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Breeding Soundness Exams and Vaccinations
While Edmondson stresses vaccinations and parasitic control measures for young and old bulls alike , breeding soundness exams ( BSEs ) should also be non-negotiable .
“ A BSE done in a timely manner to receive results before turnout is money well spent . It ’ s an insurance policy to be sure bulls will not only be able to breed but settle the cows . They are the one piece of the puzzle affecting every one of the calves for the next season . Fertility , good health , eyes , feet — things necessary to breed cows successfully .”
For breeding females , she urges producers to read the vaccine labels and handle each one properly , as they all differ . She says both modified live and killed vaccines will work in varied situations but encourages working with a knowledgeable and trusted local veterinarian who understands diseases common to their geographic location and management systems . The timing of pregnancy checking and defenses against area reproductive disease challenges should also be assessed .
Timing of DNA Testing and Bloodwork
The specifics of the health cycle also reach from the practical to the regulatory , especially for seedstock producers . More than ever before , genomics and DNA testing protocols demand attention . New advances in technology touch on measurements of hybrid vigor and heterosis in commercial crossbreeding operations , but the staples remain for seedstock breeders . Parentage and heritable trait testing are an essential part of doing business and their timeline plays a large role .
Limousin breed association websites and documentation provide step by step instructions and requirements for all registered and nonregistered animals including timelines needed for necessary results . Genomically-enhanced data and EPDs provide more precision based on a combination of pedigree , phenotype and DNA — essentially the equivalent of having 8- 20 progeny or a first calf crop for bulls . Thus obtaining , handling and submitting tissue , blood or semen samples properly , at the optimum time , is vital .
Likewise , timing is critical for preparation of videos , photos and promotional materials for sale days and catalogs . Publication and design staff teams urge producers to work well in advance — 60 days prior at minimum , to ensure high quality accuracy and professional , precise information . Again , association advertising direction and media kits spell out requirements to ensure probability of profitable results for sellers and buyers alike .
Calculated timing for health , management and regulatory processes are vital for the status of each animal , wherever they happen to be in their life cycle .
“ A cycle is a perfect way to describe the big picture ,” said Edmondson . “ I would say it ’ s a continual process and it never really stops . But the beauty of the cattle industry is that we can make it work .”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : Bruce Derksen has worked in Western Canada ’ s ranching and feedlot industry for more than 30 years . In his spare time , he writes about present day agriculture related topics , hoping to give today ’ s producers as much up to date information about the future of the industry as possible .
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70 • OCTOBER 2020