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Chi Connection Spring 2013 Magazine

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Page 1: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 1

Page 2: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 2 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013

Page 3: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 3

Page 4: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 4 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013

In this issue

Contents

Features16 Raising Someone Else’s Calves

10 Preparation Key for Successful Bull PurchasesBy Bob Weaber, Ph.D.

12 Improving Efficieny Starts with Understanding the MeasuresBy Bob Weaber, Ph.D.

Columns5 Chi Hybrid Advantage

Stan Comer6 Big Opportunities for Small Breeders

Tyler Humphrey7 Where Technology has Lead Us

Brad Stoppel

Upcoming EventsJanuary 12 Bellar Beautiful Beef Babes, Wisner, nebraskaJanuary 17 Process all Hybrid advantage show & sale entries, nWss, 9 a.m.January 20 Pen Bull & Female show, nWss in Denver, Co 8 a.m.January 20 Hybrid advantage Bull & Female sale, Denver, Co, 1 PmJanuary 28 Cardinal Cattle Diamonds in the mine online sale February 1 Ft. Worth stock show Junior show 10 a.m. open show, noonFebruary 2 Horsley Bros. eastern exposure sale, new Paris, oHFebruary 14 Iowa Beef expo show 11:30 a.m. sale 5 p.m., Des moines, IaFebruary 16 Willow oaks Best Black Bulls In america sale, rogersville, tnFebruary 23 ne Cattleman Classic Chi/Chiangus show & sale, Kearney, neMarch 2 melroe & Beckett Dakota Gold Bull sale, miller, sDMarch 3 Kentucky Beef expo Jr. show 8 a.m., louisville, KYMarch 16 Chi Connection sale, Columbus, oHMarch 23 schaefer Chiangus 19th annual sale, Kist livestock auction,

mandan, nDMarch 24 Holt Bros. Black Velvet Bull sale, aberdeen, sD

Cover Photo by Laura Nelson, WY

Published by the American Chianina Association1708 N. Prairie View Rd.PO Box 890 • Platte City, MO 64079816.431.2808 • 816.431.5381 (fax)Email: [email protected]

StAFFChief Executive OfficerStan [email protected]

ACJ Production Manager/Director of Shows & ActivitiesJaclyn [email protected]

RegistrarJennifer [email protected]

Director of Marketing & PerformanceTyler [email protected]

Administrative/Membership Services CoordinatorCheryl [email protected]

See Board of Directors on page 5.

Page 5: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 5

Board of DirectorsEd Miller, Chairman, At Large 20158805 FM 818, Big Spring, TX 79740432.816.8676 • [email protected]

John Higgins, Vice Chairman, At Large 20159845 Statesville Rd., Watertown, TN 37184615.207.4555 • [email protected]

Ken Culp III, Secretary, At Large 20141065 Durham Lane, Nicholasville, KY 40356859.227.7506 • [email protected]

Don Esch, Treasurer, At Large 2015717 N 22nd Rd., Unadilla, NE 68454303.709.1595 • [email protected]

Jordan Holt, Northwest Region 201413319 378th Ave, Aberdeen SD 57401605.380.1209 • [email protected]

Matt Michel, Northeast Region 20154161 E. 750 S., Fort Branch, IN 47648812-632-0379 • [email protected]

Rob Sheets, At Large 2013 8250 U.S. Hwy W, Lafayette, IN 47906765.583.4555 • [email protected]

Mark Johnson, At Large 20134620 Goldfinch Ave., Maurice, IA 51036712.567.3986 • [email protected]

Art Pittman, At Large 2013PO Box 336, Micro, NC 27555919.284.5580 • [email protected]

Bryan Schaefer, At Large 2014Box 28, Des Lacs, ND 58733701.725.4902 • [email protected]

Val Shields, Southeast Region 2104837 Dahms Rd, Falmouth, KY 41040859.654.4440 • [email protected]

Brad Stoppel, Southwest Region 201318361 Reservior Rd., Russell, KS 67665785.483.2753 • [email protected]

As commercial beef producers examine their operation’s bottom

line in order to make production decisions for 2013 there are two profit centers that are bred in to Chianina Composites, Heterosis and Efficiency. Cattlemen in the US today cannot afford to leave the advantages of composite hybrid vigor out of their breeding program. It has been well documented over the years that the advantages of highly heritable traits are significantly increased when two or more breeds are genetically blended together.

There is a theory being discussed within the beef industry today that suggests that some straight bred cattle are more profitable due to more consistant quality grading results. While quality grade is an important factor in consumer acceptance of our product, it certainly is not the most important factor in a commercial beef operation’s bottom line.

