National Cattlemens Beef Association Introduction 2 Welcome Welcome

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Introduction 2

Welcome • Welcome to “Prevention Programs and Technologies to Improve Reproductive Performance” • This training module will: – Help you better manage and reduce your herd’s reproductive losses – Introduce you to appropriate prevention strategies and reproductive technologies 3

Module Contents • References to documents providing additional / expanded information • Review sections with activities to check your understanding of topics presented 4

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Key Performance Measures 5

Key Performance Measures • Is there is a need to improve reproductive performance? – Preventing and managing herd reproductive losses can make huge differences in yearly profitability • After completing this lesson, you will be able to: – Evaluate herd performance data needed to measure reproductive performance – Calculate key performance measures 6

Record Keeping “You can’t manage what you don’t measure. ” • Impossible to reverse losses once they’ve occurred • Keeping key herd production records: – Provides baseline data required to see if reproductive performance is where it should be – Helps identify herd strengths and weaknesses – Helps make good management decisions resulting in future improvements 7

Record Keeping (continued) • You may already track and record herd data. Are you using those numbers to help pinpoint losses? Look at this sample data from the Peterson Ranch. With this information alone, you can calculate some of your herd’s key reproductive performance measures. 8

Performance Measures • With the current baseline data, you can calculate: – – – Pregnancy Percent Calving Percent Weaned Calf Crop Percent Pounds Weaned per Female Exposed Calving Distribution • An efficient herd – The investment made in cost of production turns into a return, or profit. • An inefficient herd – The returns from calf sales may simply offset the costs of production. 9

Pregnancy Percent - Conception Rate • Number of cows that actually conceived a calf after being exposed to the bull – Low pregnancy percentage means: • Fewer calves on the ground to sell • Money must be spent to maintain cows that won’t provide any return 10

Calving Percent • Number of cows that actually gave birth to a live calf – Lower calving rate than pregnancy rate is significant • Losses occurring during gestation or at calving • Money being spent to maintain cows that won’t produce a calf to sell 11

Weaned Calf Crop Percent • Number of cows that fail to wean a live calf – Can be calculated even if regular pregnancy checks not performed – Cost same to feed and require same amount of labor as cows that do wean a calf – Producers see no return from non-productive cows – Determine calves lost between calving and weaning • Compare percentages of calving and weaned calf crop – If excessive calf loss, troubleshoot to find the cause 12

Pounds Weaned per Female Exposed • Pounds weaned per female exposed – Factors in production costs with generated return – If measure is too low, directly affects profitability – Key indicator of herd reproductive performance issues that may require management changes 13

Calving Distribution Charts • Number of calves born alive in each 21 -day period • In this example, most of the herd’s calves were born in the 3 rd period 14

Calving Distribution Charts These calves are 3540 lbs lighter than calves born in the first 21 days. These calves will be older at weaning and have the heaviest weaning weights. These calves may be up to 120 lbs lighter than calves born in the first 21 days. 15

Ideal Calving Distribution 16

Poor Calving Distribution 17

Comparing Calving Distributions - 56, 600 lbs weaned 48, 400 lbs weaned 8, 200 lbs 18

Constructing a Calving Distribution Chart Step 1: Count and record the number of mature cows calving. 19

Constructing a Calving Distribution Chart Step 2: Circle third mature cow calving. 20

Constructing a Calving Distribution Chart Step 3: Count down 21 days from when the 3 rd cow calved and draw a line. 21

Calving Distribution • Calculating production measures helps identify herd performance improvements. – Pregnancy and Calving Percents directly relate to performance issues. • Too many open cows • Too many calves lost during gestation or calving – Weaned Calf Crop Percent and Pounds Weaned per Female Exposed relate to herd efficiencies. Helps determine: • If cows are getting pregnant early enough in the season • Health or nutrition problems that require management changes • This data helps reduce reproductive and financial losses. 22

Calving Distribution Activity • Let’s practice! – Open your Calving Distribution spreadsheet – Sample data – Calculate your own data • What did you learn from your calving distribution? • Does your distribution seem to be improving from year to year? • What could be the cause of poor distribution? 23

Key Performance Measures Summary • In most cases, data collected in the Red Book or BRS Book can be used to calculate: – – Pregnancy percent Calving percent Weaned calf crop percent Pounds weaned per female exposed – Calving distribution 24

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Benchmarking 25

Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking • In this lesson, you’ll learn: – How to conduct a comparative analysis – Step-by-step comparison of the herd’s production data with the production facts from other herds in the region – To assess the herd’s strengths and weaknesses. 26

