2012 spring chianina connection

Connecting Chianina Genetics and the Commercial Cattleman

Spring 2012

A publication of the American Chianina Association

In This Issue:• CHIANINA – The Versatile Composite Breed

• Preparation Key For Successful Bull Purchases by Commercial Cattlemen

• Protein Supplementation and Your Cowherd• Beckett Ranch – Raising Quality Chianina Cattle

Their Customers Can Count On• Cow Math: Estimating Cow Herd Productivity

March 3, 2012 • 1 p.m. Sale • Noon LunchMiller Livestock Barn • Miller, S.D.

Selling 2 Fall Yearling Bulls55 Yearling Bulls & 25 Bred HeifersBulls sired by Advantage, Bismarck, Mile High,

Northern Improvement, Double Down, In Focus and Simmental bulls Upgrade & Grizzly

Heifers bred to MYTTY In Focus, Bismarck, Unbelievable & Northern Improvement

JSC Advantage 257T 2CA2008 Reserve National Champion Chiangus Bull

Steve & Barb Melroe • Gwinner, ND(701) 678-2225 (H) • (701) 680-0622 (C)

Jeremy, Bethany & Cash Lehrman – (605) 270-1067

Tyler & Darah Melroe – (605) 695-3295

Troy, Tember & Kodee BeckettMiller, SD

(605) 853-3284 (H)(605) 204-0394 (C)

Beckett Chiangus

CHIANINA – THe VersATIle ComposITe Breed

by Stan Comer, ACA CEO

There are several beef breeds and specific composites of those breeds competing for commercial bull and replacement female sales in the U.S. today. Many

of these breeds or their composite programs are single or double trait specific. The new beef production business and red meat product will have to be better, more cost-efficient, healthy and consumer friendly as the rebuilding of the U.S. cattle inven-tory occurs over the next several years. Production methods, breeding systems (genetics) and product enhancement will all play an important role in the rebuilding success of the beef industry.

No one breed can be everything to everyone. However, the uniqueness of the Chianina gene to blend with different British breeds makes our composites the most versatile in different environments across the country.

Chianina composites, including Chi-angus, Chiford, Red Chiangus and Chi-maine, give them the unique ability to thrive and perform efficiently in a variety of environments while maintaining the ability to put live, vigorous calves on the ground, gain rapidly and efficiently on forage and or grain/grain by-products, finish at an early age (fewer days on feed) and produce a carcass with a consistent high quality grade and a low yield grade making them the supreme beef animal.

Cost of production has been and will be the single largest profit driver in the rebuilding process. Putting a live, healthy calf on the ground is the first and most important piece of the puzzle. Fast effi-cient growth comes next while producing an excellent end product and eating expe-rience for the consumer.

Fertility, udder integrity and reproduc-tive longevity are three of the traits that Chianina composites are best known for. The longer you can keep a cow produc-tive in your herd puts extra dollars in your pocket.

The next several years in the beef busi-

ness will be both challenging and exciting! I encourage you to study the genetics available to you and invest in Chianina composites for the smartest and highest returns you can achieve with a happy consumer on the other end.

CHI CoNNeCTIoN – sprINg 2012 – 1

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Chianina ConneCtionConnecting Chianina Genetics and the Commercial Cattleman

A publication of the American Chianina Association

Spring 2012

Table of Contents

3 Preparation Key For Successful Bull Purchases by Commercial Cattleman byBobWeaber,Ph.D5 Protein Supplementation and Your Cowherd byTylerMelroe,HubbardFeeds7 Beckett Ranch – Raising Quality Chianina Cattle Their Customers Can Count On byHeatherCounts9 Blood Test Pregnancy Check byHeatherSmithThomas12 Tune Into Fetal Programming byKindraGordon15 Suspension Fences: Minimum Maintenance byHeatherSmithThomas17 Cow Math: Estimating Cow Herd Productivity byJustinRhinehart,UniversityofTennesseeExtension

In This Issue:

1 Chi Commentary: CHIANINA – The Versatile Composite Breed byStanComer,CEO4 Chi Performance: Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Business byTylerHumphrey,DirectorofMarketing&PerformancePrograms4 Upcoming Events18 Advertiser Index

Columns:

Published by the American Chianina Association

P.O. Box 890 • Platte City, MO 64079816.431.2808 • 816.431.5381 (fax)

www.chicattle.org

StaffStan Comer, CEO

Heather Counts, ACJ Editor/Director of Shows & Activities

Jennifer Roach, Registrar/Office ManagerTyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing &

Performance ProgramsHolly Hiebert, Administrative/Membership

Services Coordinator

Board of DirectorsRob Sheets, Chairman, At Large (2013)

8250 U.S. Hwy 52 W, Lafayette, IN 47906(765) 583-4555 • [email protected]

Dennis Clarahan, Vice Chairman, Northeast Region (2012)19425 280th Ave, Harper, IA 52231

(641) 635-2105 • [email protected]

Ken Culp III, Secretary, At Large (2014)1065 Durham Lane, Nicholasville, KY 40356


Don Esch, Treasurer, At Large (2012)717 N 22nd. Rd., Unadilla, NE 68454


John Higgins, At Large (2012)9845 Statesville Rd., Watertown, TN 37184(615) 273-2656 • [email protected]

Jordan Holt, Northwest Region (2014)13319 378th Ave., Aberdeen, SD 57401


Mark Johnson, At Large (2013)4620 Goldfinch Ave., Maurice, IA 51036(712) 567-3986 • [email protected]

Art Pittman, At Large (2013)P.O. Box 336, Micro, NC 27555


Ed Miller, At Large (2012)8805 Fm 818, Big Spring, TX 79740


Bryan Schaefer, At Large, (2014)Box 28, Des Lacs, ND 58733


Val Shields, Southeast Region (2014)837 Dahms, Rd., Falmouth, KY 41040(859) 654-4440 • [email protected]

Brad Stoppel, Southwest Region (2013)18361 Reservior Rd., Russell, KS 67665


2 – Chi ConneCtion – Spring 2012

March 17, 2012Held during the Ohio Beef Expo

Selling approximately 30 head of show heifer prospects and bulls. For more information or to request a catalog,

contact the sale manager.

Sale Manager:Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing & Performance ProgramsPhone: 419.230.3450 • Email: [email protected]

aMerican chianina aSSociationP.O. Box 890, Platte City, MO 64079 • 816.431.2808Ron Kreis, Auctioneer • 740.683.3235

PreParation Key For SucceSSFul Bull PurchaSeS By commercial cattlemen

by Bob Weaber, Ph.D.Cow/Calf Specialist

Department of Animal Science & Industry, Kansas State University

As the winter and spring bull-buying season approach, seedstock purchasers should do their home work to help ensure the bull(s) they pur-

chase this year meet their needs. Preparedness is the key to making an informed purchase. Before you crack open the sale catalogs of seedstock suppliers, there are few resources and skills you should possess.

First, make sure you understand the use of Expected Progeny Differences (EPD) and selection indexes. While EPDs are not the only selection information you should consider, EPDs are the most effective tools available to describe the genetic differences between animals within and across herds. EPDs are much more effective genetic predic-tors than actual or adjusted performance records. If an EPD is available for a trait it should be used instead of an animal’s own performance record for that trait. The EPD removes age and environmental effects that can bias a decision based on actual or adjusted performance records. Use Calving Ease (CE or CED) EPD, rather than birth weight (BW) EPD, if it’s available to select bulls that minimize calving difficulty. CE EPD calculations include BW data and other sources of information that affect dystocia.

Not all EPDs are the same, so make sure you know the appropriate information for the breed of cattle you are pur-chasing. For a useful reference on EPDs and other genetic topics see the Beef Sire Selection Manual (http://www.nbcec.org/producers/sire.html). Obtain the breed average EPDs and a percentile rank table available from the most current genetic evaluation for the breed of interest. Per-centile rank tables can be found on most breed association websites. These tools will enable you to compare the rela-tive genetic merit of individual animals to other animals in the breed.

Second, make sure you know what traits you would like to improve in your herd? What breed(s) fit in your mating system? If you are using a crossbreeding system make sure the breed you selected fits your objectives. Other factors to consider are: keeping replacement heifers, endpoints for progeny marketing (weaning, back-grounded or in the beef). Assessment of these factors will help point you to the best breed for your needs and the combinations of maternal/growth/carcass traits that best fit your operation and envi-ronment. Be sure to apply selection to traits that have direct economic importance in your production system.

Third, set a realistic budget for bull purchases. Like most things in life, price is driven by quality. Evaluation of a seedstock sup-plier’s prior year sale averages will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of pur-chase costs. That said, prices over the last 12 months indicate that seed-stock purchases are substantially more expensive, some as much as $500 more, than in previous years. The increased bull cost is largely driven by increased devel-opment costs incurred by seedstock producers. The added purchase cost makes it even more important to make a well thought out decision.

Fourth, get to know your seedstock supplier and make sure he/she knows you and your operational goals. Seek out recommendations from your supplier well in advance of the sale. Once you receive the sale catalog make a short list of bulls (6-12 head) that fit your specifications. Arrive at the sale site early to inspect the bulls on your short list. Shorten this list of candidates based on conformation and updated data to identify your purchase candidates. Keep the sale order in mind. Stay focused on the bulls you selected earlier. Sticking to your plan will avoid impulse purchases.

Remember: Failure to plan is planning to fail. Please contact your extension livestock specialist or me if you need help finding resources to aid in your sire selection activities.

chi connection – SPring 2012 – 3

Four Keys to Successful Bull Purchases

1. Make sure you understand the use of Expected Progeny Dif-ferences (EPDs) and selection indexes.

2. Make sure you know what trait you would like to improve in your herd.

3. Set a realistic budget for bull purchases.

4. Get to know your seedstock supplier and make sure he/she knows you and your operational goals.

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind, Out Of BuSineSS

by Tyler Humphrey,Director of Marketing & Performance Programs

Breeders are constantly asking me the same question - “How can I get more money for my stock?” In my opinion, it comes down to a few key things. When it

comes to selling bulls, females and commercial stock you must keep promotion, integrity and follow up in your game plan. You might be wondering what all of that has to do with simply selling some stock.

Promotion – Who are you? What are you selling? Where are you located? If a buyer does not know this information then essentially you do not exist. You can have a pasture full of the very best cattle in the country, but if no one knows where to find you… selling them will be a catastrophe. Depending on the size of your operation and the method of sales you wish to use, there is a wide range of marketing options available. Whether it is a simple Facebook page or blog, all the way up to print advertising and multi-page web sites, you must do something to stay in the buyer’s sights. Contact your breed association for additional help.