A live, healthy calf that gets up and starts to nurse quickly has always been the first limiting factor for profitability of a beef operation. Chianina and Chianina Composites have proven they have the ability to do this consistently. Much of this has to do with calving ease. The longer more narrow head and flat shoulder and hip structure of the Chianina breed allows for ease of passage through the birth canal and less dystocia during birth. The Chianina sired calf has the ability to grow fast and efficiently to weaning. Once in

the feedlot, Chianina Composite cattle have the genetic predisposition to gain rapidly, efficiently and can be fed to a heavier harvest weight with outstanding carcass traits without putting on additional fat and taking a discount for yield grade.

Cowherd efficiency is equally important. It is possible to get your cowherd more efficient over time with selection pressure placed on mature cow size. Typically, the smaller the cow, the less inputs it takes to maintain her, giving the appearance that she is more efficient. The issue here is that you are probably giving up a great deal of weaning weight. With Chianina Composite females, you can target optimal mature cow size,while remaining input efficient. Increased longevity and udder integrity are also traits that the Chianina Composite can add to your bottom line

The Chianina Hybrid Advantage offers commercial beef producers optimal efficiency and the advantages of true heterosis to improve your bottom line. ©ACA

Chi Hybrid AdvantageColumn

Stan Comer - CEO of American Chianina Association

Page 6: ChiConnection Spring2013

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One of the most frequently asked questions from breeders with smaller herds

are “where and how should I market my cattle?” With today’s technology there are many different ways that you can market your product, but probably the most popular method would be the online sale. Before I talk about how to correctly go about having a successful online sale, I would like to let you in on a little secret - You will get exactly out of it, what you put into it!

Selection ProcessIt is very important to select

quality cattle for your sale. It may be a good idea to cull the bottom 20 percent and only offer the “cream of the crop.” This will give you and your program more credibility and show the public that you are serious about offering a quality product.

AdvertisingJust because you are not having a

live sale with an auctioneer does not mean you shouldn’t advertise. At the very least, you need to be utilizing banner ads on various cattle web sites and also several e-blasts to make people aware of your online sale. I would strongly suggest running some type of print advertisement in your breed’s or in a multi-breed publication. You can have the best

stock in the country, but if no one knows about it you will not get a premium for your hard work.

Pictures & VideosThis is where the

wheels can really fall of the bus. It is less than a month until the sale and it is time to picture and video (yes, both) your cattle. It is imperative that you get top quality videos and pictures for your online sale. These pictures and videos are what drives 90 percent of your potential buyers and some people may even buy the cattle sight un-seen just off of the pictures and videos. If they are not top quality you may lose many potential buyers. When I am preparing a sale catalog, one of the scariest things people tell me is “I am taking my own pictures.” Some folks do a really nice job, others do not. If in doubt, please ask someone in the livestock merchandising field to evaluate your photos and videos.

Phone WorkIdeally, your goal should be to

Big Opportunities for Small Breeders

Column

Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing & Performance

post your sale to the sale site two weeks prior to the sale date. Once the sale has been posted you may begin the real work, calling and selling your stock! If you post your online sale and “let her ride” you probably will not like your results. If you are not comfortable selling your cattle, discuss your options with your breed field representative or give one of the many livestock marketers across the country a call.

©ACA

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In the information driven world we now live in today we are constantly bombarded

with new concepts, data, statistics, blogs, facts, truths, and untruths. While the list constantly streams on and on we are forced to sort out what we conceivably can apply and benefit from and what is not possible to utilize or gain from. This same selection process also closely mirrors the beef industry. When we add in the reality that our decisions making process must be profitable, it seriously complicates the picture.

The cattle business has always been deeply embedded in tradition and history and most likely to some degree always will be. There’s no shame in that but we constantly need to take advantage of new technology and embrace change. While not new to the scene, Chianina and Chianina hybrid seed stock can provide a fresh and innovative solution to an ever evolving industry. Chianina genetics offer as much flexibility and diversity as the industry has to offer. Being one of the first breeds to expand into hybrids has allowed breeders to fine tune and to be ahead of the curve in maximizing heterosis. Gone are the days of the hard doing cattle with

disposition issues and efficiency. Instead you’ll find breeders that have retooled and reshaped programs to produce uniform groups of beef bulls that hit the “target” in multiple scenarios.

