10/12/05 Extra records

Extra Records There are all kinds of production related records that a cattle producer needs to keep, but there are others that might be just as useful. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll talk about some right after this. Most cattle producers look at measured production figures when analyzing their cow herds and evaluating yearly calf crops. These records can be calf-weaning weights, percentage of calves weaned compared to number of calves born, cow weights at calf-weaning time, carcass information if the producer retains ownership until the cattle are processed or has access to this information from the feeder or packer. Now while these measurements are vital to raising highly productive cattle there are other records and notes that can be very useful. Cow characteristics such as temperament, longevity, udder problems at calving, and calf-mothering instincts can relate right back to calf weaning weights and other measurement of productivity. My mom helps with calving and is always writing little notes about the cows. She uses these notes to remind us about a cow's bad temperament or if a cow didn't let her calf nurse quickly. These are good references at culling time. Longevity is a trait that gets overlooked or minimized more than it should. Cows that can stay in the herd and be productive for more years give greater returns on the high cost of raising heifers or buying young cows. We have a cow that is 14 years old and has a steer calf that will be in the top 10% of weaning weights. I think some of these less talked about records and characteristics can really help overall cowherd productivity. I'm Jeff Keane.