Reading Time: 4 minutes Artificial insemination (AI) offers cattle producers the opportunity to use semen from high-accuracy, genetically superior sires at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a herd bull with similar genetics. “In addition, using estrus synchronization and AI can increase the number of calves born earlier in the calving season and increase weaning weights of calves,” […] Read more
Maximize pregnancy rates when artificially inseminating livestock
There are several steps producers can take to improve AI success
Consider pregnancy checking cattle early
Cows that aren’t in calf can be culled, freeing up valuable forage resources for the remaining herd
Reading Time: 3 minutes Beef cattle producers can realize significant savings by identifying and culling nonpregnant females prior to winter feeding, says Carl Dahlen, North Dakota State University extension service beef cattle specialist. Also, by pregnancy checking now, producers can optimize resource utilization by stocking pastures with pregnant cows,” he adds. Although winter feed costs represent 60 to 70 […] Read moreKeep an eye on bulls before and during the breeding season
Reading Time: 2 minutes The importance of pre-breeding bull management often is highlighted as a means to prepare for a successful breeding season, says Carl Dahlen, North Dakota State University Extension Service beef cattle specialist. “However, a successful breeding season is not necessarily guaranteed once healthy bulls are turned out with a group of females.” A breeding soundness exam […] Read more
Stoke up your horse’s hay-burners if you want them to stay warm
Hay-burners Feeding a good-quality hay in sufficient amounts is one of the best ways to keep horses warm through cold weather
Reading Time: 3 minutes Winter is in full force, and horse owners need to make sure they feed their animals appropriately for the conditions, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service equine specialist Carrie Hammer. Feeding good-quality hay in sufficient amounts is one of the best ways to help horses keep warm. Feed digestion produces heat, with the […] Read moreNorth Dakota State University develops farm fuel budget app
Comparisons Producers can compare projected fuel costs and use based on alternative crop acreages, tillage systems and crop rotations
Reading Time: 2 minutes Farmers can use a new Farm Fuel Budget cellphone app to plan their farm fuel budget and use for the next year or more. John Nowatzki, North Dakota State University Extension Service agricultural machine systems specialist, developed the Android cellphone app for crop producers to compare projected fuel costs based on alternate crop acreages, tillage […] Read moreBuild nitrogen through better grazing management
Controllable You can’t do much about rainfall, but you can manage nitrogen, which is just as important
Reading Time: 2 minutes Low rainfall during the growing season is the most obvious factor causing reduced grass production. However, low available mineral nitrogen at less than 100 pounds per acre is responsible for greater than half of the reduction in herbage production. “Most grassland pastures managed with traditional practices have mineral nitrogen available at 60 to 75 pounds […] Read moreNDSU feeding trials with peas, hulless barley and DDGS
Reading Time: 2 minutes North Dakota State University researchers have reported on beef cattle-feeding trials with field peas, hulless barley and distillers grains over the past year. Some results include: Dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) can be used to supplement growing steers fed medium-quality hay. Feeding DDGS on alternate days may be an option when forage availability is […] Read more
Ingested wire can cause serious illness in cattle
Reading Time: 2 minutes Inverted tires can make great containers to hold cattle feed and water, but tires also can pose health risks for the animals if the tires aren’t maintained regularly. “If the tires you are using on your operation have wire in the walls, this wire can break off and subsequently be consumed by cattle,” warns North […] Read more
Cache Valley Virus Suspected In Sheep Abortions
Reading Time: < 1 minute North Dakota veterinarians say that the Cache Valley virus may have been responsible for recent abortions in sheep in the central part of the state. “Preliminary laboratory investigation implicates the Cache Valley virus,” said Neil Dyer, director of North Dakota State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Determining whether Cache Valley was the cause of the abortions […] Read more
Taking Steps To Prevent Rabies
Reading Time: 2 minutes The rabies virus may be in saliva for three to five days in domestic dogs and cats and up to eight days in skunks before the animals show clinical signs… North Dakota State University Extension Service veterinarian Charlie Stoltenow is urging people to prevent themselves and their animals from becoming infected. The most common way […] Read more
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