Few breeders can lay claim to the fact that they excel in multiple facets of the industry. Ask anyone that uses Chi influenced females about their unpaired udder quality or fertility in limited resource situations. But the true value of Chianina genetics may come from the flexibility they offer producers along the road to harvest. Chi hybrid bulls sire fancy groups of feeders that weigh like lead and top the market. In the feeding faze Chi cattle uniquely outshine the competition. If one examines the main profit drivers in the feed yard you’ll find Chi hybrids feed to heavier weights with less cover than the yard average. Fewer YG4’s, less days on feed, plus increased feed efficiency translate into better closeouts and more towards the bottom line.

New technology is becoming available to

Where Technology Takes Us...

Column

Brad Stoppel - ACA Board Member

genetically predetermined value in the beef population, couple that with the flexibility and the heterosis that Chi hybrids provide and the stage is set making dramatic progress inexpensively. Whatever the target- selling eye-popping calves at weaning, heavy weighing feeders, or premium producing fats the Hybrid Advantage can produce for you! ©ACA

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ACA Sale Reports

ACA updAtes

Sale reports from ACA Members Fall 2012

Wilson Cattle Company SaleSeptember 9, 2012 Auctioneer: Eddie Sims68 total lots grossed $321,755 to average $4,731Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 38 $5,000 1/2 Interest WCC Grand

Hustle 465YClarahan Farms, IA

Lot 46 $4,900 WCC Dillinger 413Z Chuck Holder, MSLot 57 $5,300 WCC Mignonne 426Z Michael Hodge, IN

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle - Online SaleSeptember 2012 CW Cattle Sales28 total lots grossed $122,007 to average $4,357Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 8 $8,000

Winegardner Harvest of Excellence SaleNovember 3, 2012 Auctioneer: Kevin Wendt43 total lots grossed $288,800 to average $6,716Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 1A $31,500 Man Up x Eye CandyLot 2 $42,000 Who Da Man x Hotline

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle Online SaleNovember 2012 CW Cattle Sales16 total lots grossed $67,050 to average $4,190Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 23 $16,100 Believe In Me x Improver

Chianina National SaleNovember 12, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis19 total lots grossed $114,800 to average $6,042Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 2B $30,000 HIGG Zilla 233Z Becking Farms, SDLot 4 $11,000 APS GK Forever Lady

Michelle 3ZSchaefer, ND

Lot 1 $10,500 Flush of BMS Xcellance 0015X

Seale, Lesky & 9 Land & Cattle, TX

Martin Dream Girls SaleNovember 25, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis86 total lots grossed $467,950 to average $5,441Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 3 $19,000 ML Waverly

(Irish Whiskey x Waverly)Lot 29 $18,000 JDCC Turn It Up 2351

(My Turn x JD Ms Blackbird)Lot 2 $13,500 1/2 Interest

ML Miss Crystal 89Z (Friction x ML Denver Momma)

Lot 1A $13,500 ML Miss Anne 13Z (Adrenaline x HARK Miss Indiana)

New Minimum Percentage Rule Effective January 1, 2012The minimum percentage rule for nationally sponsored ACA shows and sales took effect on January 1, 2012. Breeding cattle born on or after January 1, 2012 must have a minimum of 6.25% Chianina blood in order to participate in ACA nationally sponsored shows and sales. Nationally sponsored shows or sales include: The Southwest Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth, The National Junior Heifer Show, The National Show in Louisville and the National Western Stock Show in Denver.Breeding cattle with less than 6.25% Chianina blood are still eligible for registration and may still be shown at any other show other than nationally sponsored shows and sales.

Page 9: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 9

ACA Sale Reports

ACA updAtes

Sale reports from ACA Members Fall 2012

Wilson Cattle Company SaleSeptember 9, 2012 Auctioneer: Eddie Sims68 total lots grossed $321,755 to average $4,731Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 38 $5,000 1/2 Interest WCC Grand

Hustle 465YClarahan Farms, IA

Lot 46 $4,900 WCC Dillinger 413Z Chuck Holder, MSLot 57 $5,300 WCC Mignonne 426Z Michael Hodge, IN

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle - Online SaleSeptember 2012 CW Cattle Sales28 total lots grossed $122,007 to average $4,357Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 8 $8,000

Winegardner Harvest of Excellence SaleNovember 3, 2012 Auctioneer: Kevin Wendt43 total lots grossed $288,800 to average $6,716Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 1A $31,500 Man Up x Eye CandyLot 2 $42,000 Who Da Man x Hotline

Holt Bros./Hartwell Cattle Online SaleNovember 2012 CW Cattle Sales16 total lots grossed $67,050 to average $4,190Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 23 $16,100 Believe In Me x Improver

Chianina National SaleNovember 12, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis19 total lots grossed $114,800 to average $6,042Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 2B $30,000 HIGG Zilla 233Z Becking Farms, SDLot 4 $11,000 APS GK Forever Lady