Benchmark Data Overview • To successfully use herd records and production measures, compare them to some kind of standard or point of reference – See where you are “beating” the standards and where the standards are “beating” you – Known as benchmarking, or conducting a comparative analysis • Helps quickly identify areas of herd strength, weakness, and opportunity 27

Benchmark Data Overview (continued) Where can you find benchmark data? • Many farms and ranches don’t use benchmark herd data • Benchmark data, like Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) is more available now – The Beef Cattle SPA page on the Texas A&M Agricultural Extension site – The SPA records page on the Iowa State Extension site 28

Benchmark Data Overview (continued) • It’s easy to become overwhelmed by a benchmark summary report. This course will review the production data only. 29

Comparative Analysis • You are the final decision maker when it comes to determining your herd’s strengths and weaknesses. • There may be unique circumstances that make your herd’s performance differences a logical variation rather than a sign of weakness. • Conducting a comparative analysis is a great way to identify potential strengths and weaknesses so you can make better future management decisions. 30

Comparative Analysis: Benchmarking Summary • Comparing a herd’s production data to benchmark data allows: – Assessment of how the herd is doing – Where improvements can be made • Production measures simple to calculate with current herd production records • Recognize improvement opportunities for the reproductive performance of the herd 31

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Performance Improvement Strategies 32

Performance Improvement Strategies • What is the best action to take to reduce or manage potential herd weaknesses? • In this lesson, you will learn about: – Factors that influence reproductive performance – How these factors relate to performance measures – How implementing a balanced management strategy can help prevent losses 33

Five Key Influencers • Identify areas for improvement • Understand what items contribute to good reproductive performance: – – – Nutrition Environment Genetics Health Handling 34

Nutrition • Nutrition affects reproduction: – Inability to return to heat after calving – Slow rebreeding performance or inability to rebreed – Poor milk production and weaker calves – Slow fetal growth – Calves with low birth weights – Low weaning weights – Calf death loss • • Poor nutrition also affects beef production. High nutrition levels can lead to over conditioning and high feed costs. 35

Environment • Environmental conditions impact herd reproductive performance and play key role in nutrition – Droughts and storms directly affect availability and quality of feedstuffs – Muddy conditions drag down cow condition and affect nutritional requirements – Temperature extremes stress cows and reduce fertility – Herd reproductive performance impacted most when conditions occur soon after breeding, during fetal development of calf 36

Environment (continued) • During extreme heat or drought conditions – Make sure cows have access to shade and adequate air movement. – Provide plenty of cool water – Don’t force recently inseminated cows to stand in treeless, dry lot situations – Avoid working or stressing cattle during hottest times of the day • During cold, wet or windy conditions – Be diligent about checking cows for signs of calving – Make sure cows calve in clean, well-drained calving location with windbreaks or woods – Use commercial calf blankets to increase calf survivability 37

Genetics • Genetics can have a major impact on herd reproductive performance – – Directly impact heifer development Timing of first heat Fertility Ability to carry a healthy calf to full term – Ease of birthing – Milking ability – How soon the cow comes back into heat after calving 38

Genetics (continued) • Performing Breeding Soundness Exams (BSE) prior to breeding season helps evaluate overall quality and effectiveness of bulls – Helps assess bull for characteristics / right traits to pass on to heifers and cows – Ask beef cattle veterinarian to conduct annual BSE on all breeding bulls • Implementing Artificial Insemination (AI) introduces higher quality genetics from outside the herd – Opportunity to use bulls possessing superior genetics – Economically feasible – Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) allows selection of sire 39

Herd Health • The effects health has on reproductive performance are less obvious • When a cow’s health is sub-par, certain diseases impact cow productivity – – – Timing of heat Ability to carry a healthy calf to full term Body condition Milking ability Ability to come back into heat after calving • The introduction of new cows (or bulls) to the breeding herd, clothing, equipment, and vehicles can be disease agents. 40

Herd Health (continued) How can you manage herd health to improve performance? • Develop comprehensive herd health program – Improves herd’s ability to resist disease – Preventive medicine in preparation of future challenges • Utilize biosecurity and biocontainment protocols to reduce introduction and spread of disease agents – Control / eliminate diseases already present – Disease prevention – Disease immunity 41

Handling / Transportation • How cows are handled can affect their reproductive performance • Poor handling can result in stressed animals – Reduced conception rates – Limit cow’s ability to carry a calf to full-term – Increase interval between calving and return to heat 42