Integrity – When it comes down to it, integrity may be the best tool of all to help you sell your cattle and guess what? It’s free! What is integrity? Well in the cattle business it’s

things like reporting accurate birth weights and dates of birth. Also, selling stock that is in good health and sound structured and consequently standing behind that stock should something go wrong. To make a long story short, treat your customers like you would want to be treated.

Follow up – Everyone enjoys a friendly phone call now and again, and your customers are no different. After the big sale, make sure you give them a call a few months down the road to see how their newly acquired stock has worked out for them. See what they liked about the cattle and didn’t like. This does two things; this lets them know they are dealing with someone who cares about them and their program as well as gives you free market research to help grow your program.

Take a few minutes to read these tips above and see how you can incorporate these simple steps into your program. Just remember three simple things next time you don’t want to spend a little money promoting what you have worked so hard to create… Out of sight, out of mind, out of business.

4 – Chi COnneCtiOn – Spring 2012

upCOMing eventSJanuary15 Pen Bull & Female Show, National Western Stock Show, Denver, Colo., LCAA, 8 a.m. Sale Cattle Evaluation, NWSS, LCAA, 10 a.m. “Hybrid Advantage” Bull & Female Sale, NWSS, LCAA, 1 p.m.27 Ft. Worth Stock Show Junior & Open Shows, Ft. Worth, Texas, Junior Show: 10 a.m.; Open Show: Noon29 Bellar Cattle Company Beautiful Beef Babes Sale, Wisner Auditorium, Wisner, Neb., 2 p.m. CST

February1 Ad/Copy Deadline: March ACJ4 Horsley Bros. Eastern Xposure XII, Green Oak Farms, New Paris, Ohio, 1 p.m. EST16 Iowa Beef Expo Chianina Classic Show & Sale, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, Iowa, Show: 11:30 a.m.; Sale: 5 p.m.18 Willow Oak Best Black Bulls in America Sale, Rogersville, Tenn., 12 noon EST25 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Chimaine/Chiangus Show & Sale, Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney, Neb., Show: 11 a.m.; Sale: 2 p.m.26 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic Junior Show, Buffalo County Fairgrounds, Kearney, Neb., 8 a.m.

March3 Dakota Gold Production Sale, Miller Livestock Barn, Miller, S.D., 1 p.m.17 The Chi Connection Sale, Ohio Beef Expo, Columbus, Ohio24 The Source Sale, Talmo Ranch, Talmo, Ga., 6 p.m.31 Schaefer Chiangus Production Sale, Farmers Livestock, Bismarck, N.D., 1 p.m. CST

april1 Ad/Copy Deadline: 2012 ACJ Herd Reference Issue13-14ACA Board of Directors Meeting, Platte City, Mo.

May1 Entry/Ownership Deadline: National Junior Heifer Show

June17-22 National Junior Heifer Show, Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio

OctOber1 Entry Deadline: ACA National Show 1 Consignment Deadline: ACA National Sale26-27 ACA Board of Directors Meeting, Platte City, Mo.

Protein SuPPlementation and Your Cowherd

by Tyler Melroe, Hubbard Feeds

Protein is one of the nutrients we identify as essential to the survival of all living beings. Besides serving as an important element in the growth of young

animals, it is also critical in tissue recovery, immune func-tion, the production of hormones and enzymes, and as a source of energy when carbohydrates are unavailable.

Protein Types and DigestionCrude protein is used to indicate the protein content in our

feedstuffs. It is the nitrogen content of a feed multiplied by 6.25. Because it accounts for all of the nitrogen, it not only measures the true protein in the feedstuff, but also accounts for non-protein nitrogen (NPN).

True proteins have varying levels of digestibility in the rumen, providing both rumen degradable proteins and those that have the ability to bypass the rumen and become directly available for digestion in the small intestine.

NPN in the form of urea is used as a low cost crude protein supplement which is degraded entirely in the rumen. To maximize it’s use in the rumen, sufficient energy must also be available to the rumen microbial population.

These microorganisms eventually are passed out of the rumen and become available in the small intestine for diges-tion and absorption. In order for the efficient growth and productivity of any animal we must first consider the rumen itself.

The true advantage of a ruminant animal is it’s ability to harvest energy from highly fibrous feeds. In order for the rumen to function properly, we must ensure that it’s popu-lation of microorganisms are receiving a balanced diet of protein and energy. Deficiency results in reduced microbial protein production and forage digestibility.

Protein RequirementWe’ve established that protein is critical for several func-

tions, both for the animal and the rumen itself. We should also recognize that there are several factors which con-tribute to protein requirements of animals. This requirement is primarily affected by the stage of production (i.e. growing vs. mature or dry vs. lactating), weather, and genetics.

Because of differences relating to protein requirement, it is recommended to sort your cows into groups relative to their nutritional requirements. Younger cows will require higher levels of vitamins, minerals, energy, and protein

to accommodate for fetal growth, lactation, and their own growth.

Lactation is a critical factor when determining what is necessary for supplementation. Table 1 shows the CP requirements, in pounds, for a 1200 pound cow with peak milk production of 20 pounds. In this example weaning occurs in September. This changes the requirement to where supplementation can be delayed by as much as two months. However, if weaning did not occur supplementation would be required much earlier.

While this example is of calving season and forages more typical to the Northern Great Plains, it should give you an idea of protein requirements of your cows relative to calving.

Table 1. Crude protein requirement of 1200 pound beef cow calving in March with peak lactation of 20 pounds compared to typical protein consumption of available forage in the northern plains.

Deficiencies

We have long understood that sufficient protein and energy are necessary for the individual to perform properly. However, today we have turned to another victim of nutrient deficiencies – the unborn fetus carried by the pregnant cow.

Fetal programming refers to the influence environmental factors the dam is exposed to has on the subsequent off-spring throughout its lifetime. Deficiencies early in ges-tation can impact things like cell differentiation and the development of organs. However, deficiencies during mid and late gestation impact adipogenesis, myogenesis, and muscle hypertrophy.

Perhaps most interesting is the data that comes from the University of Nebraska, where they compared protein sup-

Chi ConneCtion – SPring 2012 – 5

plementation during the final trimester on both grazing and hay fed cows. What they determined was that the use of sup-plemental protein to dams resulted in female offspring that had a greater proportion pregnant during the first 21 days of the breeding season and a greater overall pregnancy rate.

Yes, that’s right. Simply moving dams out of a protein deficient state has the proven possibility of improving the reproductive capability of the heifer calves born to them.

ConclusionWhen determining a supplementation strategy for you,

understand what the needs of your herd are and the level of deficiency that may be occurring. Doing so can allow you to determine an economically feasible strategy to meet the protein needs of your cowherd.

Protein SuPPlementation and Your Cowherd…Continued

6 – Chi ConneCtion – SPring 2012

The PROOF is in the NUMBERS2010 ANGUS sired calf crop:10 steers weighed 4,500 lbs10 heifers weighed 4,790 lbs

Total weight=9,290 lbs for an average of 464 lbs

2011 CHIANGUS sired calf crop:6 steers weighed 3,510 lbs

10 heifers weighed 5,370 lbsTotal weight=8,880 lbs for an average of 555 lbs

Customers calves were sold the same week of each year.

At Clarahan Farms we produce cattle that have what it take to be profitable in the real world. Contact us today and see

what Chiangus cattle can do for your operation!

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Beckett Ranch – Raising Quality chianina cattle theiR customeRs can count on

by Heather Counts

In 1992 Beckett Ranch began utilizing Chianina genetics when they AI’d

13 cows to bulls like Sugar Ray and Sweet Willie, with a 100% conception rate. They had been utilizing Simmental and Cha-rolais bulls but were not getting the premiums they desired at the sale barn. Black calves were bringing a premium and they wanted a breed that would improve vigor and produce black calves without sacrificing performance.

“Fellow Chi breeder Roger Gerdes had a group of cows in a pasture next to the road between our ranch and Miller and we were impressed with the cattle as we would drive by,” says Troy. “After talking with Roger, we purchased a bull from him in the spring of 1993 and later that fall pur-chased seven heifers from Jerry Adamson that were sired by Sugar Ray and Dakota Ray.” These were their first registered females and from that point on, through extensive use of AI and embryo transfer, they quickly grew and improved their herd.

Today, the operation runs 300 females with about 250 spring calving cows and 50 fall calving cows. Of these, 40 are utilized as recip cows and the remainder of the cows are split with half being AI’d for club calves and half AI’d for their purebred operation. Beckett Ranch also consists 400 acres of cropland rotated between corn and soybeans, as well as about 500 acres of alfalfa and hay ground. Troy

and one full-time employee do most of the work on the ranch, with assis-tance from part time help during sale time. Troy’s wife Tember and daughter

Kodee also help on the ranch when they can.Marketing on the ranch is done mostly through club calf

and production sales. The Dakota Gold Production Sale, always the first Saturday in March in Miller, S.D., is where they market most of their cattle; usually selling 50 to 60 bulls and 25 bred females along with some select semen and embryo lots. Offering his customers the best genetics possible is important to Troy, and so for the past few years, Beckett Ranch has joined forces with Melroe Farms of Gwinner, N.D., giving their customers a broader range of Chianina genetics to choose from.

In late September Beckett Ranch has a club calf pasture sale where they market a majority of their spring born calves and another sale in January where they sell their fall calves. They also take a few cattle to shows and sales around the area, including the Black Hills Stock Show. Most of the cattle that Beckett Ranch sells stay in South Dakota and sur-rounding states, however, Troy says, a few do find their way to other parts of the United States.

Keeping customers happy is essential when you market your cattle close to home, and Troy says their customers have been very pleased with the results. “Our customer base is the commercial cattleman wanting good performance and

chi connection – spRing 2012 – 7

The Beckett Family – Back Row: Kodee, Troy, Tember & Charlene. Front Row: Matt, Kaycee, Hannah & Bethany

A line up of bulls that will sell March 3 at the Dakota Gold Production Sale in Miller, S.D.

“We raise Chi cattle because of the total package they deliver – per-formance, muscle, bone, disposition, udder quality, feed conversion, phenotype and carcass merit.”

added value without calving difficulty or added inputs. Feedback from our customers indicates they appreciate the condition the animals are able to maintain with low inputs. They are pleased with the performance, vigor, fleshing ability, disposition and calving ease of the cattle and that it can be combined in one breed.”