Michelle 3ZSchaefer, ND

Lot 1 $10,500 Flush of BMS Xcellance 0015X

Seale, Lesky & 9 Land & Cattle, TX

Martin Dream Girls SaleNovember 25, 2012 Auctioneer: Ron Kreis86 total lots grossed $467,950 to average $5,441Lot # Amount Sold For Sold toLot 3 $19,000 ML Waverly

(Irish Whiskey x Waverly)Lot 29 $18,000 JDCC Turn It Up 2351

(My Turn x JD Ms Blackbird)Lot 2 $13,500 1/2 Interest

ML Miss Crystal 89Z (Friction x ML Denver Momma)

Lot 1A $13,500 ML Miss Anne 13Z (Adrenaline x HARK Miss Indiana)

New Minimum Percentage Rule Effective January 1, 2012The minimum percentage rule for nationally sponsored ACA shows and sales took effect on January 1, 2012. Breeding cattle born on or after January 1, 2012 must have a minimum of 6.25% Chianina blood in order to participate in ACA nationally sponsored shows and sales. Nationally sponsored shows or sales include: The Southwest Stock Show & Rodeo in Fort Worth, The National Junior Heifer Show, The National Show in Louisville and the National Western Stock Show in Denver.Breeding cattle with less than 6.25% Chianina blood are still eligible for registration and may still be shown at any other show other than nationally sponsored shows and sales.

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As the winter and spring bull-buying season approach, seedstock

purchasers should do their home work to help ensure the bull(s) they purchase 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 predictors 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 purchasing. 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. Percentile rank tables can be found on most breed association websites. These tools will enable you to compare the relative 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 environment. 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

Preparation Key for Successful Bull Purchases by Commerical Cattlemen

feature

Bob Weaber,Ph.D., Cow Calf Extension Specialist, Kansas State University

in life, price is driven by quality. Evaluation of a seedstock supplier’s prior year sale averages will give you an idea of what to expect in terms of purchase costs. That said, prices over the last 12 months indicate that seedstock purchases are substantially more expensive, some as much as $500 more, than in previous years. The increased bull cost is largely driven by increased development 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 Tyler Humphrey, Director of Marketing and Performance Programs for the ACA if you need help finding resources to aid in your sire selection activities. ©ACA

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As the winter and spring bull-buying season approach, seedstock

purchasers should do their home work to help ensure the bull(s) they purchase 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.

For commercial beef producers, the implementation of technologies and breeding systems that increase the quality and volume of production and/or reduce input costs is essential to profitability. Efficiency is a term that refers to the proportion of outputs to inputs and is a frequently mentioned goal of beef producers. There are many different ‘efficiencies’ that affect beef production, especially at the cowcalf level. Some of these efficiencies are observed at the individual animal level and some observed at the system or herd level.

The various efficiencies can be categorized into measures of biological or economic efficiency. Improvement in individual animal efficiency, especially during the post-weaning growing or finishing phases, may or may not improve efficiency at the herd or system level, and may have an undesirable correlated response in traits of cows.

So, why is improvement in feed efficiency important and why does the beef industry focus on it? During the growing and finishing phase of production, a one percent improvement in feed efficiency has the same economic impact as a three percent increase in rate of gain. Assuming 27 million cattle are fed per year and that 34 percent of cattle in the feedlot are calves and 66 percent are yearlings, the beef industry could save over a billion dollars annually by reducing daily feed intake by just 2 pounds per growing animal.

Different Measures of EfficiencyThere are a variety of measures

of efficiency discussed and utilized in beef production. Some may or may not be important to cow-calf producers. For improvements in ‘efficiency’ to positively impact profitability of a cow-calf producer, the efficiency improvement must be realized prior to the marketing endpoint of progeny. In the following sections a variety of ‘efficiency’ measures are discussed including their applicability and limitations for improvement in efficiency of the cow herd. These measures or their component traits have been shown to be heritable, so selection for improvement is possible but anticipated to be slow, requiring a decade or more to move the population a meaningful distance.

Improving Efficiency Starts with Understanding the Measures

NEws

Bob Weaber,Ph.D., Cow Calf Extension Specialist, Kansas State University

Feed Efficiency or Feed Conversion Ratio: Many cow-calf producers and, certainly cattle feeders, are familiar with the term feed efficiency (FE; live weight gain per unit of feed consumed) or its reciprocal, feed conversion ratio (FCR; F:G or pounds of feed per pound of live gain). Both of these measures are most commonly associated with animals during the growing or finishing phases. Both measures are suitable for managerial use during feeding but are poor selection tools.

