Oregon Beef Improvement Procedures

0 3/5- c Oregon Beef Improvement Procedures SPECIAL REPORT 315 REVISED NOVEMBER 1970 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS

John H. Landers, Jr., Extension Animal Science Specialist W. Dean Frischknecht, Extension Animal Science Specialist REVISED NOVEMBER 1970 Cooperative Extension work in Agriculture and Home Economics, Joseph R. Cox, acting director. Oregon State University and the United States Department of Agriculture cooperating. Printed and distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914.

The Oregon beef cattle improvement program was organized to further the improvement of Oregon beef cattle by using a systematic production testing procedure. In order to carry out this program, certain practical and simple records must be kept. This publication suggests methods and forms for rating calves, yearlings, cows, and bulls. It is recognized that not every breeder wants exactly the same type of cattle. However, efficient cattle, regardless of breed or type, have many of the same characteristics. This program is designed to identify the efficient cattle that are of desirable type. This program is set up to give equal consideration to weight for age and to conformation. Cattle should be weighed and graded as weaners, yearlings, and as long yearlings or two-year-olds. Grades on mature animals vary according to condition. Grades on cows after they have gone into the producing herd have little meaning. Of major importance is the calf weaning record. Cows and bulls are rated on the basis of the calves they produce. Most cowmen are interested in both quality and quantity of calf produced. Both affect the total income from the enterprise. To successfully carry out a production testing program, each animal must be permanently and individually identified and a set of scales provided. The identification of cattle may be accomplished by several methods. Some of the most used methods are: large metal ear tags, plastic ear tags, neck chains, shoulder brands, freeze brands, tattoos, and horn brands. In order to read ear tags or tattoos, the animal must be confined, and the neck chains are occasionally lost. The state law requires shoulder brands be in three digits, e.g., 019 or A07. Four inch branding irons should be used. The replacement heifers should be branded as yearlings. The hair may need to be clipped from the branded area for ease in reading. Legible freeze brands may not need to be clipped. 1. A pocket notebook is a very convenient tool in making temporary records of calving information. The cow numbers should be listed in numerical order with space provided to record the calf's number, sex, sire, and birth date. Another section of the notebook should be maintained to list the calves in numerical order. This should contain the cow number, birth date, sire, and sex of calf. It may be advisable to list

- 2 - the calves separately by sex. This double entry is made only for convenience of the breeder. He is able to check on a cow by knowing a calf's number or check a calf by knowing the cow's number without going through a long list of numbers. It will take some time to make these lists but may save time in the long run. 2. After records have been kept for a few years, many breeders want to divide their herds into A and B breeding herds. The A herd will consist of the highest rating cows and will be mated to the highest rating bull. The majority of the herd replacements will come from this herd. CALF RECORDS As soon as practical after birth, identify each calf with a tattoo number or ear tag. Records can then be kept showing the calf's number, date of birth, sire, and the dam's number. Birth weights are not necessary. The information obtained at weaning time is very important, and involves the following steps: 1. Weigh and record weight of each calf. Use separate sheets for bull, steer, and heifer calves. (Form 1) Weigh calves between 160 and 250 days of age. 2. Grade and record grade of each calf. (Form 1) 3. Adjust weight to 205 days of age, or calculate weight per day of age. (Fig. 1.) 4. Correct adjusted weight for age of dam. (Table 2) 5. List each calf's number on Form 2 opposite adjusted weight and under proper grade. Select replacement heifers and young bulls according to position on Form 2, allowing sufficient numbers for further culling as yearlings. The best prospects appear in the upper left corner. ADJUSTING WEANING WEIGHTS TO 205 DAYS OF AGE All weight adjustments to 205 days of age may be calculated by deducting 70 pounds for standard birth weights from the actual weaning weight, divide