One success story that Troy is very proud of was a cus-tomer who was utilizing a Charolais bulls, but wanted to switch to black bulls to increase the cash he was receiving for his calves. Troy said the customer was worried at first that he would not be able to maintain the performance in his calves that he was accustomed too, however he saw a 40 lb/head increase on the weight of his first calf crop using Chiangus bulls and he has now been a loyal customer for 15 years.

Sometimes getting a customer to try Chianina genetics is the hurdle we have to jump, but once they see what Chianina cattle can do for their operation, they are hooked. “Most of our business is by repeat customer because they have been please with the results,” says Troy. “However, once you get your customer to sample some Chi genetics, then it is the breeders responsibility to deliver a quality product with enough Chi percentage to really show what gives our breed

an advantage. I sincerely believe that most opera-tions could benefit from some quality Chi genetics.”

The ability of Chi cattle to produce quality results with low inputs is the reason Beckett Ranch raises Chi cattle. “We raise Chi cattle because of the total package they deliver – performance, muscle, bone, disposition, udder quality, feed conversion, phenotype and carcass merit,” says Troy. “I think conforma-tion and phenotype are big factors on a day to day basis. When you work with the cattle every day you need to like what you see and be excited about their quality.”

And excited Troy is! That’s why Beckett Ranch will be in the Chianina breed for the long haul.

Beckett Ranch – Raising Quality chianina cattle theiR customeRs can count on…continued

8 – chi connection – spRing 2012

A heifer consigned by Beckett Ranch to the 2011 Black Hills Stock Show.

5J Chianina

WGM Jeff IJeff has style, correctness and a 3.6 lbs gain performance to be a great steer sire. Jeff is docile and out of a great milking, docile cow. Jeff scored 9 out of 10 on Igenity calving ease testing. If you’ve never had a half-blood cow, you really don’t know how good a replacement she can be. The time is right to see what true HYBRID ADVANTAGE can do for your profits!

5J ChianinaJim Johnson

(515) [email protected]

(515) 965-1551

Isn’t it about time to find out what a FULLBLOOD can do for your program? It might be the best $15

you ever spent!Semen: $15/unit available through Nichols Cryo-Genetics.

Blood TesT Pregnancy check

by Heather Smith Thomas

There are several ways to determine whether a cow is pregnant, including rectal palpation and ultrasound. The newest technique is a blood sample. This tech-

nology was developed by Dr. Garth Sasser, University of Idaho. He discovered a protein called Pregnancy Specific Protein B, which is produced by the placenta and detectable in the blood. He founded a company called BioTracking and created a blood test called BioPRYN (Pregnant Ruminant Yes/No). The test is very effective on ruminant animals and is gaining popularity among cattlemen. This pregnancy test became commercially available for cattle in 2002, and Dr. Sasser’s laboratory at Moscow, Idaho handles thousands of samples each day.

According to Jeremy Howard, marketing manager of BioPRYN, there are several new labs that process the blood samples—a total of more than 25 labs worldwide. The number of cows tested annually keeps growing. The advantages of the blood test over palpation (which tradition-ally has been the most-used method of pregnancy testing) include being able to detect pregnancy a little sooner with better accuracy. The blood test is always more accurate (on whether the cow is pregnant or open) than rectal palpa-tion. It can be done more quickly and easily, taking a blood sample from a vein under the tail, with less trauma and risk to the animal.

Taking a blood sample is much less invasive, less trau-matic, and safer for the animal, says Howard. There’s no risk for spreading disease from one cow to the next, as can happen when doing rectal palpation—since very few tech-nicians take the time to change sleeves and use a new one for each cow.

The blood test has higher accuracy than palpation, and you can do a lot more animals at one time. It’s sometimes difficult to find a large animal veterinarian to do palpa-tion and/or hard to schedule one during busy times of year. Ranchers can easily learn how to take the blood samples themselves. On ranches located a long ways from a vet, the cost of a farm call makes palpation more expensive than the blood test. Samples do not need to be refrigerated, just shipped to a lab, with the results sent back by phone, fax or e-mail.

Ultrasound is a good diagnostic tool for pregnancy checking, but it’s expensive and you need to have the equip-ment, and electricity. For the blood test all you need is a

syringe and needle. “We can also do our BVD test from those same samples. The two tests can be done from the same sample. BioTracking also has a marketing agreement with Select Sires, and ranchers can contact their local Select Sires representative for more information,” says Howard.

A growing number of beef producers like to use the blood test on their heifers, 30 days after pulling the bull out of the group, or after synchronizing and breeding them by AI. Any heifers that are open can then be sold at the peak of the open heifer market—before they are too old to get top beef prices, or before the market drops toward fall when everyone is selling cull cattle. It’s always helpful to market cull cows early, as well, if they can be tested early in the season.

The blood test is an excellent tool if a rancher waits a couple weeks after AI breeding before putting a cleanup bull with them afterward. With this test you can tell which ones conceived to the AI breeding and which ones were bred later to the cleanup bull. Breeders using embryo transfer can check their recipient cows very quickly to determine which ones are pregnant, and thus have another chance to use the ones that did not take.

Feedlot heifers can be checked upon arrival to determine if they are pregnant. It’s not always convenient to have a veterinarian on site to preg check incoming heifers. The test is also useful in certain feeder/stocker situations and sale barns. Some sale barns blood test all the cows that go through and can market them more efficiently. For instance, after using the blood tests one auction yard owner in Texas found that 35 to 40 percent of the cows being called open by a veterinarian during palpation were actually pregnant – especially the ones that had been bred during the 2 months prior to checking them. By knowing they are pregnant he is able to sell them as bred cows rather than as open cows for slaughter.

chi connecTion – sPring 2012 – 9

The blood sample can be taken from the big vein under the animal’s tail.

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CALIFORNIAJoseph Amaral IIIModesto, CA • (209) 538-1540

Steve or Cheyenne BrickerBeiber, CA

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Jerry & Carla Emig11 Bar RanchLaGrange, CA • (209) 853-2095

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Shane GeistMadera, CA • (559) 674-4117

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Sharon & Megan HessChileno Valley Cattle CoPetaluma, CA • (707) 762-3662

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Ashley SilvaKingsburg, CA • (559) 897-0311

Mike SilveiraSilveira LivestockSanger, CA • (559) 876-6600

Layne & Faris SimonSimon CattleCatheys Valley, CA • (209) 769-8427

Alan & Jennifer SimonisGolden S Ranch LLCDixon, CA • (916) 416-0906

Bruce & Shane StricklerStrickler LivestockChico, CA • (530) 894-6634

Scott TaliSan Jose, CA • (209) 981-6822

John & Heather TeixeiraTeixeira Cattle CoPismo Beach, CA • (805) 595-1416

Frank & Christina WardWard Cattle CompanyOrland, CA • (707) 332-2713

Toby WheelerWheeler Cattle CoPaso Robles, CA • (805) 801-2460

Sam & Jan ZanolineZanolini Cattle CompanyHealdsburg, CA • (707) 433-9706

KANSASHeath & Crystal BambergerJetmore, KS • (620) 357-1032

Jeff Bryant & FamilyArk Valley Cattle CoArkansas City, KS 8 (620) 442-6757

Zachary, Marley & Kelly ConineConine LivestockScott City, KS • (620) 874-1114

Shane DicksGreat Bend, KS • (620) 786-4780

Gregg, Leann & Stacey FischerGreat Bend, KS • (316) 793-8219

Larry Leroy HuckHuck Cattle Co.Scott City, KS • (620) 872-3574

Carl & Gladys KraussKrauss Club CalvesOlathe, KS • (913) 782-1146

Mike & Jennifer LegakoWinfield, KS • (620) 221-3868

Michael V. LindellLeonardville, KS • (785) 293-5282

Jim MaddoxAndover, KS • (316) 733-5543

Darrin McGrawGarden City, KS • (620) 272-0344

Robert J. MillerMiller Cattle CompanyGrenola, KS • (620) 202-0766

Mark & Matt MuellerDiamond M Cattle CompanyHiawatha, KS • (913) 742-3279

Dwight NelsonGarnett, KS • (785) 448-2319

Robert & Melinda OlsonRussell, KS • (785) 483-3965

Dennis PearsonBarnard, KS • (785) 593-6625

David & Doug PeinePeine Brothers Show CattleGarnett, KS • (620) 343-5059

Sheldon PfeiferP5 FarmsEllis, KS • (785) 726-3472

Shane J PrillWichita, KS • (316) 733-4216

Gregg StewartMid Continent FarmsWashington, KS • (785) 325-2089

Brad & Mike StoppelStoppel Cattle Co.Russell, KS • (785) 483-2753

Craig TalkingtonHays, KS • (785) 625-7244

Mary C WerthMCW Club CalvesHays, KS • (785) 623-8515

Darin WileySt. Francis, KS • (785) 332-2825

NEBRASKAJara SettlesHoskins, NE • (402) 565-4828

NEW MEXICOMatt CopelandNara Visa, NM • (505) 633-2800

Eric or Zane DragerDrager Cattle CoClovis, NM • (806) 683-6302

George R GarciaAlbuquerque, NM • (505) 877-4528

John & Janet GriffithsLogan, NM • (505) 487-1121

Lazy Bar J RanchFarmington, NM • (918) 423-7271

Shane LutrickLutrick Cattle CoEstancia, NM • (405) 269-6526

Leslie PugmireCameron Creek Show CalvesSanta Clara, NM • (575) 534-4952

NEVADABryan ColmanYerington, NV • (775) 750-4554

OKLAHOMAJosh AdamsAdams CattleAmber, OK • (405) 320-1267

Stan or Darla AllenNewcastle, OK • (405) 387-2545

Cody BaileyBailey FarmsWeatherford, OK • (580) 819-0423

Travis BakerBaker Club CalvesGuymon, OK • (580) 338-2183

Stan G. BixlerBixler RanchWaynoka, OK • (580) 824-2151

Kris BlackCrawford, OK • (580) 983-2363

Lyle BlakleyDiamonds In The RoughOologah, OK

Rean & Kristi BrooksPaoli, OK • (405) 264-3010

Jirl BuckBuck Cattle CoMadill, OK • (580) 795-7271

Randy BuellesfeldPonca City, OK • (580) 363-6304

Will BuntAmes, OK • (530) 604-0381

J ButlerDJ’s Cattle CompanyBartlesville, OK • (918) 914-3085

Christy CollinsCollins Cattle IncFrederick, OK • (580) 335-3000

Chase ComerClassic GeneticsArdmore, OK • (580) 224-9030

Brad CoxBrad Cox Cattle CompanyStillwater, OK • (405) 385-1346

Leo DickL M CattleNowata, OK • (918) 440-5798

Ray, Brenda, Miranda & Kayla EavesEaves Double Down FarmsAtoka, OK • (580) 889-7858