Their utility is limited in selection due to two issues. First, the measures are ratios of inputs and outputs, so improvement in the ratio can be achieved by changing the numerator, the denominator or both. Therefore breeders don’t have control over which parameter in the ratio changes due to selection. Selection tools like an index that consider each input and output separately are more effective. Second, FCR or FE is strongly related to average daily gain (ADG) and composition of gain. Leaner biological types and larger, faster growing animals tend to have better FE and FCR. Selection based on FE or FCR results in larger, later maturing and leaner cows. This type of cow tends to have higher maintenance energy requirements.

Residual Feed Intake: Recently, residual feed intake (RFI; Koch et al. 1963) has been reintroduced

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as an efficiency measure for beef production. It is computed as the difference between actual average daily feed intake (AFI) and the predicted daily dry-matter intake based on the animal’s gain and maintenance requirements for its body weight. The actual calculation results in an RFI value that is not correlated with phenotypic ADG and body weight (an advantage over FCR or FE).

However, research shows underlying genetic correlations between RFI with FI, ADG and BW as well as measures of composition. Computing RFI on the genetic scale as an index of EPDs assures a selection tool with fewer antagonisms. RFI can and does identify efficient animals that also have slow growth and low feed intake making these candidates undesirable for selection and use in the commercial beef industry. Some research suggests that selection for RFI produces slightly larger and leaner cows over time and cows that have older ages at first calving. In general, selection for favorable (negative) RFI results in animals with equivalent performance, but achieves that output with less feed consumed.

Residual Average Daily Gain: A concept closely related to RFI is residual average daily gain (RADG) which was proposed at the same time as RFI as a potential tool for selection for improved feed efficiency. This term is defined as the difference between actual weight gain and the gain predicted based on dry matter intake, maintenance of body weight and fat cover. In the calculation, differences in ADG are controlled/adjusted for differences in

AFI and body weight.Like RFI, RADG,

is a transformation of the data and can be computed based on either the live measurements alone (phenotypic) or by information from both the individual and relative data (genetic). While RADG is indicative of differences in efficiency of feed utilization for growing animals, it may have limited utility for prediction of differences in maintenance efficiency of cows. RADG should not be used alone in selection for feed efficiency. Data reveals that some animals with favorable RADG have sub-par feed intake and consequently undesirable ADG.

Average Daily Feed Intake: Also known as AFI. AFI is a gross measure of nutrient input. While it cannot be used alone as a predictor of feed efficiency, it provides a useful data input for computation of a selection index. Feed intake represents an economically relevant measure of cost that can be associated with a variety of output or endpoint measures. AFI could be measured on animals during different phases of production and used to capture input:output (efficiency) information. A selection index for AFI or an AFI EPD can be reliably produced analyzing performance records for a variety of growth traits. An AFI EPD produced without actual feed records

but based on genetic associations between growth and intake can account for nearly 75% of the variation in observed feed intake.

These measures of efficiency are most commonly discussed when considering data that measure individual intake of growing animals in a feedlot setting. Cow/calf producers that retain an interest or ownership of calves through harvest may be considering them as options to improve profitability of the finishing phase of production. Since growth is not a desired output of the cow, other measures of cow efficiency are needed that account for reproduction, maintenance and milk production.

Reprinted with permission from Beef Tips, March 2012, Kansas State Research and Extension. Beef Tips is available online at: http://www.asi.ksu.edu/p.aspx?tabindex=39&tabid=297 ©ACA

News

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The last couple of years have been some of the most eventful in memory

for this nation’s cow-calf industry. While feeder calf prices have been historically high during this time, input costs have escalated as well. Aggressive cattlemen have always tried to balance to the antagonistic mix of maximizing gross income from their calf crop while controlling input costs. The bottom line is that it has always been and continues to be a challenge to make a profit in the cow-calf business.

Cow-calf producers are constantly searching for new ways to add value to their calf crop. Efforts are made to use the best genetics available, provide balanced diets, implement sound health programs, and provide management history in order to attract potential buyers. Buyers can be found in different locations. Traditional livestock marketing outlets continue to set the standard for market price discovery. Satellite and internet sales open up more potential markets for the producer. Source- and background-verified cattle are seeing increased demand with potential customers.

However, I am going to suggest

a less-traditional option for cow-calf producers looking to maximize the value of their calves. My recommendation is not to raise your own calves but to raise someone else’s calves. This can be accomplished by using your cows as “foster” or “surrogate” mothers to raise calves for other producers. In this situation, a herd of commercial cows serves as a “Cooperator Herd” for another herd wanting to produce additional calves from a desirable female through embryo transfer.

