FACTORS AFFECTING FEEDER PRICE

Oklahoma workers have analyzed prices of some 31,000 head of steers and heifers at 15 sale barns in eastern Oklahoma during the four weeks of October, 1997. The following comparisons are in $/cwt. In relation to straight Angus: straight Hereford brought $6.87 less; black or red with white face $0.81 more; black exotic-cross $3.15 more; other exotic-cross $2.08 more; dairy-cross $19.35 less; Longhorn-cross $21.35 less; below 1/4 Brahman $0.24 less; above 1/4 Brahman $3.76 less. For dairy-, Longhorn-, and Brahman-cross, discounts were less for heifers than steers, perhaps due to possible use as herd replacements. Compared to Large frame, Medium brought $2.36 less but Small were $18.86 lower. Compared to Heavy muscling, Medium were $9.37 lower and Light $26.48 lower. Compared to Average gut fill, Gaunt were $10.32 lower, Shrunk $1.92 lower, Full $4.15 lower, and Tanked $9.08 lower. Compared to Average body flesh, Very thin were $13.24 lower, Thin $3.64 lower, Fleshy $2.56 lower, and Fat $6.01 lower. Producers should breed and manage to avoid the really big discounts, while optimizing reproduction, survival, weight, and costs.

'TRAINER' COWS FOR STARTING CAVLES OF FEED

Western Canadians have studied the use of "trainer" cows to show newly weaned calves how to eat from a bunk and drink from waterers. In pens with a trainer cow, 82% of calves ate the first day in the pen, compared to only 48% of calves without a trainer cow. On day 2 the rates were 68% and 38%. By day 3 there was no difference. After 28 days there was no difference in calf gains, but only 8% of the "trained" calves were treated for sickness, compared to 16% for the group without a trainer cow. In other studies, feedlot-adapted steers used as trainers did not produce the same effects. Early consumption of feed and water is important in getting calves going, especially in reducing health problems.

BODY CONDITION LOSS: EFFECTS ON ESTRUS

Minnesota researchers have reported the effects of loss of body condition on estrus in heifers. Heifers were fed to achieve body condition scores (BCS) of either 7 or 5. Then both groups were fed low-energy diets until estrus ceased, followed by high-energy diets until estrus resumed. Regardless of initial BCS, heifers ceased estrus at about BCS3. BCS7 heifers resumed estrus with less body condition gain. Estrus ceased at a threshold body condition, not after some amount or percentage of weight was lost. Therefore, heifers in above average condition can lose more weight and condition and still cycle, compared to average heifers. .

FEEDING CORN TO COWS

It has rained, but most producers face winter without much standing forage, and probably low supplies of hay. Corn is relatively cheap. Cows can be fed high levels of their diet as corn, and whole corn works fine. Just be sure to provide at least 0.5% bodyweight of roughage, adequate protein and minerals, and have plenty of trough space. But, you will have to feed every day.