Rick EdenEden FarmsRamona, OK • (918) 536-4415

Bob EdsallEdsall Cattle CoLoyal, OK • (405) 729-4220

Ben ElmoreVinita, OK • (918) 244-0747

Kevin EmbersonNowata, OK • (620) 252-8494

Josh & Kim EmersonEmerson Show CattleChecotah, OK • (918) 616-2526

Scott FesmireHelena, OK

Brian FrekingKeota, OK•8 (918) 635-0143

Matthew Creed FussPawnee, OK • (918) 454-2447

Roxane GebhartClaremore, OK • (918) 342-0327

Darin & Curtis GregoryGregory FarmsAmes, OK • (580) 753-4500

Jared GrellGrell CattleBraman, OK • (580) 363-5232

John GriswoldGriswold Cattle Co.Stillwater, OK

Jeff HammHamm Cattle CoFrederick, OK • (580) 335-1315

Luther HarbertTishomingo, OK • (580) 371-5331

William JacksonOklahoma Bovine GeneticsMiami, OK • (918) 961-5173

JE Ranch FoundationBlanchard, OK • (405) 462-7676

Shelly K. JohnsonJones, OK • (405) 399-2848

Kristen KeeterWalters, OK • (580) 281-0030

Dustin LaytonLayton Cattle CoEdmond, OK • (405) 464-2455

Bryan McKayOrlando, OK • (405) 747-8627

Russell & Linda MillerArnett, OK • (580) 885-7236

Troy MillerMiller Club CalvesStroud, OK • (918) 968-2335

Moore Cattle Co.Madill, OK • (580) 795-4865

Tracy, Ronda, Colt & Larame MusickMusick Cattle CoSentinel, OK • (580) 471-6016

Leroy OdellByars, OK

Travis OtterstadT O Cattle CompanyTuttle, OK • (405) 381-3591

Stan ParksTishomingo, OK • (580) 371-9170

Travis or Beth PembrookPembrook Cattle CoFairview, OK • (405) 245-1834

Keven & Shannon PerrierPerrier CattleBartlesville, OK • (918) 333-2563

Quin PetersonRockin Q Cattle CoJenks, OK • (918) 625-2500

Max Redgate FamilyRedgate Cattle Co.Waynoka, OK • (405) 824-1041

Southwest Region Chianina Breeders. . . . . . . . . Shawn Ethridge, President | Brian Sulak, Vice President | Helen Mabery, Secretary/Treasurer


JC RenoJay, OK • (918) 801-6053

Dusty & Kelly RicksBlanchard, OK • (405) 485-2630

Tim RodgersOrlando, OK • (580) 455-2447

Fred A. ShultzStillwater, OK • (405) 747-4462

Standridge Cattle LLCLindsay, OK • (405) 756-6077

Kirk D. StierwaltLeedey, OK • (405) 488-3625

Albert & Joan ThorneA.W. Thorne Land & Cattle, IncAdair, OK • (918) 783-5477

Michelle L Vinka-BertWellston, OK • (405) 742-7026

Kenneth WilsonOkemah, OK • (918) 720-8473

James WoodenTriple J Cattle CoPond Creek, OK • (580) 532-5105

Eric & Janel WynnKrebs, OK • (918) 423-4929

Colton WynneNewcastle, OK • (405) 627-8437

Harlan E. YochamSapulpa, OK • (719) 706-1630

TEXAS3 Mar Show CattleZapata, TX • (361) 522-9334

Skip AdamsBrownwood, TX • (325) 669-7552

Paul AelvoetD/A Cattle CoHondo, TX • (830) 931-4223

Luke AlbusAlbus CattleLittlefield, TX • (806) 598-0355

Dave AllanBar A Cattle CompanySchulenburg, TX • (979) 562-2532

Randy AllgoodAllgood Show CattleBellevue, TX • (940) 366-2250

Al AnthonyThe Al Anthony RanchHico, TX • (254) 796-4635

Brian AshAsh RanchLipscomb, TX • (806) 862-2216

Tony AustinWeatherford, TX • (817) 594-3862

Don BarryCollege Station, TX

Paul & D’Ann BartonBarton FarmsHale Center, TX • (806) 889-3378

Joe BehrensVoca, TX • (915) 239-5595

Doug BoatrightLeesville, TX • (830) 857-3103

Dwayne A BronikowskiDmk Cattle CoWaller, TX • (936) 499-3715

Charles J. BurkPanhandle, TX • (806) 537-5125

Jim CarlileXxtreme Cattle CoNokona, TX

Alan Graves & Robert ChambersGraves T-Bar RanchHenrietta, TX • (940) 538-0177

JT CrawfordCorlay Cattle CompanyHuntsville, TX • (936) 714-3499

Stephen CustyFt Worth, TX

LE & Tommy DavidDavid CattlePilot Point, TX • (940) 686-5341

Ruegena DavidsonAmarillo, TX • (806) 679-1908

Rick & Jill DavisRJD FarmsOlney, TX • (940) 873-3106

Jerry Demoss3D Show CattleBowie, TX • (940) 872-1339

Brett DukeDarrouzett, TX • (806) 543-8693

Mark & Stephanie EbelingHi View RanchCleburne, TX • (817) 313-3368

Charlie J EspinozaC&A Cattle CoDenver City, TX • (806) 773-9332

B.W. & Shawn EthridgeCircle E Cattle CompanyMineral Wells, TX • (940) 325-2326

Kent EubankLiberty Hill FarmsWhitney, TX • (254) 694-3314

Craig FalcoCD Land & Cattle Co.Whitesboro, TX • (903) 818-6655

Juan O. Flores76 Cattle Co.Hebbronville, TX • (512) 527-3632

David & Jody FosterFoster Brothers FarmsLockney, TX • (806) 652-2383

Jake FrankeBryan, TX • (806) 683-3285

Jim, Marya, Jed & Mary Ann GarrenGarren Cattle CompanyGoldthwaite, TX • (325) 948-3857

Chuck HarrisHarris CattleDanbury, TX • (979) 922-1077

Garry & Debra HawesHawes Cattle CoCrandall, TX • (972) 427-8570

Jeff HicksCanyon, TX • (806) 578-4211

Kenneth HicksHicks Cattle CompanyAlto, TX • (936) 858-3626

Jodie or Justin IngallsJonesboro, TX • (254) 394-0970

Jared JacksonWalnut Springs, TX • (254) 897-4583

Guy & Michelle JamesChampion Valley FarmsSchulenburg, TX • (979) 743-5615

Luke James Cattle CoVan Alstyne, TX

Richard JeffersonBar J Club CalvesCollege Station, TX • (979) 229-5041

Tony JeffsJeffs Cattle CoCanyon, TX • (806) 663-6418

Cody & Candy JonesJ&J Cattle CoMillsap, TX • (940) 328-2137

Richard KikerAllison, TX • (806) 375-2388

Jason KirkAledo, TX • (817) 599-6692

Hank & Patsy KotzurHK FarmsPleasanton, TX • (830) 281-6254

Lia Harrison & Tim & Timothy KukukTK Cattle CoMillsap, TX • (940) 682-7710

Joe KurszewskiLayne Cattle CompanyBurkburnett, TX • (940) 631-4552

Doug KuykendallStar K Cattle CompanyMidlothian, TX • (972) 897-8029

B. Ward Lane, M.D.Liberty Lanes RanchDallas, TX • (214) 369-4017

Bruce LawrenceAnton, TX • (806) 997-5381

Ricky LesterLester Cattle CompanyGonzales, TX • (830) 437-5690

Hulan & Helen MaberyMabery CattleStephenville, TX • (254) 968-7680

Brian MartinBrian Martin Cattle Co.Hereford, TX • (806) 578-4729

Charles McDonaldWalter G. Mize’s RanchesCleburne, TX • (817) 477-5324

Kevin MichaelTombstone Land And CattleKingsbury, TX • (512) 848-1415

Ed MillerMustang Draw Cattle CoBig Spring, TX • (432) 398-5348

Justin MillerFour Star Cattle Co, LLCAmarillo, TX • (806) 679-4023

Mike Mimms, DVMHereford, TX • (806) 364-1331

Clayton MortonDonie, TX • (979) 219-3680

Ross NaylorTelephone, TX • (903) 227-0905

Tommy NewmanNewman Cattle CompanyStanton, TX • (432) 458-3374

Jackie NolteNew Braunfels, TX • (830) 629-1000

Charlie ParkerParker Cattle CompanyMarshall, TX • (903) 935-1200

Milton PerezRockin P Cattle CoMission, TX • (956) 358-3469

Terry PhiferRsmm CattleBlue Ridge, TX • (972) 658-9810

Kevin PoundsPounds LivestockLubbock, TX • (806) 789-6801

Jesse RamosTulia, TX • (806) 672-4587

Billy & Jane RashRash LivestockWillis, TX • (936) 856-9730

Corky & Carolyn ReddenThrockmorton, TX • (940) 849-6761

Raleigh & Marsha RhodesBroken Oak FarmsQuitman, TX • (903) 335-0774

Clark, Rhetta, Micha & Matt Riley4R Cattle CompanyAbernathy, TX • (806) 652-3351

Tony, Donna, Kayla & Travis RoachKTR RanchWaxahachie, TX • (972) 937-8021

Joseph RogersConroe, TX • (936) 231-1159

Cody RothLorenzo, TX • (806) 632-1176

Kali SavellFerris, TX • (972) 842-3254

Danny & Sandra SchertzDenton, TX • (940) 482-3485

Keith & Jason SchrickSchrick Land & Cattle, LtdWeatherford, TX • (817) 366-6435

Tommy SchroederSchroeder Show SteersTaylor, TX • (512) 630-1206

Jennifer Ann SmithBSJ FarmsElysian Fields, TX• (903) 938-9080

Shane Smithson Cattle Co.Dallas, TX • (214) 435-6350

Claire SteeleGraham, TX • (940) 549-8117

Stewart Family Quarter HorsesFranklin, TX • (979) 828-5573

Jimmy/Detra Klas & Billy StuckeyK&S Cattle CoSouthmayd, TX • (903) 926-7308

Dan SullivanSullivan RanchHillsboro, TX

Brad SwanSwan Cattle CoAnton, TX • (806) 543-7600

Jerald & Nita SyphrettSyphrett Creek Cattle CoBuffalo, TX • (903) 322-5036

Charles TromplerTrompler FarmsMalone, TX • (254) 533-2379

Matt Turner Cattle CoColeman, TX • (325) 214-1781

David WallaceDWD Show CattleGraham, TX • (940) 549-4133

Earl F. WhittenBovina, TX• (806) 251-1669

Brandy Martin & Danny WrenRafter D Rocking B Cattle CoHereford, TX • (806) 364-2761

Dan YoungYoung LivestockBurkeburnette, TX • (940) 631-8339

Casey ZborilThrockmorton, TX • (940) 256-3830

UTAHJason AhlinAhlin Cattle CompanySantaquin, UT • (801) 372-1162

Monroe & Ina Lee MagnusonChi-West ChiangusCastle Dale, UT • (435) 381-2618

Douglas B. StephensPleasant Valley RanchOgden, UT • (801) 479-5960

. . . . . .Your Source for Quality Chianina Genetics

Chi ConneCtion – Spring 2012 – 11

Tune InTo FeTal ProgrammIng

by Kindra GordonReprinted with permission from Southern Livestock Standard

We’ve all heard the phrase “You are what you eat” – but research in the human health and bovine world is increasingly indicating that what mama

eats has a great influence not only on her, but her progeny as well.

