HAVE BREEDS PEAKED IN BODY SIZE??

There is a lot of discussion that the body size of most breeds is moderating. Is there any evidence of that? The Fall, 1998 American Angus Sire Evaluation lists average performance records from 1972 to 1997. During that period the birth weight of bulls increased 13 lb, weaning weight 129 lb, yearling weight 242 lb, and yearling height 6.4 inches (3.2 frame scores, now frame 5.7). However, these factors have remained essentially the same for the last five to seven years. Average scrotal circumference of yearling bulls, at around 36 centimeters, has remained fairly constant since the first records in 1982, slightly decreasing if anything.

COW EFFICIENCY - IT DEPENDS

Researchers in Alberta, Canada, recently reported results of computer simulations studying beef production efficiency of several biological types of cows. The most efficient cow (based on the ratio of beef production to nutritional energy required) was a composite consisting of about 1/3 each Holstein, Brown Swiss, and beef breeds. However, "a balanced diet of adequate energy density (2.6 mcal ME / kg dry matter) was assumed to be available without restriction". According to the National Research Council, that level of energy is higher than in early vegetative alfalfa. So, if you have unlimited amounts of something with more energy than high quality alfalfa, use a 2/3 dairy cow for beef production. Otherwise, stick to a more moderate cow.

WHICH PHASE OF PRODUCTION IS MOST PROFITABLE

For 17 years Cattle-FaxTM has been tracking profit from various production phases. The winner is feedlot after wheat-pasture and short-season-grass, closely followed by feedlot after winter-drylot-backgrounding and full-season-grass. These two systems averaged making $116 and $110 and produced profits in all but 1 and 2 of the 17 years from 1981 through 1997. The clear loser was winter-drylot-backgrounding (gain of 1.0 lb / day), averaging only $6 profit and losing money in 10 of the 17 years. Cow / calf (selling at weaning) averaged profit of $23, losing money in 8 of the 17 years.

BOLUS, INJECTABLE, OR POUR-ON FOR WORMS?

Bob Whitney, CEA in Comanche Co., studied three methods of administering Ivomec^TM to Holstein heifers weighing about 600 lb. Over seven months, gaining about 300 lb, there was no difference, so the cheapest, easiest method was best.

SAFETY FIRST, REVISITED