Agricultural News
Noble Foundation's Robert Wells Offers Advice for Expanding Your Herd
Thu, 09 Jun 2016 23:12:23 CDT
As producers begin adding females to their herds, Dr. Robert Wells, Noble Foundation livestock consultant, says new technology - and several considerations - could make a big difference in the process.
DNA testing is now available for commercial cows and provides a suite of information for a female, similar to EPDs used in registered cattle.
"We can find out a lot of information that is economically important to that commercial producer to be able to find the right cow for his operation," Wells says.
And when it comes to finding the right fit, Wells says above all, producers need to be looking for a female that best fits in the environment and the management of the specific operation.
"We have to remember that a cow works every day of the year - she's either gestating or gestating and lactating," he says. She never gets a day off."
Wells says other considerations like previous health programs, phenotype and even where the females are bought can be important in making this management decision.
Listen to Wells talk more about selecting the right females during the latest Beef Buzz.
The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.
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