This area of research is called fetal programming – which refers to maternal events during the development of the fetus. Fetal programming has its roots in human health studies, where the inaugural study documented that off-spring born to undernourished women in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II delivered apparently normal, healthy babies. But later on in adulthood, these children developed hypertension, diabetes and other diseases at much higher rates than the remainder of the population.

Researchers have continued to document that children who had inadequate nutrition as a fetus developed lifetime health problems, and that an increased risk for these health conditions is passed on to future generations.

Based on those findings, for the past decade animal scien-tists have been ramping up their fetal programming research efforts to discover how maternal insults to the cow during gestation impact offspring later in life. They are learning these impacts can be due to hormonal and environmental stresses as well as nutrition – and they can affect future calf health, growth and carcass performance, and reproduction.

Each Trimester ImportantLee Dickerson, with Land O’Lakes Purina, explains that

researchers are learning that environmental factors like inadequate fetal nutrition can cause an organism’s genes to express themselves differently – negatively – even though the genes themselves don’t change. In research terms, this is called epigenetics. And Dickerson says, “These changes last permanently through the life of the animals and can be passed on to future generations.”

Thus, animal scientists are beginning go suggest cow-calf producers should strive to ensure that cows are receiving consistent nutrition in early, mid- and late gestation, “Each trimester appears to be critical,” says Dickerson.

Traditionally, industry has tended to focus on cow nutri-tion during the last trimester, when over 75% of fetal growth occurs; but Dickerson points out that the first two-thirds of pregnancy is when the placenta develops, organs differ-

entiate and grow and muscle cell growth and proliferation occurs.

To future make his point about the importance of cow nutrition during pregnancy, Dickerson says, “All the muscle cells that calf will ever have develop as a fetus – not after the calf is born.”

Research by Kim Vonnahme, a beef cattle reproductive physiologist, is shedding even more light on the important role of fetal programming. From her research, Vonnahme reports that while maternal nutrient delivery during preg-nancy has been shown to program the growth and devel-opment of the fetus, both during pregnancy and later into adult life, it appears that maternal nutrition also programs the development of the placenta. She adds that not only is neonatal health compromised, but subsequent health may be programmed, as offspring from undernourished dams have been shown to exhibit poor growth and productivity, and also to develop significant diseases later in life.

Vonnahme empha-sizes that researchers are learning that it is during the early phase of fetal development that maximal placental growth, differentiation and vascularization occurs, as well as fetal organogenesis (devel-opment of internal organs), all of which are critical events for normal fetal develop-ment.

University of Nebraska beef repro-ductive physiologist Rick Funston has also reported convincing fetal programming results. Data was collected on three consecutive calf crops that grazed winter range and received supplementation prior to calving season. That was compared to data from calves born to cows that grazed winter range but received no supplement. The researchers also looked at data from cows wintered on corn-

12 – ChI ConneCTIon – SPrIng 2012

Sustained nutrition of cows is critical for calf fetal development and lifetime performance

Fetal programming has been shown to impact:• Skeletal muscle develop-

ment/calf growth and weight potential

• Marbling/carcass potential• Reproductive efficiency or

replacement heifers• Increased body weight

from weaning through three years of age

• Greater pregnancy rates• Heifers more likely to calve

in the initial 21 days of the calving season

stalks with and without supplementation.The findings suggested that adding no supplemental

protein can result in a higher incidence of sickness among calves and lower weaning weights. The calves are likely to have lighter finished weights too, and less potential for achieving a Choice quality grade or better.

Funston’s research also shows how cow nutrition during gestation can affect heifer replacements’ fertility. Supple-mented cows produced daughters that exhibited higher pregnancy rates and delivered their first calves earlier in the calving season.

In a nutshell, Dickerson puts it this way for cattlemen, “The gestational nutrition of your herd this year imprints the lifetime genetic potential and performance of subsequent generations.”

So, remember your cows – and their calves – truly are what they eat.

Fetal programming research as it applies to beef cattle is being carried out by private industry and at land-grand uni-versities across the country.

Tune InTo FeTal ProgrammIng…ConTInued

ChI ConneCTIon – January 2012 – 13

CHIANINAHybrid Advantage Beef

Your association is one of the most valuable tools when it comes to marketing your cattle.

Whether it is buying or selling, please contact Tyler Humphrey for assistance.Director of Marketing &

Performance ProgramsTyler HumphreyP.O. Box 890Platte City, MO [email protected]

ChIanIna STeer WInS mISSourI STaTe FaIr CarCaSS ConTeST

Awards for the

Missouri State Fair Open Steer Carcass and Live Evalua-tion Contest of Carcass Steer Shows were presented Sat-urday, August 20, 2011 in the Agriculture Building on the fairgrounds. Winners received premium money as well as trophies donated by the Mis-souri Cattlemen’s Association.

In the On-The-Rail Contest, Reba Colin of Butler, Mo., exhibited a CHIANINA steer which was named Grand Champion Carcass Overall as well as Champion Quality Hotel/Restaurant Carcass.

Genomics Poised to Benefit cattle Breeders

by Bob Weaber, Ph.D.Cow/Calf Specialist

Department of Animal Science & Industry, Kansas State University

For the last couple of years, beef cattle genetics researchers across the country have been armed with a new tool to aid in the search for new DNA

markers that describe variation in economically important beef production traits. This new tool is a rapid, high-volume genotyping platform that produces nearly 50,000 genotypes per animal genotyped and genotypes 12 animals at a time on a single chip or glass slide. The system, called the Illu-mina BovineSNP50 platform, uses single base pair variant markers called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), called ‘snips’ for short. A base pair is the smallest unit in a DNA sequence represented by the letters A, C, G, and T. Combinations of these four letters form the language or genetic sequence for genes. Genes encode specific protein products produced by cells and influence the phenotype of an animal via expression of a specific gene. Variation in genetic sequence within a gene that causes a difference the function of the gene product is called an allele.

The BovineSNP50 platform, and new even higher density panel containing 770,000 SNP, represents a step-change in the discovery tools available to beef researchers as it provides much higher density marker saturation across the bovine genome compared to any other tool ever created. The technology behind the high density genotyping platforms was originally developed for use in human medical research and is now being applied to important agricultural species.

Researchers use BovineSNP50 DNA chip in conjunction with a wide variety of performance records and pedigrees to identify variation at locations in the genome sequence associated with variation in the performance record. These locations are called quantitative trait loci or QTL. One of the overarching goals of much of the research using the BovineSNP50 chip is to describe a large portion of the genetic variation in a trait. It turns out that in cattle, and many other species, there are a large number of genes that affect any given quantitative trait like weaning weight or marbling or heifer pregnancy rate. Recent discoveries suggest there are more than 200 genomic regions that affect marbling in cattle. Few of these regions account for large portions (>5%) of the variation in the trait and many account for less than 1% of the variation. Therefore, it takes many, many markers to describe a meaningful portion of an animal’s genetic merit for any given quantitative trait. One advantage of the BovineSNP50 and the new high density 770,000 platforms are their ability score a very large number of SNP markers across the entire genome at a relatively low

cost per SNP.The most effective way to utilize MBVs computed from

animal genotypes is through the inclusion of the MBV in the calculation of an EPD. Convergence of legacy datasets and pedigrees with MBV data has several key benefits for seed-stock and commercial beef producers. First, since the MBV represents an estimate of the net genetic merit for a subset of the genes it doesn’t provide a complete picture of ani-mal’s complete genetic merit. For that reason, MBVs are not substitutes for EPDs but can add information useful for the prediction of EPD. Second, continued use of EPD values as the genetic ‘currency’ eliminates retraining and education of members and commercial customers on the use of new tool. Finally, and most importantly, inclusion of MBV data offers a reliable method to increase the accuracy of prediction for EPD, especially for young selection candidates.

Substantial improvements in EPD accuracy for non-parent animals for conventional growth and carcass traits is valu-able. Improvements in the accuracy of EPD for traits like heifer pregnancy, stayability, and calving ease and maternal traits, where non-parents won’t have a performance record, may prove to be of even higher value. After all, the decisions that seedstock producers make that result in yearling bulls available for purchase by commercial producers creates all the genetic change in the entire beef value chain. Improving the accuracy of that decision point is expected to have sig-nificant impact and value.

Research projects around the US have been undertaken to identify markers for a variety of traits that are difficult and/or expensive to measure. These include traits like heifer pregnancy, birth weight, feed intake, feed efficiency, disease resistance and the fatty acid profile of beef products. These traits offer significant opportunity to change the cost of pro-duction or profitability of beef production systems yet have been difficult to improve using traditional tools like EPDs. These features make such traits good candidates for genetic improvement via marker assisted selection systems.

Over the coming months, you’ll hear more and more about the use of genomics for genetic improvement in beef cattle. New technologies and research project will aid in the development of more truly useful tools. Development efforts are underway at many breed associations. The general con-sensus of beef geneticists is that the MBVs produced from genomic tests should be incorporated into EPD calculations to maximize their utility when EPDs for that trait(s) is avail-able. Remember MBVs are not substitutes for EPDs.

14 – chi connection – sPrinG 2012

SuSpenSion FenceS: MiniMuM Maintenance

by Heather Smith Thomas

Stockmen are always looking for ways to minimize expense and labor in maintaining adequate fencing. New materials for suspension fences are making

them attractive in terms of installation costs and longevity. A big advantage to suspension fencing is fewer posts. This is helpful in rocky terrain, and also in terms of cost and labor for installation and maintenance. Suspension fences have more resilience when struck by animals or vehicles, and therefore less damage to the fence.

