Success StoryCalving Strategies Key for Beef Profits
Calving Strategies Key for Beef Profits
Author: Daniel Allen
Planning Unit: Kenton County CES
Major Program: Beef
Plan of Work: 2021 Agriculture and Horticulture Economic Support Programs
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
According to the APHIS Veterinary Service and Michigan State University research, four percent of beef cows will lose a calf due to difficult births. Beef operators in Kenton County have expressed their concerns about calf loss consistent with environmental and difficult births. While best management practices like vaccine protocols and nutrition contribute to healthy calves, beef producers should be aware of the actual birth process to ensure delivery of healthy calves. The Kenton County Extension Agriculture Agent worked with Veterinary Extension Specialist, Dr. Michelle Arnold and offered an online education program to address difficult cow labor. Topics covered included monitoring the cow prior to birth, when to call a veterinarian, understanding the stages of birth, and how to assist the cow with difficult births. By offering this class the 43 beef operators will have the knowledge needed to ensure live births. The ultimate goal is that reducing calf loss will result in increased calf sales for the family farms. An agent follow up survey is planned for late May 2021 to determine the numeric impact toward these farms.
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