Preconditioning and Receiving Flashcards
Seed stock
Produces breeding stock
Genetic traits
Cow calf
Weaned calf
%calf crop - economic issue
Stockers
Steers to finish
Economics: AGD, feed efficiency
Feedlots
Slaughter cattle
Economics: AGD, feed efficiency
Preconditioning
Increase value of weaned calf
Enhance immune system, increase growth and carcass performance, minimize stress, increase profitability
Requirements of preconditioning
Wean at least 45d prior to sale
Eat from bunk, drink from trough
Vaccinations, health management, castration/dehorning
Weaning
Sorting and hauling freshly weaned - shrink
Minimize stress to give 45d, access before weaning, fence line, gradual increase in separation
Adequate bunk space
20in per head to prevent crowding
Castration
Behavior, prevent pregnancy
<3m, avoid fly season and cold wet days
Surgical,Emasculatome, banding
Dehorning
Discount horns, injuries, diff methods depending on age and development
Vaccination
2-4wk pre weaning, booster at weaning
Preconditioned calves
Reduce morbidity/mortality, higher feed eff, carcass quality,increased profitability
$5-10/cwt returns
Cost with PC
Labor, vet, nutrition, pasture
Marketing
85% auction 6-7m
42% not appropriately weaned
25% not castrated
70% never vaccinated
BQA
Sq, IM in neck, only use approved drugs, records, follow label instructions, never more than 10cc at one site, change needles frequently, strict withdrawal period
Level 1- voluntary. Level 2- BQA certification
Receiving program
Receiving program- first 2-4wks after arrival most critical
Stressors: market handling, environment, nutrition, dz, social adjustments, dispositions
Receiving program
Eat and drink ASAP, start with high quality grass or legume mix, put water on fence line, provide space, introduce grain once eat hay and drink water, grain on top of hay 2-7d after arrival, rumensin, vaccinate at sale barn, monitor health 2x/d upon arrival, new arrivals in separate pen 30d
Options
Auction barns
Feedlots
Backgrounding
Retain ownership