The Hanneken family developed their first suspension fence products in the 1970’s, originally as a means to create better fencing on their own ranches. Later they formed the Southwest Fence Systems and Southwest Fence and Supply Company, Inc. According to Chris Hanneken, their unique braces and lightweight stays make this fencing highly durable, minimizing maintenance. Their system is now used throughout the country on farms and ranches and by county and state municipalities, oilfields, the Nature Conservancy, US Department of Transportation, park districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and other entities.

Early suspension fences used wooden stays, which pro-vided good visibility to livestock and wildlife but were labor intensive and costly to install. Then ranchers tried metal twist stays but those had poor visibility and were not always easy to install. Twist stays are easily bent by wildlife hitting the fence or going under or over it, leaving stays perma-nently bent. Bent stays compromise height or positioning of wires and effectiveness of a fence to hold livestock—and are almost impossible to remove without bolt cutters once they become bent.

Polyethylene stays are more durable and resilient and last longer. They have a lock pin for easy installation, which is also effective for electric fence. The poly stays can also be used for rejuvenating old fences and making quick repairs. “We’ve had poly stays in 40-foot wire gates that have been run over by trucks thousands of times when the gates were laid down, and

they are still functional. You can’t do that with metal stays,” explains Hanneken.

These stays only come to the bottom wire, so the fence is floating free between posts. This makes a better suspension system because it has more give if an animal or car hits it. If stays rest on the ground it is not truly a suspension fence.

Posts for a suspension fence can be metal or wood, set 16 to 50 feet apart. “This allows the fence to give and flex without compromise,” says Hanneken. Traditional fences along a road usually won’t remain standing to hold livestock after a vehicle crashes through them – taking out posts and knocking the fence down.

When vehicles hit a good suspension fence, the fence usually remains standing enough to contain livestock until repairs can be made. “Even if a post is knocked out and there’s an 80-foot section of unsupported fence, the wires generally won’t break, and the fence is still in place, and will hold livestock,” says Hanneken.

Heavy snow can weight down traditional or electric fencing and break wires or push a fence over. Freezing and thawing can disrupt stability of traditional posts and braces, as frost heaves posts upward. After a few years, posts and braces may not stay in line or may come out of the ground.

“The bracing system is the key to our suspension fence, designed to withstand freezing and thawing. Our braces utilize a diagonal rod similar to the anchor system on modular homes. This is where we got the idea. No suspen-sion system can be successful without a good brace,” says Hanneken.

His family developed a driven brace, quick and foolproof to install, without having to dig post-holes. “The two brace posts are driven into the ground, and there’s a guide tube on each post that’s cut and welded into that post at a 45 degree

chi connection – Spring 2012 – 15

Installing stay for the sus-pension fence is quick and easy.

angle,” says Henneken. “After you’ve driven the post to the depth of the guide tube, you put the anchor rod through the guide tube, drive the rod into the ground and bolt it in place,” he says. The fence is engineered for a brace every quarter mile.

The new technology in wire – and improvements in tensile strength and durability – makes it to where traditional bracing may be inadequate for a suspension fence. This new brace is stronger than the new wire, so the braces always hold. When using the new high tensile 14 gauge green wire (higher strength than the old, softer, high-carbon wire), this brace exceeds the test for pulling that wire and will hold better.

Comments From A Fence BuilderTerry Andrade is a cattle rancher at Council, Idaho who

also has a farm at Homedale, a ranch at Preston and a ranch in California. He and his son Justin also have a fencing busi-ness. “We have a lot of experience with suspension fence; it’s easy to install and stands the test of time and weather condi-tions,” says Andrade.

“Wildlife are hard on traditional fences. We have a 10,000 ranch near Preston, Idaho where we built 17 miles of new suspension fence 3 years ago because it’s easier to maintain. Deer go under or over a fence, but moose walk through it. Cattle don’t do near the damage to a fence that elk and moose do, or Mother Nature – with heavy snow, moisture, frost heaves, etc. This is one reason we use green-coated wire. It’s 30 percent stronger, with higher tensile strength, and lasts a long time.”

Some people use lay-down fences, to minimize damaged by snow or wildlife when cattle aren’t in certain pastures. This works nicely, with a good suspension fence. “We have areas on our ranch where we lay a fence down to get away from wildlife damage. We use stress posts as tie-off posts and make a loop on the fence so we can drive along on a 4-wheeler and take the top loop off, slide the stay out of the bottom loop, and lay the fence down,” says Andrade.

“Last year in May, my wife and I put a lay-down fence back up again, setting up 3.5 miles of it in about 3 hours. This would normally take 2 men about 3 days, to put a tra-ditional fence back up again. We build all our fences on a pad, so we can drive along them. In the fall, my wife and I lay the fence down. One person drives and the other unloops the ties. When we put it back up in the spring we stretch it from the corners and in-line braces,” he explains. The stays remain attached to the fence and lie on the ground, and are not damaged by moisture.

When you build a fence it’s cheaper to use poly stays instead of T-posts, according to Andrade. At about $7.50 per T-post, and 3 T-posts between line posts, you are replacing

$22.50 of materials with $6 worth of stays. Regarding labor, you are looking at 9 minutes (minimum time for 3 T-posts) versus 90 seconds for the stays.

The steel braces are quick and easy to put in. “With 2 men and a hydraulic driver, we can install a corner 3-post brace in rocky terrain in an hour. By contrast, using railroad ties, you must dig post-holes and set the posts, and a corner brace takes several hours to build. We’re often putting fences through lava or sedimentary rock. After we pound these metal braces into the ground, they are solid, and won’t come out. You don’t have to get them below frost line; they won’t heave up out of the ground—

which is a major issue with a wood brace. In Idaho where frost goes down 3 feet or more, if you use a railroad tie, the next year it may be 6 inches up out of the ground, and the following year another 6 inches, and soon you don’t have a functional brace,” he says.

Maintenance is a big issue. When ranchers get ready to turn cattle out on pasture or range in the spring they don’t want to spend weeks going around fences to fix them. “The suspension fence, in our experience, gives major savings in maintenance costs and labor,” says Andrade.

“I’ve used suspension fencing in Idaho and California, in entirely different weather conditions. I’ve used it in the mountains and on irrigated ground. A lot of people use sprinkler irrigation, with constant water on the wire. The old wire eventually rusts and gets weak,” he explains. The new wire can handle it.

Fire is another factor to consider. The new wire is more durable, and metal braces don’t burn up like wood braces. “When I built 17 miles of new fence on our ranch at Preston, it was because a 55,000 acre fire burned our ranch in entirety, including fences. Heat destroys the old wire; it becomes brittle and can’t be re-used. When I rebuilt the fence, I put in suspension fence because if our ranch burns again the braces will still be there and this wire can withstand heat better. The poly stays will burn, but they can be replaced with minimal cost and labor.” A person could patch a fire-burned suspen-sion fence because it would still be there, rather than having to spend months to rebuild the entire fence.

SuSpenSion FenceS: MiniMuM Maintenance…continued

16 – chi connection – Spring 2012

A suspension fence is very strong and will give instead of breaking when hit by a vehicle.

Cow Math: EstiMating Cow hErd ProduCtivity

by Justin Rhinehart, Assistant Professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Department of Animal Science, University of Tennessee Extension

Over the summer, many questions were raised about individual cow and cow herd efficiency. Several meetings were held where this topic was addressed

and great discussion was stimulated about how to improve efficiency through genetics and management. However, record-keeping (the most important aspect about being able to make profitable changes) was glanced over in many of those discussions. Maintaining production records has been the cornerstone of Extension education programs in Ten-nessee for the 100 years of its existence.

There are many ways to keep records on a cow herd. They range from complicated spreadsheets and commercially available software to calving books or notes on the back of a feed tag. More powerful decisions can be made with more detailed records. Remember that “without data, every-thing else is just an opinion.” Choosing a record-keeping system that is easy to use should result in more dedication to keeping it updated. Even simple records are useful for many different purposes, but a minimum amount of individual cow and calf data is required.

Once the records are in place, making decisions with them can sometimes be as intimidating as setting up the system in the first place. Again, keeping it simple and grad-ually moving up to more complicated calculations is likely the best way to approach it. Several methods exist to deter-mine cow and calf productivity. This article will address using calf weaning weight records to track productivity of a small cow herd.

Consider this example: Calves are weaned and a total weight is calculated (either by weighing them on the farm or using the pay weight from a marketing facility check). Then, the total pounds of calf weaned are divided by the number of calves weaned:

Basic Weaning Weight = Total Pounds of Calf Weaned / Number of Calves Weaned

This is a decent start, but there are several major flaws in using this simple calculation as an indication of produc-tivity. It does not account for differences in individual calf ages, the number of steers and heifers, weight of the cows, cows that did not calve and calves that died between calving and weaning. It also does not account for shrink if using pay-weights from the marketing facility. While weaning weight is likely the simplest and most widely used, it is also

the most abused measure of productivity. So, to begin to get a true understanding of productivity, weaning weights should be adjusted.

One commonly used method to account for age varia-tion is to adjust all weights to 205 days (approximately 7 months). To do this, birth weight and birth dates are needed. These can be estimated for commercial purposes, but actual measurements are ideal and are required for registered cattle. Simply subtract the calf’s birth weight from the actual weaning weight. Then, divide that gain by calf age in days. The resulting number is the Average Daily Gain (ADG) from birth to weaning. Now, multiply the ADG by 205 days for a uniform adjustment. There are other factors that can skew this adjustment, but it is adequate for making basic productivity estimates.

Adjusted Weaning Weight = ((Weaning Weight – Birth Weight) / Days of Age) × 205 Days

Total weaning weight should also be adjusted for the number of steers and heifers in that calf crop. Over a number of years, the sex ratio will usually balance out to be 50:50. But individual years often yield more of one sex than the other. Knowing this is important because, all else being equal, steers weight more at a given age and grow faster than heifers. The first step in adjusting for sex is to calculate the actual difference in weaning weight between the steers and heifers and divide by two. Then, subtract that adjust-ment from the individual steer weights and add it to the indi-vidual heifer weights.

Adjusted Steer Weights = Individual Steer Weight – ((Avg. Steer Weight – Avg. Heifer Weight) / 2)

Adjusted Heifer Weights = Individual Heifer Weight + ((Avg. Steer Weight – Avg. Heifer Weight) / 2)

So, what should be done with the total or average weaning weight once it is adjusted for individual age and sex of the calf crop? The ideal measurement for most commer-cial cattlemen will be the “pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed.” Again, a number of factors influence cow and overall herd productivity, including reproductive efficiency, genetics, nutrition and health. These factors are accounted for when the total adjusted weaning weight is divided by

Chi ConnECtion – sPring 2012 – 17

number of cows that were originally exposed during the breeding season, regardless of whether they calved or weaned a calf.

