992). Bulls meeting the preceding minimum requirements are classified as satisfactory potential breeders. If a bull does not pass one of these tests, he is classified as one of two possibilities, “unsatisfactory potential breeder” or “classification deferred” (meaning it is recommended that the bull be tested again). Bulls should be tested approximately six weeks to one month prior to the breeding season. This allows for time to retest bulls where unsatisfactory results are obtained, or time to find a replacement herd bull. Table 1. Minimum scrotal circumference requirements for bulls to successfully pass a breeding soundness evaluation based on the age of bulls (Chenoweth et al., 1992).

Minimum scrotal circumference requirements based on age

BULL B R E E D I N G The Ultimate Value of Breeding Soundness Evaluations

Age in months

< 15

Scrotal circumference (cm)

> 15 < 18 > 18 < 21 > 21 < 24 31

< 24 34

Mating Ability The purpose of the physical examination portion of a breeding soundness evaluation is to determine if a bull has the physical capabilities needed to successfully breed a cow. A bull must be able to see, smell, eat, and move normally to successfully breed cows. In addition to issues associated with structural unsoundness, diseases or injuries to the penis and prepuce can result in an inability to breed via natural service. These abnormalities will only be detected by careful examination or observing an attempted mating of a cow. A bull that has high quality semen but is unable to physically breed a cow is unsatisfactory for natural service.

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BULL B R E E D I N G

Scrotal Circumference

Male to Female Ratio

As scrotal circumference increases, so does the daily production of sperm. There is a positive genetic correlation between a sire’s scrotal circumference, the scrotal circumference of his sons, and the pregnancy rate of his daughters. Furthermore, a negative genetic correlation exists between a sire’s scrotal circumference and age at puberty in his daughters. This indicates that bulls with a larger scrotal circumference will likely sire sons with larger scrotal circumference, and his daughters should reach puberty at younger ages.

Since variations exist between bulls in their desire to mate (libido), recommendations for bull-to-cow ratios range from 1:10 up to 1:60. No differences were detected between a bull to female ratio of 1:25 and 1:60 for estrous detection or pregnancy rates in the first 21 days of the breeding season provided the bulls were mature, highly fertile, and had large scrotal circumferences (Rupp et al., 1977). However, when multiple sires are used on a single group of females, additional bulls will be required since several bulls will breed the same cow. In addition, when cows are synchronized and bred by natural service, greater pressure is placed on the herd bull. Therefore, additional bulls will be needed to breed the same number of cows when compared to the number of bulls needed to breed nonsynchronized cows. When used on synchronized cows no difference was detected between a bull to female ratio of 1:16 and 1:25 provided the bulls were mature, highly fertile, and had large scrotal circumferences (Healy et al., 1993).

Semen Quality Semen quality includes ejaculate volume, sperm cell motility, and sperm cell morphology. It is important to remember that substandard nutrition, extreme environmental temperatures, and disease can reduce semen quality, and that the quality of semen from a single bull may change over time. Sperm motility is calculated by evaluating the percentage of spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate that have progressive (headfirst) movement. Sperm morphology is calculated by evaluating the percentage normal spermatozoa in a sample ejaculate compared to sperm with abnormalities. Is a Single BSE Valid for the Life of a Bull? Sperm production is a continuous process. However, a breeding soundness evaluation is conducted at a specific point in time and measures the sperm production at that specific point in time. Therefore, the results of a breeding soundness exam may change over time. Thus, a bull that successfully passes a breeding soundness evaluation can fail a subsequent breeding soundness evaluation.

Fertility Factors Not Evaluated in a Breeding Soundness Evaluation Libido Libido refers to the desire to mate. Libido is thought to be a highly inherited trait with heritability ranging as high as 0.59. This is because there is more variation in libido between sons of different sires than between sons of the same sire. It is important to remember that scrotal circumference, semen quality, and mating ability (evaluated in a BSE) are not related to libido. Therefore, a bull that passes a breeding soundness evaluation may have poor libido or a bull with good libido may fail a breeding soundness evaluation. Libido can be practically evaluated by closely watching a bull after introducing him to a cow herd. 66

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The Future of Bull Fertility Testing Research is being conducted to identify characteristics of semen that influence fertility rates. The ability of sperm to become capable of fertilizing an oocyte, the ability of sperm to bind an oocyte, and the ability of sperm to penetrate the oocyte all influence a bull’s fertility. Research is also underway to develop tests that will more accurately determine the fertility of individual bulls. Our ability to eliminate low or sub-fertile bulls either by a semen sample (possible with proteins found on the sperm and/or microRNA found on or in the sperm) or a DNA sample will continue to improve.

