It’s the end of calving season for most producers, but it’s never too early to start planning for the next breeding season. Don’t let the time between now and your next planned breeding go to waste. Check out these tips to prepare for your next breeding season from Beef Magazine to help you be ready to go and even improve your efficiency in 2017.
Protocol Options
It’s important to think about how you want the breeding season to go before you begin. This means that you should decide on a protocol soon. Breeders can choose different methods of AI, synchronization or natural matings with each having advantages. It’s important that you decide which method you will use so that you have enough prep time, especially if you’re using a method you haven’t tried in the past.
Evaluate Your Cattle
Make sure that your females are healthy and in breeding condition (condition score 5 or better is suggested) before breeding season begins. Supplement any feed as needed to help bolster weight of improve your cows’ overall breeding condition. Your vet should also make sure that your cows are healthy and disease-free and that there are no outside factors that could complicate your plans.
Herd Sire Check
Make sure your vet does a through breeding soundness exam of your bulls. It’s important that he is in top health and structurally sound before the breeding season begins to ensure that he is up to the task.
Pre-Breeding Shots
If you typically use pre-breeding shots and pourons– whether they are pre-breeding meds or calf boosters – talk to your veterinarian soon. This will ensure that they have the medications available and guarantees that you’re prepared and ready to go.
Chores Around the Farm
Make sure that all of your fence mending and other necessary maintenance has been completed before the breeding season begins. You should also ensure your water sources are in good shape, whether that’s tanks or natural ponds or springs. Taking care of these maintenance details early means that you won’t have to take time to deal with fixing things like fencing once breeding season has begun.
Artificial Insemination:
If you’re planning on using AI, or artificial insemination, consider crossbreeding and be sure and check out potential sires—don’t just go off of pictures or advertisements. Writing down your planned breeding strategy now will keep you on track to a successful breeding season and more profitable calf crop.
Once you have decided on your breeding plan, check out Flying H Genetics 400 bulls and several AI sires available to you. We offer you seven different genetic packages in black or red to fit your exact needs. Flying H Genetics can help you produce industry improving, more profitable calves. Our PASSION for the beef business and superior genetics ensures that you can produce the best calf crop ever when partnering with Flying H Genetics. To learn more about your options, call Flying H Genetics today at 308-962-6500.