Pounds of Calf Weaned per Cow Exposed = Adjusted Total Weaning Weight / All Cows

If the capability is there to weigh all the cows at weaning, the “pounds of calf weaned per pound of cow exposed” can similarly be determined — an even more powerful tool for determining the production efficiency. At least calculating the pounds of calf weaned per cow exposed gives a commercial cattlemen the power to compare calf crops from year to year to determine how management decisions and changes in the environment (drought, heat, sever winter, hay shortage, etc.) really affected productivity. Having that information makes it easier to know how to improve it. More importantly, when income and expenditures are applied, profitability can be also be analyzed. Without these data, decisions at best are based on an educated guess. Basing deci-sions that affect profitability and quality of life on an educated guess is not sustainable practice.

Cow Math: EstiMating Cow hErd ProduCtivity…ContinuEd

18 – Chi ConnECtion – sPring 2012

Grassland Farms – Your source For consistent cattle that PerForm Year aFter Year!!!

Gordon & Linda Wanner28211 S. Dryland Rd. • Canby, OR 97013(503) 266-9277 • [email protected]

GFrassland

arms(Gordon J. Wanner Trust)

Grand Champion Steer:ADG: 4.66 • BF: .50 • REA: 16.9 • Marb: Mt00 • QG: Ch30 • YG: 2.4

5th place steer:ADG: 4.40 • BF: .45 • REA: 14.1 • Marb: Sm50 • QG: Ch20 • YG: 2.2

6th place steer:ADG: 4.26 • BF: .30 • REA: 14.8 • Marb: Sm60 • QG: Ch20 • YG: 2.2

2010 Umatilla County (OR) All-Breed Feedlot Futurity

We had 5 steers in the top 10, placing 1st, 5th, 6th, 8th & 9th. There were 47 head of steers in the all-breed contest.

2011-2012 Washington Cattlemen’s Association Bull Test & Sale – Eltopia, WA

Entries WDA average 7 Chiangus 3.49 96 Angus 3.21 5 Simmental 2.75 32 Hereford 3.07 9 Red Angus 3.08 9 SimAngus 3.17

Total of 158 head of bulls on testOur 3/16/2011 Chiangus bull (Lot 9) sired by MQ Jobro 719 weighed 996 lbs on Nov. 9, 2011, with a WDA of 4.17 – the HIGHEST of all 158 bulls!

2011 All Breed Feedlot Futurity at BeefNorthwest, Boardman, OR

Results: 5th place steer – ADG of 4.6/day; REA of 17.3; retail cuts percentage of 51.31%.7th place steer – ADG of 4.43/day; REA of 17.3; retail cuts percentage of 52.82%

The results from these derby contests prove that Chiangus genetics have what it takes to meet the demand of the beef industry. Contact us today and incorporate these genetics into your operation. You’ll be glad you did.

AlAbAmACircle E Farms ..................19CK Cattle ..........................19

ColorAdoSears Marketing Services . 19

GeorGiAChi-G Farms ....................19RSE Farms Inc. .................19Talmo Ranch ....................19

illinoisGehrke Farms ...................19JCA ...................................19Secondino, Jame ...............6

indiAnAFour Roses Catte LLC ......20Garrett’s Show Cattle ........20Gettinger ChiAngus Farm .19Miller, Jeff .........................20Trennepohl Farms ............20Wilstem, Inc. ....................20

iowA5J Chianina ..................8, 20Clarahan Farms ............6, 20CMRT ...............................20Sullivan Supply ..................6

KentuCKyArd Ridge Genetics ...........21Carlada Farms ..................21Champagne Farms ..........21VBS Farms .......................21

miChiGAnVKR Cattle Co ...................21Ventura Farm ....................21

mississippiCoward, Danny ................21

missouriCattle Visions ................. IFCChi Connection Sale ..........2Continental Livestock Services Inc. .......................6Lees Cattle Co. .................21Turkey Run Cattle Co. .......21

nebrAsKAMidwest MircoSystems .....8Ohlrichs, Wayne & Barb ...22Ramsey Chiangus ........1, 22

new JerseyRiverview Farm ................22

north CArolinACarolina Chiangus ...........22

north dAKotAMelroe Farms ........... IFC, 22Schaefer Chiangus ....22, BC

ohioHunt Farms.......................22Kreis, Ron .........................23Wendt, Kevin ......................6

oKlAhomAClassic Genetics...............23

oreGonGrassland Farms ........18, 23White Cattle Company .....23

south dAKotABeckett Chiangus ........... IFC

tennesseeGraham Chiangus ............23RiverBend Farms ..............23Willow Oak Chiangus Ranch ...............................23Woodhaven Farms ...........23

texAsAB’s Ranch .......................24Circle E Cattle Company ..24Foster Bros. Farms ...........24Schrick Land & Cattle Ltd. . 24Southwest Region ......10-11Sullivan Supply ..................6Walter G. Mizes Ranches .24Whitten, Earl & Bret ..........24

utAhChi West Cattle .................13

west VirGiniAMcHale Farms ..................24

mexiCoAdolfo Fco. Trevino Gil .....24

ad indEx

For all your marketing needs, contact – Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing & Performance at 816.431.2808 or [email protected]

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AlAbAmA

Chiangus & Chiford Cattle

Talmo RanCh

Phone: (706) 693-4133 or Fax: (706) 693-4359Email: [email protected] Web site: www.talmoranch.com

Wayne & Jill miller, ownersP.o. Box 68 • Talmo, Ga 30575

GeorGiA

CHIANGUS

Tim & Judy Gilstrap1355 Wright’s mill Rd.Commerce, Ga 30530

(706) 335-7448 home (706) 336-8258 Barn

Roddy Sturdivantmobile (770) 372–0400office (770) 921–3207

Rob Postinhome (706) 759–2220barn (706) 759–2209

Farms, Inc.P.O. Box 330

Stephens, GA 30667

rse

ColorAdo

illinois

Garland & Kathie GehrkeHartsburg, Illinois(217) 642-5862

Troy Gehrke, ManagerDelavan, Illinois

(309) 244-7819 • Barn(309) 846-1614 • Cell

GF Gehrke FarmsGehrke Farms Beef

( 877) LEANBEEF • [email protected] Beef & Beef Snack Sticks

Ned EllisHome (334) 227-4446

Office: (334) 288-5049232 Cruise Rd.

Hope Hull, AL 36043

Chuck MadarisCell: (334) 657-5833

indiAnA

Gettinger ChiAngus

Barb Gettinger3464 S. 325 E.

Rushville, IN 46173(765) 938-1971

Jeff & Lisa Gettinger4858 E 200 S

Rushville, IN 46713(765) 561-4434

[email protected]

Sam Gettinger(765) 561-3130

[email protected]

www.gettingerchi-angus.com

Selling Bulls, Heifers & Steers

“Professional Sale Management & Marketing Services”

Alan Sears61 Westward Way • Eaton, CO 80615

Home/Office: (970) 454-3986 • Mobile: (970) [email protected] • www.searsmarketingservices.com

Terry Johnson309.337.8440

Drew Johnson309.337.5700

Johnson ChiangusAngus Plus Online Bull Sale

Bids close Jan. 31, 2012Sale hosted by cwcattlesales.comView videos at www.bobjonfarm.com


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Upcoming Advertising Deadlines:• March Issue: Feb. 1

• Herdbook Issue: April 1

Guest Ranch

Bulls & Females for sale at all times.P.O. Box 189

French Lick, IN47432

(812) 630-4850Home of WRL Tracken Norman

Larry and Barb Garrett4496 N. Round Barn Rd., Richmond, IN 47374

(765) 935-7384Email: [email protected]

ChiangusChimaine

Club Calves

Scott Trennepohl6591 W 625 N • Middletown, IN 47356

(765) 620-1700 • cell(765) 779-4528 • home

[email protected]

Jeff Trennepohl5487 N 525 W • Middletown, IN 47356

(765) 620-0733 • cell(765) 533-4644 • home

Iowa

Mark L. & Caralee RogersR.R. 1 • Douds, IA 52551

(641) 936-4682Chis CMade MRight RToday TQuality Alfalfa for Sale

CHIMAINEs

Chi-Maine Breeding Stock

Clarahan Farms

Breeders of Chiangus Cattle

Dennis • Ryan • Neil

19425 280th Avenue • Harper, IA 52231(641) 635-2454 – office

Dennis: (319) 330-6377 • Ryan: (641) 660-2713Neil: (641) 660-2257

Sale Labor Day Weekend

Jeff Miller 6863 S. 200 E.Cutler, IN 46920(765) 268-2409

(765) 414-4547 – cell

Grand Champion Pen of Heifers2010 North American

International Livestock Expo

Logansport, Indiana(574) 753-4652

Mike & Teresa Rose

Gary & Bev Rose

5J Chianina

Jim Johnson • Polk City, Iowa(515) 984-6952 • [email protected]

WGM Jeff I – Jeff, a FULLBLOOD CHIANINA, has style, performance

(pictured at 14 months weighing 1,500 lbs) and championships in his pedigree.

Semen: $15/unitAvailable from Nichols Cryo-Genetics

(515) 965-1551


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Ventura Farm

Ken, Deb & Christina Geuns4995 Sleight Rd.Bath, MI 48808(517) 641-7152

Chiangus, Chimaine & AngusBulls Available by Private Treaty

Harlan & Leah Ritchie4537 Comanche Dr.Okemos, MI 48864

(517) 333-0649

VF New Edition 201 1CM2003 ACA National Champion Chi Bull

Michigan

Cattle Company

The Vander KolksDorr, Michigan

(616) 896-9190 (office) • (616) 896-9433 (Carl & Gail)(616) 896-1637 (Brady & Susan Ostrom)

Carl, Gail, Craig, Kim & Susan

V K RV K R

Home of FBF Nevada Nights 2CA

Home of Quality Chiangus Cattle

Val B. & Vicky B. Shields837 Dahms Rd.