Embryo transfer is the process of removing eggs from a superovulated donor and placing them into recipient cows. Beef seedstock producers have utilized embryo transfer for many years as a means to produce more calves from females with real or perceived higher monetary value. The first calf resulting from embryo transfer was born in 1951 and the first commercial embryo transfers in cattle were done in the early 1970’s.

The recipient cow is the key component to any successful embryo transfer program. A good candidate for a recipient cow is one that possesses the following important traits: the ability to deliver calf easily; adequate milk production; good

Raising Someone Else’s Calves

feature

John F. Grimes, OSU Extension Beef Coordinator

mothering ability; and excellent fertility. This sounds that the job qualifications for a good commercial cow, doesn’t it? The perceived notion of the “ideal” recipient cow has evolved over the years but it generally comes down to these previously mentioned traits.

The utilization of the recipient cow by seedstock producers has evolved over time. Seedstock producers have typically used lower valued cows in their herd or purchased commercial cows to serve as recipients for eggs produced in the embryo transfer programs. As the beef seedstock industry has become more competitive over time, many producers have been unable to produce enough calves out of valuable cows within the constraints of their current land, labor, facility, and cow herd resources. Several years ago, a few innovative producers sought out commercial herds as a means to produce more calves from their genetically superior or valuable females.

For the commercial herd to become a successful “Cooperator Herd”, the operator must be willing to utilize the same recommended production practices used by profitable operations combined with

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the same basic heat synchronization protocols used by the artificial insemination industry. The process requires a higher degree of planning and recordkeeping than most producers are accustomed to but can easily be accomplished.

I will attempt to outline the basic process of transferring embryos into recipients. An implant date is established for transfer of the eggs. Cows targeted for use as recipients should at least 45-60 days post-partum and cycling. Cows are typically synchronized to get as many cows in heat as possible in a narrow time frame (+/- 24 hrs. from the scheduled implant time). A key point to remember is that embryos are removed from donor females at approximately seven days after breeding. Therefore, they are placed into recipients approximately seven days after she was in heat. A trained embryologist then transfers fresh or frozen embryos in recipients that have the proper uterine characteristics to match the seven-day-old embryo. Refer to the OSU Extension fact sheet “Utilization of Embryo Transfer in Beef Cattle” for more information on this subject. It can be found at the following link: http://ohioline.osu.edu/anr-fact/pdf/ANR_17_08.pdf

Conception rates for matings from embryo transfer will be similar to or slightly less than typical rates achieved through natural matings or artificial insemination. Typically, 55–70% of the fresh embryos and 50–65% of the frozen embryos

implanted will result in pregnancies. Many factors will influence the pregnancy rates achieved at any given operation.

The following scenario would be a fairly typical “Cooperator Herd” scenario. The commercial producer covers the cost of synchronizing their cows in preparation for embryo transfer. They also provide the facilities and labor on the day of embryo transfer. The seedstock producer provides the embryos and pays for embryos to be implanted in the commercial cows. The commercial producer manages the cows that become pregnant with embryo calves along with the other cows in the herd. Calves are developed from birth to weaning and the seedstock producer purchases the calves produced from embryo transfer from the commercial producer. This is a bit of an oversimplification of a detailed process. I would strongly encourage both parties to develop a written agreement that outlines the different responsibilities and expectations for the entire process.

So why would a commercial cow-calf producer consider becoming a “Cooperator Herd”? Simply put, it is the easiest way I know of for the commercial producer to achieve the maximum price for their calves at weaning. Seedstock and club calf producers have shown a willingness to pay a premium for calves produced from their genetics and raised by another operation. There are many different arrangements

that are utilized across the country. “Cooperator Herds” will receive a premium for their calves that will be in the form of an agreed upon price above the market price at weaning in either cents per pound or a flat per head price. Commonly reported premiums have ranged from $100 - $250 per weaned calf.

The “Cooperator Herd” concept, when carried out properly, can be a “win-win” process for both the seedstock producer and the commercial cow-calf producer. Yes, there are risks involved for both parties but they can be minimized. The primary advantage for the commercial producer is the ability to receive a large premium for a weaned calf with a nominal increase in input costs. The seedstock producer can producer can produce more calves from their valuable females without investing in long-term resources such as additional land or cows. At the core, the principles of this process are not vastly different from grain farmers renting crop ground. One producer is using the resources of a landlord to increase production. This sounds like American agriculture at its finest!

