Are Genetics the Key to Dealing with Fescue Toxicosis?

Christine Gelley, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator, Noble County, OSU Extension (originally published in The Ohio Cattleman, Expo 2020 issue) One of the sessions that I attended during the American Forage and Grassland Council at the beginning of 2020 explored the possibility of identifying genetic markers in cattle for tolerance of the endophytic fungus that lives within the KY-31 tall fescue forage, which is the most prominent pasture grass in our region. This…

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K-State experts offer advice on beef cattle breeding

Success in cattle breeding starts with cycling females in good body condition MANHATTAN, Kan. – Creating a great cake starts with quality ingredients mixed together by a talented baker. The same can be said of cattle breeding, only in this case the ingredients include cycling females, quality bull semen and a knowledgeable producer who can plan for a timed breeding through artificial insemination or natural exposure. In a recent podcast from Kansas State…

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Small Herd Sire Decisions: The Heifer Bull Dilemma

Garth Ruff OSU Extension Henry County Bull buying season is almost upon us, and for the smaller cow-calf operators in the region, I think it time to ask the question: Do you need to buy a heifer bull? Year over year as I sit and watch bull buying decisions being made, I have observed producers faced with the dilemma of buying a calving ease “heifer bull” or a higher performance sire with a…

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Diving into the Data Webinar Announced

“Genomics: How Much Influence are They Having?” Are genomics having too much influence on EPDs? What is the difference between genomic testing and progeny-based results? We are excited to present the first webinar brought to you by Angus University, “Genomics: How Much Influence are They Having?” Dr. Stephen Miller, Director of Genetic Research for Angus Genetics Inc. will explain the differences in tools and the data they return to participants in the event.…

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Improving the Bottom-line of Breeding: Three State Beef Conference

Pre-calving nutritional strategies will be discussed at the upcoming Three State Beef Conference. Photo credit Troy Walz. In a joint effort, Nebraska, Missouri and Iowa Extension are hosting three meetings to address how to set up an economical and successful breeding season. The registration fee is $25 per person. It includes a meal and a copy of the conference proceedings. Presentations include: Pre-calving nutritional strategies: Am I staying ahead or getting behind?Dr. Travis…

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