Handling / Transportation (continued) • For appropriate handling: – Implement protocols outlined in state Beef Quality Assurance programs – Adopt team management approach 43

Performance Measures 44

Diagnosing a Problem • Identify causes of poor reproductive performance • Design balanced management strategies to improve results • Use these diagnostic tips to effectively find problems: – Observe cattle – Keep detailed records – Communicate frequently with your management team 45

Performance Improvement Strategies Summary • Key influencers of a herd’s performance include: – – – – Nutrition Environment Genetics Herd Health Handling and Transportation Relate to each other and affect each other Effect key performance measures and impact bottom line • It is important to properly diagnose source of the issue and balance management approach. • Using a balanced management approach helps improve reproductive and production performance. 46

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Technologies 47

Technologies • Reproductive technologies – Another option to enhance a herd’s reproductive performance • After completing this lesson, you will be able to identify technologies to help prevent loss and improve reproductive efficiencies. 48

Why Technology? • Producers today have many options when it comes to technologies. • Technologies require proper implementation and attention to detail in order to be useful. • Improper implementation of technology can cause increased costs and frustration. • Proper planning and implementation strategies are necessary to receive full benefits technologies can provide. 49

Identify Herd Goals • Improving reproductive management through adoption and successful implementation of reproductive technologies – Adds value to a herd and increases long-term profitability • Identify goals before choosing or evaluating improvement technologies – What are you trying to accomplish? 50

Cow-Calf Producers • Commercial cow-calf producers must consider cost-effective technology applications • Improved reproductive performance can increase: – Number of calves weaned – Weaning weights – Ability to market uniform calf crop • Returns must outweigh costs of implementing technology to remain profitable • Technologies that provide good returns: – Artificial insemination – Estrus synchronization – Ultrasound technology 51

Artificial Insemination (AI) • AI is technology used to breed animals without using a bull. – Sperm from bull is inserted into cow’s reproductive tract using an AI gun – Semen from high quality bulls • Purchased from CSS or Certified Semen Sales supplier • Fewer bulls need to be kept on farm – Improves conception rates 52

Artificial Insemination (continued) • To implement AI procedures on your farm: – Excellent herd management – Attention to detail – Managerial decisions (feeding, facilities, sire selection) should be made before using AI – Experienced, trained technicians should perform AI procedures – Heat detection is crucial 53

Artificial Insemination (continued) • Costs to utilize AI – – – Experienced AI technician Increased management More handling facilities Semen / Semen Storage Tank AI Gun 54

Estrus Synchronization • Estrus synchronization is a way to time reproduction by administering naturally occurring reproductive hormones at specific time intervals to make a majority of the breeding females come into heat at the same time. – Improves efficiency of AI program – Helps market more uniform, consistent calf crop – Heavier calves at distinct times of year – Helps control calving distribution – Helps shorten length of postpartum anestrous 55

Estrus Synchronization (continued) • Three types of Synch programs – Heat detection and breed upon observation, followed by a "clean-up" AI session; – Fixed-time AI • All programs require attention to detail – – Body condition score of cows evaluated / adjusted at calving Proper heat detection Pregnancy checks done early (60 to 70 days after end of season) Facilities well-designed / reliable • Use estrus synchronization planner 56

Estrus Synchronization (continued) • Implementing an estrus synchronization program requires: – – – Skilled technicians / labor More management time Increased concentration on facility design / equipment Additional costs (determined by protocol used) Consultation with synchronization-experienced individual helpful in selection and implementation of best program • AI industry representative • Veterinarian • University specialist 57

Ultrasound Technology • Ultrasound technology (ultrasonography) – Used to improve your herd’s reproductive performance – Used for early pregnancy detection – Used to detect pregnancy • Between 60 to 80 days post insemination – Cows identified as “open” earlier reduces costs of non-producing females • Moved to earlier breeding season • Culled earlier 58

Ultrasound Technology (continued) • Ultrasound – Requires skilled technicians – Attention to detailed records – Allows for early pregnancy detection – Utilized to perform embryo sexing 59

Ultrasound Technology (continued) • Costs of using Ultrasound Technology – Labor to gather and handle cattle – Ultrasound technicians – Time keeping records to make ultrasound applications successful 60

Early Pregnancy Tests • Early pregnancy tests help improve herd reproductive performance – Simple blood tests available today to detect if cows are pregnant or open – Identifies open cows earlier – Ensures cows are rebred as soon as they cycle again 61