If you have any questions about the process of becoming a “Cooperator Herd”, you can reach me by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 740-289-2071, extension 242. ©ACA

feature Raising Someone Else’s Calves, Continued

Page 19: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 19

Page 20: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 20 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013

Advertiser’s index

A.B.’s Ranch..........................................................................26American Chianina Association..........................IFC, IBC, BCArd Ridge Cattle Company...................................................23Bessler, James..........................................................................7Cattle Visions........................................................................11Circle E Cattle Company......................................................26Circle E Farms......................................................................21Champagne Farms................................................................23Clarahan Farms..............................................................13, 22Classic Genetics.....................................................................25CK Cattle Company..............................................................21Coward, Danny.....................................................................23Davis, Tim............................................................................24Esch Cattle Company............................................................24Foster Brothers Farms............................................................26Four Roses Cattle..................................................................22Garrett’s Show Cattle............................................................22Gehrke Farms........................................................................21Gettinger Chi Angus.............................................................21Graham Chiangus.................................................................25Grassland Farms....................................................................25Hunt Farms...........................................................................24Jeff Miller Show Cattle..........................................................22

Johnson Chiangus.................................................................21McHale Farms.......................................................................26Melroe Farms.................................................................17, 24Ohlrichs, Wayne & Barb......................................................24Ramsey Chiangus.................................................................24Riverbend Farm....................................................................25Riverview Farm....................................................................24Ron Kreis, Auctioneer...........................................................25RSE Farms, Inc.....................................................................21Schaefer Chiangus.............................................................3, 24 Schrick Land & Cattle..........................................................26Sears Marketing Services.......................................................21Sexton Chiangus...................................................................22Sky Meadows........................................................................25Trennepohl Farms.................................................................22VBS Farms............................................................................23VKR Cattle Company...........................................................23Ventura Farms.......................................................................23Walter G. Mizes Ranches......................................................26White Cattle Company.........................................................25Whitten Chiangus.................................................................26Willow Oak Cattle Ranch.....................................................25Wilstem Guest Ranch...........................................................22Woodhaven Farms.................................................................25

Page 21: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 21

Chi GenetiCs DireCtory

AlAbAmA

Ned EllisHome (334) 227-4446

232 Cruise Rd. • Hope Hull, AL 36043

Chuck MadarisCell: (334) 657-5833

“Professional Sale Management & Marketing Services”Alan Sears

61 Westward Way • Eaton, CO 80615Home/Office: (970) 454-3986 • Mobile: (970) 396-7521

[email protected] • www.searsmarketingservices.com

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

Talmo RanchChiangus & Chiford Cattle

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

JohnsonTerry Johnson, Owner309.337.8440

Drew Johnson309.337.5700

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

inDiAnA

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]

Selling Bulls, Heifers & Steers

Get t inger Ch i Angus

www.gEttINgERchIaNguS.com

C h i a ng us

Page 22: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 22 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013

IndIana

Jeff Miller

Grand Champion Steer 2012 Indiana State Fair

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

Logansport, Indiana(574) 753-4652

Mike & Teresa Rose

Gary & Bev Rose

Guest Ranch

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

French Lick, IN47432

(812) 630-4850Home of WRL Tracken

Iowa

Clarahan Farms

Breeders of Chiangus CattleDennis • Ryan • Neil

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

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

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

(765) 414-4547 – cell

ChI GeneTICS dIReCToRy

ad Copy deadline of february 1! for the March/april chi Journal

Page 23: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 23

KentucKy

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

Champagne FarmsFullblood Chianina Bulls

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

[email protected]

www.champagnefarm.com

Michigan

VK

The Vander KolksDorr, Michigan

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

Carl, Gail, Craig, Kim & Susan

Home of FBF Nevada Nights 2CA

R

Ventura FarmKen, Deb &

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

Harlan & Leah Ritchie4537 Comanche Dr.Okemos, MI 48864

(517) 333-0649

VF New Edition 201 1CM2003 ACA National Champion Chi Bull

Chiangus, Chimaine & AngusBulls Available by Private Treaty

Mississippi

Danny Coward

501 Russell Rd.• Noxapater, MS 39346(662) 724-2685 (home) • (662) 325-2675 (work) • coward@

cvm.msstate.edu

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

chi genetics DiRectORy

KV

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

Fullblood ChianinaChiangus Breeding Bulls & Heifers

Lees Catt le Company

Follow us on Facebook – Lees Cattle Co

MissOuRi

do you have the next Cover photo?email your photos to tyler at [email protected] for a chance to for your photos to be featured in the chi Journal and chi connection!

