The most recent American Angus Association Genetic Evaluation shows what changes have occurred in the breed since the program was started. From the early 70's to late 80's average birth weight EPD steadily increased but reached a plateau at that time. Weaning and yearling weight EPD's have continued to increase. Milk EPD changed little up to the mid-80's then began rising. Hip height EPD increased rapidly during the 80's but not since then. Carcass traits and scrotal circumference have changed very little. It appears Angus breeders have successfully continued to raise weaning weight, yearling weight, and milk while stabilizing birth weight and frame size.
SUPPLEMENT, FEED, OR SELL?
As August ends, depending on location and management, some producers are about completely out of pasture while others still have considerable standing grass, though it's probably low quality. The last group can supplement, with some high-protein product to better utilize that forage. But since you can't supplement nothing, the first group must feed, or sell cattle. For this group, supplement alone simply won't work, especially products designed for low consumption, so you've got to buy hay or lease pasture, either of which may also require supplementation. For forage conditions between these two extremes, a medium protein-high energy supplement (such as breeder cubes or the equivalent) may be called for, but it'll take more pounds than with high protein supplements. Now, if you're out of pasture will it pay to hold on and buy hay or lease grass? If you know when it'll rain and what cattle prices will do, you can answer that question.
STRATEGIC DEWORMING
What is the best strategy for deworming cows? How about diagnosing fecal egg counts to see if deworming is needed? Parasitologists at the Texas A&M Vet School say that's a waste of time. So when should you worm? Traditionally, the idea was to deworm in the spring right after grass came on, and maybe again in the fall. But the A&M parasitologists say that's often not the best strategy. It's been hot and very dry, so there are no worms around to worry about, right? That may be true for the pasture, but not for the cow. Cows may have an infestation right now of brown stomach worms (Ostertagia, our most common harmful internal parasite) in an arrested or dormant stage of development. Such parasites will become active and harmful this fall. A summer treatment, with products effective against the arrested stage, should minimize future worm damage in animals and reduce pasture contamination. This provides the best opportunity to disrupt the life cycle of the parasites.
TEXAS A&M RANCH TO RAIL
Ranch to Rail cattle will be started on feed the first week of October (in South Texas) or the second week of October (in the Panhandle). Consignments, of at least five head of steers, must be nominated by Sept. 10. To nominate contact Dr. John McNeill at (979) 845-3579 or go to http://animalscience-extension.tamu.edu.
AND GENES ARE BAD FOR YOU, RIGHT ?
In a recent survey, 55% of respondents thought the statement, ""Ordinary tomatoes contain no genes, while genetically modified tomatoes do", was true.
Back to Newsletter Home