- 3 the result by the actual days of age, multiplying this average daily gain figure by 205 and add the 70 pound birth weight. An adjustment chart (Figure 1) is available for converting the weight to 205 days of age. Example: Actual weight - 560 lbs. Age in days - 245 Average birth weight - 70 lbs. 560 lbs. - 70 lbs = 490 lbs. gain 490 lbs. 245 = 2.0 lbs. average daily gain 2 lbs. x 205 = 410 lbs. 410 lbs. + 70 lbs. birth weight = 480 lbs. 480 lbs. x 1.10 = 528 lbs. adjusted weight for three year old cow (Table 5) (Adjusted 205 day weight) ANOTHER SUGGESTED METHOD CORRECT FOR 205 DAYS OF AGE ADJUSTMENT FOR AGE OF DAM Actual weight - 560 lbs. Age in days - 245 or 40 days over age 560 lbs. - 70 lbs. = 490 lbs. gain 490 245 = 2.0 lbs. average daily gain 40 x 2 = 80 lbs. to be deducted 560-80 lbs. = 480 lbs. adjusted weight 480 x 1.10 = 528 lbs. adjusted for three year old cow (Table 5) Table 2 gives factors for converting age of dam at calving time to a mature cow equivalent. Multiply the adjusted 205 day weight by a factor from this table to compensate for differences in ages of cow. A cow that is two years old at calving time would have a factor of 1.15; 3 yrs. 1.10; 4 rs. 1.05. Five to 10 years of age - no adjustment; 11 and older 1.05. SUGGESTED MINIMUM WEIGHTS FOR CATTLE WITH EXCELLENT PASTURE AND FEEDING CONDITIONS CONDITIONS A cow and calf on pasture A cow and calf same as above with calf on creep feeder. A calf raised in a feedlot on a nurse cow 205 Days of Age 365 Days Bull Steer Heifer Bull Calf Calf Calf 475 lb. 450 lb. 425 lb. 875 lb. (2.4 lb. per day) 500 lb. 475 lb. 450 lb. 915 lb. (2.5 lb. per day) 550 lb. 525 lb. 500 lb. 915 lb. (2.5 lb. per day)

COW RATINGS - 4 - Cows can be rated according to a production index based on the weight and grade of their calves. This involves the following steps: 1. Divide calves by sex and into weight groups. (Table 3) list calves from heaviest to lightest. There should be the same number of weight groups as grade groups. 2. Record on Form 1. calf rating according to grade and weight. (Table 4). To be rated within a group, these calves should not have more than a 90 day spread in age, but a 60 day spread is more desirable. 3. Transfer weaning information on each calf to the individual record sheet of its dam. 4. Record cow's number on Form 3 according to her production index once a year. It is recommended that the cows be rated yearly according to their average rating. This is done by taking the annual rating at weaning time; add them together and divide by the number of years. 5. Cows with the most outstanding records will be at the top of the form. YEARLING HEIFER SELECTION Information needed for rating yearlings is weight and grade. This information may be taken when weighing next year's calf crop. Cattle that have been handled under different feeding conditions cannot be rated as a group. The heifers may also be selected by using Form 2. Enter actual weight and grade. Keep as replacements those heifers that appear on the upper left corner of the sheet. The producer draws his own culling line. COMMERCIAL CATTLE PROCEDURES The procedures for commercial cattle are the same as for purebred cattle with the exception of exact birth dates of calves. Move cows and calves from the drop pasture every week. Identify the calves by ear tags, one in each ear, at this time. Record the calf's number, its dam's number, and the date moved. Birth weight is unnecessary. Weighing and grading at weaning time are of great importance to the commercial cow operator. The county agent may assist with the weighing and grading. These procedures will give you a great deal of help in selecting possible replacement heifers and knowing what cows to cull out.

- 5-140 DAY FEED TEST FOR BULLS Bulls going on feed test should be weaned between six and ten months of age at the time the test is started. Most testing requires a two pound minimum weight per day of age at beginning of the test period. They should be weighed by the rancher and county agent at the beginning and end of the test period. They should be weighed with a normal fill; neither an excessive fill nor excessive shrink. Bulls should be on the test ration at least 30 days before the official test begins. The final weight should be taken at approximately the same time of day and in the same manner as the initial weight. The ration may be of the producers choice with no hormone additives. Table 2. AGE OF DAM CONVERSION FACTOR. Multiply the adjusted weight by the figure under factor and opposite the age of the dam when the calf was dropped. Calves raised on cow other than dam will not be corrected. (See page 11). Age of Dam Factor 2 years and younger 1.15 3 years 1.10 4 years 1.05 5 years 1.00 11 years and older 1.05 I Table 3.1 SUGGESTED GROUPING FOR CALVES ON THE BASIS OF ADJUSTED WEANING WEIGHT Weight Groups % of Calves Included Group Heaviest 10% Group 2 Next 15% Group 3 Next 25% Group 4 Next 25% Group 5 Next 15% Group 6 Lightest 10% Table 4. RATING VALUES FOR CALVES, GIVING EQUAL EMPHASIS TO WEIGHT AND GRADE. Weight groups (1)Prime(16)(1-)Prime-(15)(2+)Choice+(14)(2)Choice(15)(2-)Choice-(12)(3+)GaP 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 3 3 4 5 6 7 8 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 6 6 7 8 9 10 11

- 6-7160 : 165 170 175 180 185 190 Adjusted cal 195 weight at 200 205 days 660 650 640 630 620 610 1600 590 580 570 560 550 540. 530 520 510 500 _ 4 bd - -.4-210 205 pounds 480 h50 215 440 220 225 400 230 380 235 360 240 340 245 320 250 300 Elg_1. A means of adjusting the weight of calves to 205 days of age. Use a straiihi edge to connect age in days with actual weight and read the adjusted weight at 205 days of age on the center scale..this chart was developed by subtracting an average birth weight of 70 pounds, calculating gain per day of age, multiplying this gain by 205, and adding the 70 pounds birth weight. 470 460 430 420 410 390 370 350 330 310