Page 24: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 24 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013

nebraska

Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs55943 U.S. Hwy. 275

Norfolk, NE 68701(402) 371-0695

Cell (402) 649-5804

Chi's, Maines, Simmental & Angus

Club Calves & Breeding Stock

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Lincoln, NebraskaCustomer Focused on Value Traits And Services

Producers of Chiangus and Chimaine Breeding Cattle

Ramsey Chiangus

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) [email protected]

FULL BLOOD CHIANINA

north carolina

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

(704) [email protected]

Carolina Chiangus

north Dakota

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

58733Bryan: (701) 721-8091

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

[email protected]

2009 NWSS Champion Chianina Pen

Visit us at www.schaeferchiangus.com

Melroe FarmsSteve, Barb, Tyler & Bethany

8005 Hwy. 32 Gwinner, ND 58040

(701) 678-2225Tyler (Cell) (605) 695-3295

BFW Hot Iron 1CMForm to Function

ohio

Hunt Farms

Home Phone(937) 548-3050

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

New Madison, OH 45346

chi Genetics Directory

Annual Bull Sale Feb. 2, 2013 at the OHL ranch

Page 25: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 25

nebraska

Wayne & Barb Ohlrichs55943 U.S. Hwy. 275

Norfolk, NE 68701(402) 371-0695

Cell (402) 649-5804

Chi's, Maines, Simmental & Angus

Club Calves & Breeding Stock

E-mail: [email protected]

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

Lincoln, NebraskaCustomer Focused on Value Traits And Services

Producers of Chiangus and Chimaine Breeding Cattle

Ramsey Chiangus

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) [email protected]

FULL BLOOD CHIANINA

north carolina

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

(704) [email protected]

Carolina Chiangus

north Dakota

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

58733Bryan: (701) 721-8091

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

[email protected]

2009 NWSS Champion Chianina Pen

Visit us at www.schaeferchiangus.com

Melroe FarmsSteve, Barb, Tyler & Bethany

8005 Hwy. 32 Gwinner, ND 58040

(701) 678-2225Tyler (Cell) (605) 695-3295

BFW Hot Iron 1CMForm to Function

ohio

Hunt Farms

Home Phone(937) 548-3050

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

New Madison, OH 45346

chi Genetics Directory

Annual Bull Sale Feb. 2, 2013 at the OHL ranch

ohioRon KReis, AuctioneeR

2005 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

Classic Genetics

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 Connection

White Cattle Company

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”

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

Bottom line genetics For Profit minded Cattlemen

Tom Gunn & FamilyR.R. 3, Box 120

Decherd, TN 37324(615) 467-3254

Woodhaven FarmsTennessee Chianina Steer & Heifer Futurity

Sponsor of

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

Chi geneTiCS DireCTory

PennSylvania

Page 26: ChiConnection Spring2013

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texas

Jody & ShawndaRt. 2, Box 36

Lockney, TX 79241(806) 652-2383

(806) 983-7225 cell

Jered Shipman • Herdsman/Consultant • (806) [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.

Walter G. Mizes Ranches

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 CompanyERaising Quality Chi Cattle

west virginia

Steve McHaleP.O. Box 302 • Union, WV 24983(304) 772-3389 • (304) [email protected]

Lewisburg & Union, West VirginiaMcHale Farms

Land CattleClub Calf Chiangus

&&

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

Mineral Wells, Texas

Chi genetiCs DireCtory

Breeders of Quality Chi Cattle

Graham ChianGus

Pete, Debra, Taylor & Blythe Graham2355 Peavine Firetower Rd. • Crossville, TN 38571

(931) 484-4666

Page 27: ChiConnection Spring2013

Spring 2013 | Chianina ConneCtion | page 27

texas

Jody & ShawndaRt. 2, Box 36

Lockney, TX 79241(806) 652-2383

(806) 983-7225 cell

Jered Shipman • Herdsman/Consultant • (806) [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.

Walter G. Mizes Ranches

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 CompanyERaising Quality Chi Cattle

west virginia

Steve McHaleP.O. Box 302 • Union, WV 24983(304) 772-3389 • (304) [email protected]

Lewisburg & Union, West VirginiaMcHale Farms

Land CattleClub Calf Chiangus

&&

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

Mineral Wells, Texas

Chi genetiCs DireCtory

Breeders of Quality Chi Cattle

Graham ChianGus

Pete, Debra, Taylor & Blythe Graham2355 Peavine Firetower Rd. • Crossville, TN 38571

(931) 484-4666

Page 28: ChiConnection Spring2013

page 28 | Chianina ConneCtion | Spring 2013