Falmouth, KY 41040 (859) 654-4440 or (859) 391-0758

Web site: www.VBSFarms.com

Owners:Leonard & June Branscum: (606) 871-7859Neal & Rebekah Branscum: (606) 872-5395

814 Ard Ridge Rd.Nancy, KY 42544

Office & Fax: (606) 871-9454

KentucKy

Carlada FarmsChiangus Cattle

Johnny & JaneMounce

(606) 871-7922 (H)(606) 305-7880 (C)

591 Warner Rd.Nancy, KY 42544

John & SueMounce

(606) 871-7505

E-mail: [email protected] Visitors Always Welcome

CF

Mississippi

Danny Coward

501 Russell Rd.• Noxapater, MS 39346(662) 724-2685 (home) • (662) 325-2675 (work) • [email protected]

Home of WOCR Ozzie 67M, sire of the winning Beef Derby Calves

For Sale: Semen on RDD Mr VRD 105NUtilizing genetics from Willow Oak Ranch & Circle E Farms

Missouri

Brad Lees3437 Co. Rd. 2560 • Higbee, MO 65257(816) 213-3941 • [email protected]

Fullblood ChianinaChiangus Breeding Bulls & Heifers

Lees Cattle Company

Follow us on Facebook – Lees Cattle Co

Turkey Run Cattle Co.Bulls, Bred Females & Open Females for

sale private treaty.Jeff, Jill & Carson Faes

29527 Hwy J • Dalton, MO 65245660.676.9501 (cell) • 660.544.2931 (home)

[email protected]

Champagne FarmsFullblood Chianina Bulls

& Females AvailableChris & Brandhi Howard5365 West Highway 36Sharpsburg, KY 40374

[email protected]


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Upcoming Advertising Deadlines:

• March Issue: Feb. 1• Herdbook Issue: April 1

New jersey

RIVERVIEW FARM

NOW AVAILABLE:Bulls & Cows

Cow/Calf PairsOpen & Bred Heifers

Bull Calves

Adam F. Ambielli412 Trimmer Road

Califon, New Jersey 07830(908) 832-2526

[email protected]

FULL BLOOD CHIANINA

Nebraska North CaroliNa

North dakota

Bryan, John & Jerry SchaeferP.O. Box 28 • Des Lacs, ND 58733

Bryan: (701) [email protected]: (701) 720-7220Jerry: (701) 720-2061

[email protected] NWSS Champion Chianina Pen

Visit us at www.schaeferchiangus.com

Tim Davis & KidsP.O. Box 1347 • Huntersville, NC 28070

(704) [email protected]

Carolina Chiangus

Melroe FarMsSteve, Barb, Tyler & Bethany

8005 Hwy. 32 • Gwinner, ND 58040(701) 678-2225

Tyler (Cell) (605) 695-3295

BFW Hot Iron 1CM

Form to Function

ohio

Hunt Farms

Home Phone(937) 548-3050

Tom, Deanna and Megan2505 Weavers Station – Ft. Jefferson Rd.

New Madison, OH 45346

CHIA

NGUS CATTLE, CLUB CALVES

Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs55943 U.S. Hwy. 275

Norfolk, NE 68701(402) 371-0695

Cell (402) 649-5804

Chi's, Maines & AngusClub Calves & Breeding Stock

Visitors Always Welcome!E-mail: [email protected]

the brand of quality

Breeding Heifers, Breeding Bulls and Club Calves Now AvailableFor Viewing and Sale Private Treaty • Call for Directions

Bill & Linda Ramsey5125 South 75th Street • Lincoln, NE 68516

Cell: (308) 380-1549www.ramseychiangus.com

Ramsey ChiangusLincoln, Nebraska

Customer Focused on Value Traits And ServicesProducers of Chiangus and Chimaine Breeding Cattle


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OHIO

Ron Kreis, Auctioneer2005 World Champion Livestock Auctioneer

Specializing in Purebred & General Livestock Auctions

Ron KreisAdamsville, OH(740) 796-5242(740) 683-3235

[email protected]

OklaHOma

Purebred ChiangusWe breed for OPTIMUMS. Not extremes.

Performance tested bulls and females • Show prospects

Chase ComerP.O. Box 705 • Ardmore, OK 73402

(580) 504-1716

OregOn

Mary Lee & Doris White74138 Turnout Road • Burns, OR 97720

(541) 589-1476 – Mary Lee(541) 573-6566 – Doris

www.whitecattleco.com • [email protected]

Your West Coast Chi ConnectionWhite Cattle Company

Contact Tyler for all your marketing needs.

[email protected]

Bottom Line Genetics For Profit Minded Cattlemen

John Coble, Consultant • (406) 254-2548Scott Coble, Herd Manager • (423) 921-4221Business Office:Old Mills Square • 215W. Broadway St., Ste. D, Rogersville, TN 37857(423) 272- 0225Richard Alan Arnold, President & Manager

Willow Oak Chiangus Ranch

Tennessee

Jan, Jeff & Brandon JohnsonP.O. Box 337

Dunlap, TN 37327Office (423) 949-2434Home (423) 949-3559

email: [email protected]

“Come visit us in the beautiful Sequatchie Valley”

Classic Genetics

Tom Gunn & FamilyR.R. 3, Box 120

Decherd, TN 37324(615) 467-3254

Tennessee Chianina Steer & Heifer Futurity

Woodhaven FarmsSponsor of

John & Debbie Woodroof1264 Young Rd.Lebanon, TN 37090(615) 444-3519

Breeders of Quality Chi Cattle

Graham ChianGus

Pete, Debra, Taylor & Blythe Graham2355 Peavine Firetower Rd.

Crossville, TN 38571(931) 484-4666


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David & Dar LeeHCR 4, Box 93Lockney, TX 79241(806) 652-3824(806) 983-7221 cell

Jered Shipman • Herdsman/Consultant • (806) 983-7226

Jody & ShawndaRt. 2, Box 36

Lockney, TX 79241(806) 652-2383

(806) 983-7225 cell

[email protected]: (806) 652-3738 www.fosterbrosfarms.com

Charles McDonaldRanch Manager/HerdsmanHwy. 281 NorthHico, TX 76457(254) 796-4070 • Fax (254) 796-2330

Fullblood Chianina bulls and femalesalways available.

Call for video.

Keith & Dana SchrickBusiness: (817) 613-0724Cell: (817) 366-6435

Certified Brucellosis & TB Free Herd ID #20020090310

Jason SchrickBusiness: (817) 596-0799

Cell: (817) 366-8511

Shawn Ethridge(940) 328-4723

BW Ethridge(940) 452-1100

Circle E Cattle CompanyMineral Wells, TexasE

Raising Quality Chi Cattle

WesT Virginia

Steve McHaleP.O. Box 302 • Union, WV 24983(304) 772-3389 • (304) 667-1962

[email protected]

Lewisburg & Union, West Virginia

McHale Farms

Land & CattleClub Calf & Chiangus

Chianina FullbloodsRancho La Mesa

(01152) 811-155-6799 (Trabajo)(011521) 818-396-9380 (Movil)[email protected]@skypeAlvarez 430 sur 64000 Monterrey, N.L.Mexico

Mexico

aca regions/statesNorthwest regioN

Colorado • Idaho • Montana • Nebraska • North Dakota Oregon • South Dakota • Washington • Wyoming

Northeast regioNConnecticut • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Maine • Maryland

Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • New Hampshire • New Jersey New York • Ohio • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • Vermont • Wisconsin

southwest regioNArizona • California • Kansas • New Mexico

Nevada • Oklahoma • Texas • Utah

southeast regioNAlabama • Arkansas • Florida • Georgia • Kentucky • Louisiana

Mississippi • Missouri • North Carolina • South Carolina Tennessee • Virginia • West Virginia

24 – Chi ConneCtion – January 2012

What Cattlemen Say About Chi Cattle“Chi influence cattle in the feedlot bring everything to the table a feeder could ask for! Profit drivers in the feed yard are feed conversion, carcass weight and carcass traits. Chi’s convert, put on the pounds and have respectful carcass traits. The industry has been lacking in muscle for several years and it continues to be a problem especially if the commercial producer has been following the latest fads or genetic trends. Chi’s will get a calf crop back where they need to be in terms of muscling without affecting marbling.”

~ Dan Dorn, Decatur County Feedyard, Oberlin, KS

American Chianina AssociationP.O. Box 890 • Platte City, MO 64079

(816) 431-2808 • (816) 431-5381 (fax)www.chicattle.org • [email protected]

CHI CATTLE PRODUCEReal World Numbers that

Really CountBeef Empire Days – Garden City, KS• 2009 3rd Place Heifer in Live Division• 2008 Reserve Grand Champion Heifer in Live Division• 2007 Grand Champion Steer in Live Division• 2006 Overall Grand Champion Steer• 2005 Overall Grand Champion Steer

National Western Fed Beef Contest• 2007 Grand Champion Carcass, exhibited by Ralph

Danner• 2006 Grand Champion Overall Pen• 2005 Grand Champion Overall Pen, Feeder &

Producer Divisions• 2005 Producer Division, Chi Cattle Stood 2nd, 3rd,

4th & 6th

Alabama BCIA Fall Round Up Sale• 2009 & 2010 – Chiangus bulls out averaged all

other breeds and the entire sale• 2010 – 24 Chiangus bulls averaged $3,304; Entire

Sale Average (62 bulls): $2,574• 2009 – 19 Chiangus bulls averaged $2,968; Entire

Sale Average (86 bulls); $1,964

Nebraska Cattlemen’s Classic – Kearney, NE• 2010 Chi Bull Named Supreme Champion Bull• 2009 Chi Heifer Named Supreme Champion Fe-

male (This female was also the high-selling heifer at the Classic)

• 2008 Chi Sale Topped All Sale Averages at $4,080/Lot• 2007 Chiangus Females Topped All Sale Averages

at $4,783/Lot• 2006 Chiangus Heifer Named Supreme Champion

Female

18th Annual Production Sale • March 31 , 2012Farmers Livestock Market • Bismarck, N.D.

Offering approximately 70 bulls and a select group of bred females and fancy heifer calves! You won’t want to miss

this exciting offering!

Progeny for sale by Momentum, Advantage, Linebacker, RDD Ace 1268R 2CA & JSC Marathon 559P.

Be sure to look us up at the National Western Stock Show in Denver!

Bryan, John & JerryP.O. Box 28 • Des Lacs, ND 58733

www.schaeferchiangus.comBryan: (701) 721-8091 • [email protected]

John: (701) 720-7220 • Jerry: (701) [email protected]

Contact us to request a sale catalog.

Reserve National Champion Chiangus Bull – 2008 ACA National Show – now deceased

YR Linebacker 4W 1CA

JSC Momentum 74T PCA

JSC Advantage 257T 2CA

We have the MOMENTUM & ADVANTAGE to take your program to the next level!

2012 spring chianina connection

Documents

chianina composites

chianina genetics

beef breeds

quality chianina cattle

specific composites

beef industry

commercial bull

red chiangus