Age in 255 260 265 27o MN. 275 280 285 290 days 295 300 305 310 315 320 325.MR4 330 335 340-7 Adjusted 300 day weight 760 750 7140 730 710 700 690 680 670 660 650 640 30 620 610 600 590 580 570 560 550 5140 530 520 510 500 490 h80 460 450 440 430" 420 410 400 670 660 650 640 63o Actual 620 calf weights, Ma. MM. =1, 760 750 740 730 720 710 700 690 680 610 600 590 pounds 580 570 56o 55o - 540 530 520 510 500 -- 490 480 470 460 450 4140 1430 420 410 3145 400 Fig, 2. A means of adjusting the weight of calves to 300 days of age. Use a straight edge to connect age in days with actual weight and read the adjusted weight at 3Q0 days of age Qn the center scale, This chart was developed by ubtracting an average birth weight of yo pounds, calculating gain per day of age, multiplying this gain by 300, and adding the 70 pounds birth weight.

8-320 325 330-7. 335 340 345 350 355 360 365 Age 370 in days 375 380 385 390 395 400 405 Adjusted weight at 365 days of age, pounds = 410 Fig,.3_ A means of adjusting weights straaght edge to connect age in days with for 365 days on the center slant line. A 1010 l000 990 98o 9 60 950 940 930 920 910 900 890 880 870 860 850 840 830 820 810 800 790 780 770 760 750 740 730 720 710 700 690 680 670 660 650 1010 1000 of yearlings to 365 days of age. Use a actual weight and read the adjusted weight constant rate of gain is assumed. 990 980 970 96o 95o 94o 930 920 910 900 890 880 870 86o 850 84o 830 820 Actual 810 weights, 800 790 pounds 780 770 760 750 740 730 720 710 700 690 680 670 660 650

- 9 - -910 350 - - 900 355 910-890 880 g90 360 8808-870 870 860 860 365 850 850 840 840 830 820-370 830 810 800-820 790 810 375 780 770-800 760-790 380 750 740 780 385 730 770 720 760 710-390 700 750 Adjusted 690 740 Age : 680 395 weight at 670 Actual.730 in 660 365 720 days weights, 650 days 7400 of age, 640 710 pounds - 630 700 7 405 pounds 620-690 610-680 600 410 590-670 580 660-415 570-650 560 640 550 420-630 - 620 425-610 - 600 : 1430 590-580 7, 435 570 560 55o Fig. 1.1* A means of adjusting weights of yearlings to straight 365 days of age. Use a edge to connect age in days with actual weight and read the adjusted weight for 365 days on the center slant line. A constant rate of gain is assumed.

- 1 0 - Age in 525 530 535 540 545 550 555 56o 565 570 days: 575 580-585 -590 :7595-600 605 Adjusted weight at 570 days of age, pounds 960 50 940 30 20 10 00 890 880 70 60 50 40 830 20 10 00 790 780 770 760 750 40 30 20 10 00.90.80.70 as* 50.30.20.10 D 96o 95o 940 93o 920 910 900 890 88o 87o 860 850 840 830 820 810 800 790 Actual 780 weights, 770 pounds - 760-75o 740-730 - 720-710 - 700 690-680 - 670-660 - 65o 640-63o --620-610 -4-615 --600 Fig. 5. A means of adjusting heifer weights to 205 days + one year. This figure assumes a straight line rate of gain. Connect the days of age with the actual weight and read the adjusted 570 day weight from the center line.

[ Table 5.1 ADJUSTED WEIGHT -- DAM'S AGE AGE OF COW AT CALVING TIME Adjusted Adjusted 205 day 2 3 4* 11+ 205 Day 2 3 14* 11+ Weight yrs yrs yrs os Weight yrs yrs yrs yrs goo 890 880 870 860 850 1035 1025 1010 1000 990 975 990 980 970 960 945 935 9h5 935 925 915 905 895 945 935 925 915 905 895 600 590 58o 570 560 55o 690 68o 665 655 645 635 660 650 640 630 615 6c 63o 620 61o. 600 590 580 840 965 925 880 880 540 620 595 565 565 83o 955 915 87o 87o 530 610 585 555 555 820 945 900 86o 860 520 boo 570 545 545 810 93o 890 850 850 510 585 56o 535 535 800 920 88o 84o 84o 500 575 55o 525 525 790 910 87o 83o 83o 490 565 54o 515 515 78o 895 86o 82o 820 48o 55o 53o 5o5 5o5 770 885 855 810 810 47o 54o 520 495 495 76o 875 845 800 800 46o 530 505 485 485 75o 86o 825 785 785 45o 520 495 475 475 7h0 85o 815 775 775 440 505 485 460 46o 73o 8h0 800 765 765 430 495 475 450 45o 72o 83o 790 755 755 420 485 46o 44o hho 710 815 78o 745 745 1410 470 450 430 430 700 805 770 735 735 400 460 hho 420 420 690 795 76o 725 725 390 450 430 410 410 680 780 750 715 715 380 435 420 400 400 67o 770 735 705 705 370 425 410 390 390 660 760 725 695 695 360 415 395 380 380 65o 750 715 685 685 350 405 385 370 37o 640 735 705 670 670 340 390 375 355 355 630 725 695 660 660 330 380 _ 365 345 345 620 715 680 650 650 _ 320 370 63o 620 610 600 590 580 350 335 335 610 700 670 6h0 6h0 310 355 340 325 325 * No adjustment from 5 to 10 year old cows. 300 345 330 315 315