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Conclusion Since reproductive traits are not highly heritable, greater selection intensity is required to achieve genetic improvement. Selection intensity for female reproductive traits is usually low, since selection of replacement females in commercial herds is usually based on age or weight and not reproductive performance. As a result, greater selection intensity is required in selection of herd bulls to achieve the desired level of genetic improvement. Thus, it is important to remember that semen quality of an individual bull changes over time and, for a bull to be fertile, libido and mating ability should be evaluated periodically. More information on what we learn from a Breeding Soundness Evaluation and on current research evaluating bull fertility can be found by watching the recorded presentation from the 2020 NCBA Cattlemen’s College. SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

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E STAT E P L A N N I N G Farm and Ranch Estate And Business Planning In 2020 (Through 2025)

By Roger McEowen, Kansas Farm Bureau Professor of Agriculture Law and Taxation

Overview The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has made estate planning much easier for most farm and ranch families. Much easier, that is, with respect to avoiding the federal estate tax. Indeed, under the TCJA, the exemption equivalent of the unified credit is set at $11.58 million per decedent for deaths in 2020, and with an unlimited marital deduction and the ability to “port” over the unused exclusion (if any) at the death of the first spouse to the surviving spouse, very few estates will incur federal estate tax. The TCJA also retains the basis “step-up” rule. That means that property that is included in the decedent’s estate at death for tax purposes gets an income tax basis in the hands of the recipient equal to the property’s fair market value as of the date of death. But, with the slim chance that federal estate tax will apply, should estate planning be ignored? Not if the desire is to keep the farming or ranching business in the family. So, what are the basic estate planning strategies for 2020 and for the life of the TCJA (presently, through 2025)?

Basic Considerations Existing plans should focus on avoiding common errors and look to modify outdated language in existing wills and trusts. For example, many estate plans utilize "formula clause" language. That language divides assets upon the death of the first spouse (regardless of whether it is the husband or the wife) between a "credit shelter trust," which utilizes the remaining federal estate tax exemption amount, and a "marital trust," which qualifies for the (unlimited) federal estate tax marital deduction. The intended result of the language is to cause that trust’s value to be taxed 68

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in the first spouse’s estate where it will be covered by the exemption, and create a life estate in the credit shelter trust property for the surviving spouse that will “bypass” the surviving spouse’s estate upon death. As for the marital trust assets, tax on those assets is postponed (if it is taxed at all) until the surviving spouse dies. Make sure to have any existing formula clauses in current estate plans reviewed to ensure the language is still appropriate given the increase in the federal exemption amount. It may be necessary to have an existing will or trust redrafted to account for the change in the law and utilize language that allows for flexibility in planning. In addition, for some people, divorce planning/protection is necessary. Also, a determination will need to be made as to whether asset control is necessary as well as creditor protection. Likewise, a consideration may need to be made of the income tax benefits of family entities to shift income (subject to family partnership rules of I.R.C. §704(e)) and qualifying deductions to the entity. The entity may have been created for estate and gift tax discount purposes, but now could provide income tax benefits. In any event, family entities (such as family limited partnerships (FLPs) and limited liability companies (LLCs)) will continue to be valuable estate planning tools for many clients in this wealth range. For the vast majority of family farming and ranching operations, it is not beneficial from a tax standpoint to not make gifts in order to achieve a basis step-up in the retained property at death for the heirs. That means income tax basis planning is far more important for most people. Also, consideration should be made to determine whether insurance is still necessary to fund any potential estate tax liability.

cancel the policy before having that move professionally evaluated. That’s particularly the case for trust-owned life insurance. For pension-owned life insurance, for those persons that are safely below the exemption, adverse tax consequences can likely be avoided. •

Evaluate irrevocable trusts and consider the possibility of “decanting.”

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For durable powers of attorney, examine the document to see whether there are caps on gifted amounts (the annual exclusion is now $15,000) and make sure to not have inflation adjusting references to the annual exclusion.

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For qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs) that were created when the estate tax exemption was $2 million, the conventional advice was to deed the house from the QPRT to the children or a remainder trust (which might have been a grantor trust), with a written lease agreement in favor of the parent/donor who would continue to live in the house. Now, it may be desired to have the home included in the estate for basis step-up purposes and the elimination of gain on sale.

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While FLPs and LLCs may have been created to deal with an estate tax value-inclusion issue, it may not be wise to simply dismantle them because estate tax is no longer a problem for the client. Indeed, it may be a good idea to actually cause inclusion of the FLP interest in the estate. This can be accomplished by revising the partnership or operating agreement and having a parent document control over the FLP. Then, an I.R.C. §754 election can be made which can allow the heirs to get a basis step-up.

inclusion of asset value in the estate at death) is now of primary importance for most people, asset protection may also be a major concern. Pre-nuptial agreements have become more common in recent decades, and marital trusts are also used to ultimately pass assets to the heirs of the first spouse to die (who may not be the surviving spouse’s heirs) at the death of the surviving spouse. Powers of attorney for both financial and health care remain a crucial part of any estate plan. For a farm family, the financial power should be in addition to the FSA Form 211, and give the designated agent the authority to deal with any financial-related matter that the principal otherwise could.

