Oklahoma workers grazed bermudagrass(B) and tallgrass native pasture (N) in late August, ceased grazing, fertilized B with 50lb N/acre, and then grazed both forages with dry, pregnant cows from late October through late January. Supplements were provided at 2 lb/day of either 25% protein (B) or 38% protein (N). There was no difference between forages in change of cow weight or body condition. Total feed and forage costs for 100 days were $41.39 for B and $40.15 for N. A full feed of hay would have cost $71.88. Of course, if it doesn't rain in the early fall, there'll be nothing to stockpile.
Factors Affecting Sale Price of Bulls
South Carolina researchers analyzed prices paid for Angus and Simmental at their state bull test from 1986-1998. The most statistically significant factors affecting price, in order of decreasing importance, were: for Angus, birthweight EPD, weight-per-day-of-age, and hip height; and for Simmental, birthweight EPD, off-test weight, and total maternal EPD (which combines weaning weight EPD and milk EPD). Instead of using weight-per-day of-age or off-test weight, more accurate selection could have been made using yearling weight EPD. Also, Simmental calculate a calving ease EPD, which is more accurate in reducing dystocia than birthweight EPD. Arkansas workers evaluated prices paid for Charolais bulls in 1998-99. Buyers averaged paying $20.60 for every 10 lb difference in adjusted weaning weight, $209 for polled over horned, $135 for every difference of 1 lb ADG, and $349 for 2-yr-olds over yearlings.
Selecting Sires on Marbling EPD
Florida workers used Angus sires that were either near breed average in EPD for weight and milk traits or were highest in the breed in marbling EPD (and had accuracy values over .5). Marbling sires were selected without considering other traits. Progeny did not differ in birth weight, weaning weight, carcass weight, yield grade, or tenderness. But high-marbling sires progeny had significantly larger ribeyes (11.5 sq in vs 11.1) and higher marbling scores (Small 37 vs Small 10).
Hay Feeder Design VS. Cow Behavior
Michigan researchers studied behavior of cows fed hay in a ring, cone, cradle, or trailer. Cows fed in one of the round feeders (ring or cone) had only one-fourth to one-half as many aggressive interactions. So, in addition to animal welfare concerns, round feeders should waste less hay.
Rotational VS. Constant Grazing
Kansas workers grazed fall-calving cows on wheat in late spring followed by bermuda interseeded with legumes in summer. Some groups were rotated among 8 paddocks, every 2 to 3.5 days, while others grazed their pasture continuously. Grazing system had no significant effect on average forage availability or on weight gain of either cows or calves.
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