RADIO TRANSCRIPT
Date:  June 11, 2021
Agent:  Damon Pollard

This is Damon Pollard, Livestock agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Burke Center. Today’s topic is Breeding Season Management.

We are approaching the tail-end of the breeding season for beef producers aiming for calves born in the first three months of the year. This is an important time, and one filled with several management practices we often don't consider.

The herd should be observed regularly to make sure the bull is doing his job. Producers should record, when possible the numbers of each cow bred and the date. The bull often gets the blame, but if the cow is not cycling normally, we will know if we have a problem with late breeders.

Breed a few extra heifers in case there should be a problem. Culling a slow breeding cow is less of a hit, if you have a good, bred heifer to take her place.

Keep an eye of the bull’s physical condition, and give him supplemental feed to keep him from losing too much condition. Also, watch for injuries or lameness and treat accordingly.

Fly control also needs attention now. Consider all the options, dusts, sprays, feed-throughs and ear tags. The best results are often the use of a multi-pronged attack, at not always the highest price tag.

By managing these tasks during breeding season, producers can set themselves up for next year’s calf crop.

This is Damon Pollard, Livestock agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Burke Center. If you would like more information, call us at 764-9480.