December Newsletter 2017
BBA 1.2 Meeting Summary
The second session in our education series was held on Tuesday evening, November 28 at Indian Hills Ranch at Cranfills Gap. We want to again thank Buck and Sidney Thomason for hosting the event. There were over 40 in attendance and the grilled hamburgers were a big hit!
Genetics Session...Buck Thomason
- Know what your goals are for your cattle operation before deciding what direction to go with genetics.
- Crossbreeding is the only thing that yields “free pounds”……...40-60 lbs on average.
- Several English breeds include: Angus, Hereford, and Shorthorn
- Zebu breeds all are Brahman based
- Composite breeds would include: Brangus, Beefmaster and Santa Gertrudis
Thomason stated that he chose the Brangus breed because it combined several features of the Zebu and English breeds. The Angus side contributed fertility and excellent carcass traits. The Zebu (Brahman) side gives us longevity and heat tolerance.
Thomason markets bulls and heifers to other registered breeders as well as many commercial cattlemen.
He also sells frozen embryos to the international market, primarily numerous South American countries.
Thomason stated that EPD’s are given for bulls that are for sale. This Expected Progeny Difference can help a cattlemen chose the right bull to improve their herd, i.e. make more money!
Winter Supplementation...Dr. Doug Hawkins
Following are the goals of a good supplementation program:
- Support utilization of forage…...grass or hay.
- Maintain proper body condition to get cows re-bred on time
- Enable calves to express their genetics… maximize weaning weights.
Forage can be classified into 3 different quality grades: Vegetative, Transitional and Reproductive.
An effective supplementation program should enable cattle to consume the supplement based on the quality of forage.....very little if forage is vegetative, moderate amount if in the transitional stage, and then more consumption if the forage is in the reproductive or dormant stage.
Purina’s Accuration Liquid Program is designed to accomplish the above stated goals. It is the most complete program that is available in the beef cattle industry.
The supplement program is offered in two forms:
- Bulk Liquid in Lick Wheel Tanks
- Hi-Fat Tubs and Blocks
Customers choose which is best for them based on pasture size and herd size.
Mineral must be kept out on a year round basis. It provides the base for brood cow and stocker operations. Cattlemen may choose between Wind ‘N Rain bag loose mineral and/or molasses based mineral tubs. Each have their advantages. Choose the form that yields consistent daily consumption.
REMEMBER: The 3rd session of the BBA will be Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Clifton Civic Center. It will cover forage production, the use of herbicides and brush control. Mark your calendars!
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