Conclusion While estate planning has been made easier by the TCJA, that doesn’t mean that it is no longer necessary. Reviewing existing plans with an estate planning professional is important. Also, the TCJA is only temporary. The estate and gift tax provisions expire at the end of 2025. When that happens, the exemption reverts to what it was under prior law and then is adjusted for inflation. For deaths in 2026, the federal estate and gift tax exemption is estimated to be somewhere between $6.5 and $7.5 million. While those numbers are still high enough to cover the vast majority of people, they are a far cry from the present $11.58 million amount.

Other estate planning points to consider include:

Other Planning Issues

One thing is for sure – a great deal of wealth is going to transfer in the coming decades. One estimate I have seen is that approximately $30 trillion in asset value will transfer over the next 30-40 years. That’s about a trillion per year over that timeframe. A chunk of that will involve farm and ranch real estate, livestock, equipment and other personal property.

•

While income tax basis planning (using techniques to cause

Is your plan up-to-date?

For life insurance, it’s probably not a good idea to SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

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EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR Pioneer in Stockmanship and Low-Stress Cattle Handling

Peanut butter and jelly. Eggs and bacon. Milk and cookies. Some things you just can’t think about without the other, and that’s the case with stockmanship — and Curt Pate.

question wasn’t whether we should do so, it was why hadn’t we done so before,” said Bill Dale, executive director of the California Beef Council.

For more than a decade, Pate has educated tens of thousands of beef industry professionals, from ranchers and farmers, to students and employees at feedyards and packing plants. He’s one of the most sought-after clinicians for teaching best practices on safe and effective livestock handling in the United States.

Pate was sharing his insights on best practices for low-stress livestock handling even before BQA was formally created and has been a major proponent in developing clinics and demonstrations around BQA’s guidelines since. These guidelines combine common sense husbandry techniques with scientific knowledge to raise better quality cattle.

With the immense impact he’s made on the beef industry, it’s no wonder Pate is the 2020 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Educator Award winner. “When discussing the idea of nominating Curt for this award, the 70

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“I’m using an age-old technology, and now we’re combining that with modern technology and science. You can’t have one without the other,” Pate said. SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

For Pate, educating the beef industry on stockmanship is vital to the safety of cattle and those working with them, and for the continued improvement and sustainability of the industry as a whole. The combination of good stockmanship techniques with BQA guidelines provides transparency to consumers on industry practices and shows how seriously beef producers take the welfare of their livestock. Pate’s success in teaching isn’t just the information he presents, but that he shares it in a way that reaches his audiences. His lifelong work in multiple aspects of the beef industry — Pate’s grandfathers were both cattlemen, his father worked in the auction business, and Pate himself manages a small SPRING DIRECTIONS 2020

grazing operation in Ryegate, Mont. – all add credibility to his instruction. No matter what segment of the industry his audience works in, he forms an instant camaraderie with them through referencing his experiences, both the good and the bad. “He has an innate ability to connect with producers from every background and instill in them confidence in his expertise and ability. I personally have seen producers go from skeptics of the BQA program prior to hearing Curt, to staunch believers afterwards in the need for the program and continued improvement in our industry,” said Jill Scofield, director of producer relations for the California Beef Council. NATIONAL CATTLEMEN

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Pate also adapts his teaching to different audiences, to show how they can implement techniques in a manner that works for their specific operation and skills, rather than a ‘one size fits all’ solution. This approach, as shown by follow-up research conducted by state beef councils and other organizations, has greater success in getting producers to embrace BQA best practices and improve the overall health and safety for cattle and employees. It isn’t just the beef industry that has received the benefits of Pate’s instruction. As public scrutiny on livestock production grows, Pate has also become active in sharing the positive stories of the industry with consumers and influencers in other fields. One avenue he does this through is his blog, Scoop Loop, which features Pate’s musings on his experiences, recaps on his events and trainings, and provides insights on livestock handling. He also participates in the California Beef Council’s annual Pasture to Plate tour, providing demonstrations of proper stockmanship techniques and explaining the value of the BQA program to leaders in the foodservice and retail industries as part of the event’s three-day tour of the beef industry. One tenet that always comes across in Pate’s instruction is

his belief that, no matter what you know, there is always an opportunity to learn more and improve. “The two biggest things I see that will improve BQA is learning new methods and being willing to change to improve,” Pate said in an October post on Scoop Loop. The BQA Educator Award is funded in part by the Beef Checkoff and made possible through the generosity of Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health. For more information on Pate and other 2020 BQA Award winners, visit www.bqa.org/about/bqa-awards.

About Beef Quality Assurance Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationally coordinated, state implemented program funded by the Beef Checkoff that provides U.S. beef producers guidelines and certification drawn from common sense husbandry techniques and accepted scientific knowledge on how to raise cattle under optimum management and environmental conditions. BQA reflects a positive public image and instills consumer confidence in the beef industry. When producers implement the best management practices of a BQA program, they assure their cattle are the best they can be. For more information on BQA, visit www.bqa.org.

Getting things done takes sweat. Getting it done right, takes pride. BQA is proud to launch all-new online certification modules. It’s on-demand training to help you stand tall against everyday challenges. Get after it at BQA.org.

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Funded by the Beef Checkoff.

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