Life Sciences Commons^™

G83-666 Breeding Soundness Examination Of Beef Bulls, James A. Gosey

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide describes factors to consider when evaluating a beef bull's reproductive ability. These include the reproductive tract, semen and mating desire. A herd bull that will settle a higher percentage of cows during a limited breeding season is essential to a successful cow-calf operation. In many cow-calf operations, however, the bull's role in the herd's reproductive performance is taken for granted. The bull's fertility is several times more important than that of a cow. Each bull can be expected to settle as many as 30 cows. The bull also contributes half of the genetic potential of the entire calf …

G83-655 Management Of Early Weaned Calves, Paul Q. Guyer

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Historical Materials

This NebGuide discusses the benefits and disadvantages of weaning beef calves early, including rations and methods for both drylot and pasture-grain feeding programs.

Early weaning of beef calves is a management practice that should be considered under situations such as fall calving, drylot cow-calf production and drought. In areas where forage quality is very poor in late summer and early fall, early weaning might also be considered as a regular practice. Early weaning can enhance the efficiency of drylot cow-calf operations by allowing greater use of poor quality roughages by the cow herd.