- 1 2 - FORM 1 - WEANING RECORD Use Separate Sheets for Bulls, Steers and Heifers Name Address Date lerd No. Dam Sire Date of Birth Age in Days Actual Weight Adj. Wt. 205 days Age of Dam Adj. Wt. Dam's age Ref. No. Sex Weight grade Group Rating Remarks Breed

- 13 - Form 2 - Selection Sheet for: WEANING, YEARLING or GAIN RECORD (Use Separate Sheets for Bulls, Steers and Heifers) Sex Ref. No. Name Date Breed Weight 1 (16) 1-(15) 2+(14) 2 (13) 2-(12) 3+(11) or gain *Prime *Prime- *Choice+ *Choice *Choice- *Good+ lb. DO-+ 95-99 90-94 55-89 50-84 75-79 70-74 55-69 50-64 55-59 lb. 50-5h 45-49 4-44 3--39 3o-34 25-29 2o-24 15-19 10-14 D5-09 lb. Do-04 95-99 90-94 85-59 8o-84 75-79 70-74 65-69 60-64 55-59 lb. 50-5h 45-49 40-44 35-39 30-34 25-29 20-24 15-19 10-14 35-09 *Use six appropriate grades (Prime, Prime-, Choice+,Choice,Choice-,& Good)

- 114 - FORM 3 - RATING COWS ACCORDING TO PRODUCTION INDEX Name.Date Breed Cows Production Index 1.00 2.00 3.00 4.00 5.00 6.00 7.00 8.00 9.00 10.00 11.00

- 15 - RATING HERD BULLS Separate calves into sire groups on Form 4 and make comparisons between sires using average-weight group and average number grade in herds where the identity of each calf's sire is known. Show these averages of each sire on Form 4a and chart by sex. To set up number grades give the highest grade number 1, the next highest number 2, etc. Mate bulls to uniform groups of cows that have been on similar pastures to make this comparison effective. Form 4 - BEEF CATTLE SIRE RECORD Name Address Sire Name No. Calf Crop WEANING DATA - Bull or Steer Calves WEANING DATA - Heifer Calves Herd No. Wt. Group Grade Rating Herd No. Wt. Group Grade Rating Total Average Remarks:

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- 17 - PUREBRED COW RECORD EAR TAG NO. TATTOO NAME BIRTH DATE WEANER Weight Grade Rating 19 YEARLING Weight Grade Rating AGE 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Year 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 Weight CALF Ave.Rating Birth Date Sire Sex TATTOO Date Weaned Days of Age Weaner Weight 205 DAYS Adj.Wt. Weight Group Weaner Grade Rating _ YEARLING Weight Weight Group Grade Rating FEED TEST Weight on Test Days on Test Weight off Test Ave.Daily Gain 18 MONTH WEIGHT Ave.Daily Gain Weight Group Date Fertility(Bull) DISPOSITION (Sold,Price,Etc

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- 19 - BRAND or EAR TAG NO. BIRTH DATE Mother Rating Grand Dam Rating COMMERCIAL COW RECORD 19 Great Grand Dam Rating Weaner Adj. Wt. Wt. Grp. Rating Yearling Adj.Wt. Wt. Grp. Rating 18 Mo. Adj.Wt. Wt. Grp. Rating AGE of cow 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 19 Average Rating CALF number Birth Date Sire (if known) Sex 3RAND NO. Date Weaned Weaner Weight. Adj.Wt.(205 day) Weight Group Weaner Grade Rating YEARLING Weight Adj. 365 day Wt. Weight Group Grade Rating Date t 18 Months Weight (570 days) Daily Gain Weight Group Grade Rating Date DISPOSITION (Sold,Price,Etc.) : _

- 20 - COW NUMBER HEALTH RECORD DATE CONDITION TREATMENT REMARKS (days sick, etc.) CALVING TROUBLE DATE CONDITION TREATMENT REMARKS REMARKS: