Wallace Center Pasture Project Rotational Grazing Remote Learning Curriculum Outline Section 2: Herd Management

2.) Herd Management A.) Genetics and Phenotype People new to the cattle business will get limitless advice about what the “best breed” is for raising cattle. Don’t concern yourself with breed as much as you do with phenotype. Many different breeds have strongly desired phenotypes. Phenotype means the observable physical characteristics of an animal, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences. Animals that do well on pasture are typically lower framed, efficient cattle. LINK: http://animals.mom.me/cattle-phenotype-9717.html LINK: http://pastureproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Grass-fed-genetics.pdf

2.) Herd Management B.) Desired bull traits Male cattle are referred to as bulls. Bull should be masculine in appearance, and have solid muscle feature, being widest and the mid-section when viewed from the rear. See additional video links before for more relevant information. LINK: http://pastureproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Grass-fed-genetics.pdf LINK: http://www.beefmagazine.com/business/0301-growth-characteristics-important

2.) Herd Management C.) Desired Cow traits Females cattle that have had a calf are referred to as cows. Proper cow selection is critical to a successful cattle operation in order to produce offspring with desired traits. Cows should look feminine and must be efficient enough to survive in the climate that you need them to perform in. LINK: http://pastureproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Grass-fed-genetics.pdf LINK: http://www.grazeonline.com/grassfednumbers

2.) Herd Management D.) Herd Health An unhealthy herd is not sustainable. Proactive herd health is the best management technique. Providing your animals, with fresh water and pasture will resolve many issues. Non-feedlot environments naturally have less health issues. From time to time you will need a veterinarian to resolve issues as they arise, or to assist in herd management (preg checks, castration, vaccination etc.) Talk to local ranchers for references. LINK: http://extension.psu.edu/animals/beef/nutrition/articles/beef-herd-health

2.) Herd Management E.) Nutrition An It is critical to give cattle plenty of proper quality feed to ensure they stay healthy and make proper gains. Traditionally cattle will consumer around 3% of their body weight in dry matter daily. Remember to calculate for waste, and feed quality. When it doubt, give them extra, especially when finishing animals. Proper nutrition will leave to solid health and weight gains. Test your forages for nutritional value. If you have poor palatability and poor nutrition levels, you cattle could actually lose weight and condition despite have enough physical feed present.

2.) Herd Management E.) Nutrition Good Beef Nutrition Information Links LINK: http://extension.psu.edu/animals/camelids/nutrition/what-is-forage-quality-and-how-does-it-effect-a-feeding-program LINK: http://www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-1219/ANR-1219.pdf

2.) Herd Management F.) Reproduction There are two methods to reproduce and grow your herd. Artificial insemination (AI) from a vet, or natural reproduction with a fertile bull. Both can be successful if used correctly. Which one you use is often determined by your management goals, facility, and personal preference. LINK:https://www.uwyo.edu/agecon/what%20we%20do/senior%20theses/2010_03_29_seniorthesis_pjacobsen.pdf LINK: http://www.beefmagazine.com/americancowman/beef-and-business/ai-vs-bull