Reasons why we choose seasonal breeding for our cow-calf operation.
Seasonal breeding allows us to keep our calving uniformed. We know when to expect new calves for each season and our customers know we have two times a year that we will have beef for their freezer.
We have two Angus Bulls (one older, one younger) and one young Akaushi Bull for our operation.
Why did we get into Seasonal Breeding?
We started seasonal breeding over 6 years ago. A vet actually recommended this method to us. At the time we had bought a bull that was not breeding our cows. The vet came out to check the cows, and they were not bred. Turns out our bull was sterile. Which is when our vet said this would be the perfect time for us to implement seasonal breeding.
This allows for us to know when to expect calves being born, to know if there is a problem with any of our cows not being bred, and resolve the problem before we've wasted too much time. This method has also helped us in bookkeeping and knowing our cows better.
Everything to know about Seasonal Breeding Cattle
Another benefit to seasonal breeding is better nutrition for the cows. When a cow is pregnant with a calf there are certain nutritional needs she has, (quite the same as when a woman is having a baby). Having the cows on a schedule allows us to know which minerals and supplements to keep on hand. Our supplements have lots of protein to keep cow and calf healthy. Knowing when our cows are going into labor, means we can keep a closer eye on our herd. Our calves when born are healthy and usually stand within minutes, moving and lively the same day.
Seasonal breeding is good for our bulls as well. We breed three months, and shut the bulls up for three months to take care of them, giving them feed, getting their energy back up. Then they get put with another herd for three more months. Cycle repeats. Loading up our bulls in our trailer can be challenging. Our Angus bulls are somewhat easy to move, whereas our Akaushi bull has a bit more of a stubborn temperament. They get moved though, and our cycle continues.
Our calves are all born on our farm. We do not purchase calves from the market. Our calves are born, weened, raised right on our pastureland. That being said, we are confident in the health and care our calves receive. Seasonal breeding allows us to know the age, times to ween, when to start them on feed, and when to put them on constant access to feed, while keeping them on pasture where they have full access to grass.
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