Bartona Bulletin Spring 2023

production and meeting the nutrient needs to support milk pro duction. This can be a challenge in some environments due to limited nutrients in semi-arid and arid environments. If require ments are not being met, the postpartum interval can increase, causing a delay in conception date and subsequent delay in calving. On average, mature cows will have a postpartum interval of 45 to 70 days, while first-calf heifers are more challenged to re cover from calving and begin cycling again with a postpartum interval of 70 to 120 days. This prolonged anestrus period or postpartum interval is why pregnancy rates in young cows are often the lowest in the cow herd, which is tied to their inabili ty to consume enough energy for maintenance, lactation and growth. Supplementation Strategies Strategically fed protein supplementation has shown to im prove fertility under certain conditions, including thin body condition cows. One thing to remember is that not all protein is created equal for beef cows due to rumen fermentation. Rumen degradable protein supplements like alfalfa hay or cottonseed meal help increase forage intake and digestibility of low-quali ty forages; however, once rumen microbes’ need for protein is met, rumen undegradable protein like dried distillers grains can have a larger impact on cow performance. Studies have shown that protein sources high in rumen undegradable protein and low in rumen degradable protein can increase pregnancy rates and decrease the postpartum interval in young beef cows. In addition to protein type, some feed additives have been used to effectively shorten the postpartum interval of young Management to Optimize Reproductive Success in First-Calf Heifers Continued from page 1

Raising Quality Barzona Cattle for 46 Years. Bulls & Females Available 2-Year-Old Bulls Available Now F & F Cattle Company Estrus synchronization has the potential to shorten the post partum interval and increase calf weaning weights and unifor mity. Utilizing a controlled intravaginal drug release (CIDR) or a slow-release progesterone device can be used to “jump start” the cycles of late-calving cows. Research has shown that insert ing the CIDR no sooner than 20 days after calving can initiate cycling earlier than it would have naturally. For instance, estrus synchronization at 21 days postpartum in late-calving cows has been shown to shift the subsequent calving date up by 28 days. Even if artificial insemination is not being utilized, estrus syn chronization can help shorten the postpartum interval of young cows in the breeding season. In summary, the following methods may help improve re breeding performance of young beef cows: • Breed yearling heifers two weeks or longer prior to the rest of the herd. • Shorten the breeding season length of yearling heifers to have a tighter calving window. • Focus on getting young cows gaining body weight prior to and throughout the breeding season. • Use strategic supplements that are high in rumen undegrad able protein sources. • Use feed additives that increase post-ruminal glucose supply. • Use estrus synchronization even with natural service. BB beef cows. Ionophores such as Bovatec or Rumensin have been shown to shorten the postpartum interval, on average, by 18 days across several different studies with cows and first-calf heifers. NutroCal 100 (Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health), a product that increases glucose availability to ruminants, fed in protein cubes at low amounts (40 grams per day) during early lactation has shortened the postpartum interval of young range beef cows by seven days and increased overall pregnancy rates. Reproductive Strategies

Weichman Feedyard, L.P. We have more than 30 years’ experience finishing cattle and more than 10 years’ experience finishing Barzona cattle. We offer a value-based marketing systemwith a history of premiums for Barzona cattle. Give us a call (620) 872-2945 Office (620) 874-5236 Cell

Mike & Pat Fitzgerald 130 Fitzgerald Lane, Mosquero, NM 87733 (575) 673-2346 ffcattleco@plateautel.net

Hampton Cattle Company Breeding Purebred Barzona since 1973 Fertile Range Cattle Steve Hampton P.O. Box 134 • Kirkland, AZ 86332 (928) 442-3438

4030 Highway 83 North Scott City, KS 67671

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