Embryo Transfer (ET) • Embryo Transfer produces calves from a genetically superior cow. – Embryos (eggs) collected from superior cow – Embryos are inserted into recipient cows with good mothering abilities • Advantages: – Allows cow to produce larger number of offspring earlier in life – Improves her EPDs – Provides the producer additional marketing opportunities from calves, pregnancies, and embryos 62

Embryo Transfer (continued) • Factors to consider before using ET technology – – – – – Select superior donor cows Administer hormones at right time Use proper artificial insemination techniques to ensure fertilization Adequate flushing to recover embryos for transfer Diligent evaluation and processing for viable embryos Selection of adequate recipient cows Successful transfer Proper management of the recipient herd Marketability of the calves 63

Embryo Transfer (continued) • Embryo transfer technology costs are high – Can be recovered if calves marketed appropriately – Highest cost is maintaining recipient herd – Extra labor necessary to administer • Injections • Heat detection • Artificial insemination • Facility costs similar to other AI systems operations 64

Sexed Semen • Sexed semen used to achieve gender-specific calf crop – Female-sexed semen used to inseminate cows / heifers to get replacement heifers – Semen from superior bulls processed and sex sorted 65

Cloning • Cloning technologies available, but not yet practical – Used to research reproductive management practices – More control of reproductive processes – Procedure used to copy genetic material of one animal to create new individual from same genetic information – During fertilization, egg and sperm join together to form genetic material for embryo – Genetic material removed from egg, fertilized by somatic (body type) cell – New embryo made of identical genetic material to somatic cell – New individual will have characteristics similar to original animal 66

Cloning (continued) • Cloning procedures valuable to researchers – Can create several individuals with same genetic material – Can differentiate between genetic and environmentally controlled factors – Research trials can be performed studying fertility of genetically identical cows – Differences in fertility rates can be attributed to management factors – Genetic material from genetically outstanding animals can be copied 67

Technologies Summary • Technologies used to improve reproductive performance • Important to consider herd’s characteristics before deciding to implement new technology – What are goals for your herd? – What are you trying to achieve? 68

National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Goal Setting and Action Planning 69

Goal Setting and Action Planning • Important to set herd reproductive performance goals – Before making management system changes to prevent losses and improve performance • Identify characteristics of – A “SMART” goal – Critical components of Action Plan for reproductive improvement 70

The Importance of Goals • Goals give benchmarks to achieve in one or more business areas • Setting goals helps establish priorities – Concentrate time, efforts, and money in right places • Goals act as communication tools – – Sharing goals with management team Solicit feedback and insights Everyone on same page Everyone working toward same outcome • Goals help identify if changes have been successful 71

Aligning Goals • Herd reproductive performance goals must be aligned with areas identified as needing improvement • Refer back to comparative analysis • Talk with herd management team • Determine where to focus efforts 72

SMART Goals S M A R T PECIFIC EASURABLE TTAINABLE ELATED IME-BASED 73

Specific • SMART goals need to be specific. They should answer the following questions: – – What is going to be done? How will it be done? Who will do it? Why is this important? 74

Measurable • A measurable goal will help you determine the benchmark where you start and will have a clear cut signal of completion. • Being able to measure means having numbers, timelines, or tasks to complete. • Remember, you can’t manage what you don’t measure! 75

Attainable • There is no purpose in setting a goal you can’t achieve, and unattainable goals will be discouraging. • Goals should help you stretch, but they must not be impossible. 76

Related • All your planning efforts on all levels need to be integrated. • That means they need to mesh together so one supports another. 77

Time-Based • Set a timeframe for the goal: for next week, in three months, by the end of the calving season. • Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. • If you don’t set a time limit, the commitment is too vague and there may not be enough urgency to start taking action. 78

Communicate Goals • Once goals are determined – Communicate goals to rest of management team – Identify what practices need to change to meet goals – Work with team to identify Action Plan • Action Plan includes specific tasks to be done and by whom • How to do each task • When tasks should be completed – Discuss and document associated costs you may incur • Training on new technologies 79

Adjusting Goals • Implement Action Plan – Document adjustments made along the way – Document challenges that come up along the way • Important obstacles that prevent reaching goals, such as: – Short term drought – Extreme heat stress – Continue to keep records on herd performance • Compare to previous records as well as to goals – Determine when it’s realistic to conduct another comparative analysis • Have changes resulted in improved performance? 80

Goal Setting and Action Planning Summary Congratulations! • Thank you for taking the time to learn more about prevention programs and technologies that will help you improve the reproductive performance of your herd. 81