Yearling scrotal circumference prediction equation and age adjustment factors for various breeds of beef bulls

Scrotal circumference measurements and other data were collected on 4,218 Angus, Red Angus, Brangus, Charolais , Gelbvieh, Hereford, Polled Hereford, Limousine, Salers, and Simmental bulls born in the spring of 1991. All were participants in selected on-farm and central bull tests. Our objectives for the study were to develop 205-and 365-day age-adjustment factors for scrotal circumference and derive a 365-day scrotal circumference prediction equation based on adjusted 205-day scrotal circumference. We determined that a 205-day scrotal circumference of approximately 21 cm is necessary to reach 32 cm at 1 year. Age-of-dam adjustment factor for 205-day scrotal circumference is +.8 cm for 2- and 3- year-old dams. The factor for 365-day circumference is +.6 cm for 2-year-old dams

Managing fast- vs. slow-growth genotypes to optimize quality and yield grades

Fast-growth genotype steers placed on a high energy ration a month after weaning were compared to a slow-growth genotype on a growing ration for 155 days, followed by a finishing ration for 62 days. The fast-growth genotype produced heavier, higher quality carcasses in less time than the slow-growth genotype, with similar energy conversion. Using contemporary prices. the fast-growth genotype cattle broke even, and the slow-growth genotype lost $124 per head

Insecticide-impregnated ear tags for range cattle

When both cows and calves were double-tagged (one tag per ear) with ear tags impregnated with fenvalerate (Ectrin) or permethrin (Atroban), the calves gained faster (P\u3c.01) than when neither cows nor calves were tagged. Double-tagged yearling heifers gained faster (P\u3c.05) than did heifers without tags. When all cows had been double-tagged, tagging the calves did not increase calf weight gain

Relationship of milk expected progeny differences (EPD\u27s)to milk production and calf weaning weight

Spring-calving Angus (n=37) and Simmental (n=28) cows were used to evaluate the relationship between milk expected progeny difference (EPD), milk production, total milk energy, and weaning weight. There were positive correlations between milk EPD\u27s and milk produced during lactation, total milk energy per lactation, and calf weaning weight. On average, a 1 lb increase in milk EPD predicted a 1.8 lb increase in calf weaning weight and an increase of 56.6 (Angus) and 70.2 (Simmental) lb in total milk per lactation. Our results suggest that producers can use milk EPD\u27s as selection tools to influence the milk production of their cows and subsequent weaning weights of their calves

Factors influencing net income from a steer through feedlot

1776-1976 "Buffalo to Beef" is known as Cattlemen’s Day, 1976Steers entering feedlots with higher starting weight per day of age had greater net value a t slaughter than lighter steers. Faster gaining steers brought the highest net income. Age on feed did not influence net income. High dressing percentage increased the net income but generally the relationship was low between carcass traits and net income

Performance of bulls on Kansas Bull Test

Bulls on summer test gained faster than those on winter test. Breeds from Continental Europe were taller at the shoulder and gained faster than British breeds. Older bulls that were lighter at the start of the test gained slightly faster than younger, heavier bulls, probably because of differences in condition. Adjusted 205-day weight had little relationship to performance; however, weaning weight ratio was positively related to performance on test, indicating that the heaviest bulls at weaning in a herd are most apt to perform best on test

The Kansas Beef Cattle Improvement Program

The Kansas Beef Cattle Improvement Program is to help improve beef cow herds in Kansas and to provide information that will be valuable to producers in selecting breeding animals and making management decisions. The program is not to encourage competition among herds. Environmental conditions vary from herd to herd so competitive among herds cannot be “under the same rules”

Managing beef genotypes for profit: a computer simulation

In a computer simulation based on KSU data, cattle bred and managed to be moved directly from weaning to feedlot and slaughtered at a young age produced the greatest profit. Cattle that were too small or too large and management systems that increased age at slaughter were less profitable. This accelerated system of production allows a producer to take advantage of superior genetics and the economic opportunities they provide, especially with retained ownership. The beef industry has the opportunity to continue to produce quality beef, while reducing days to slaughter by taking advantage of the higher efficiency of feed conversion of younger animals. In addition, less shrink, lower trucking costs, fewer sick days, a reduction in medication, lower marketing costs, and reduced interest costs are associated with the accelerated production system. With the availability of EPDs, there is little reason for profit minded cow-calf producers to wean calves that are not of acceptable size to enter the feedlot after the weaning process

Factors influencing net income from steers through feedlot

Calves that gained rapidly before going into the feedlot continued to gain rapidly on feed and were more profitable to both the cow-calf operator and the feeder. When fed to their genetic potential, large frame, heavy, young cattle were worth more to the cattle industry than light calves

Influence of milk. levels of beef cows on returns:a simulation approach

Results of four simulated production systems indicated that high levels of milk produced calves that were heavier at weaning, primarily because of an increase in body fat. High levels of milk production, however, were a disadvantage when calves went directly to the feedlot. With slow-growing calves, the fat either had to be depleted postweaning, or the calves had to be slaughtered at less-than-desirable weights in order to maintain desirable carcass fat. High milk intake is more tolerable for calves with fast growth rates, whereas low milk intake is a an economic necessity for calves with slow growth rates. The moderate size (1250 lbs), moderate milking (average of 16.6 lbs per day) cows produced the greatest return over feed cost