Regardless of how you raise cattle from quantity, nutritional program, breed, etc; it is important to analyze the end product. As with any business, perfecting the process for the end product is the ultimate goal. Breeding for success in the cattle industry is no exception. Success combines efficiency, profitability, health, and turn around all into one, snug blanket.
The first step in understanding how to breed for success is strategically outlining the process it takes to reach a quality, end product. Whether this means selling direct to consumer, to a larger processor, a feedlot/stocker program, or simply a finishing producer. This is crucial! Who you market your end product to determines your path and steps to success. Keeping this conversation centered around cattle, success begins in the breeding stages. Synchronizing breeding schedules is crucial in developing a predictable calving schedule, resulting in a turn around time the producer is confident in. This strengthens predictability of income, a rare trait within agriculture.
Breeding using bulls or AI (Artificial Insemination) have their differences, yet revolve around a singular concept to prove successful and worthwhile; synchronization. Without a common breeding schedule, your profit can become more unpredictable and throw breeding schedules out of wack resulting in less profit in a greater amount time. Culling cows who delay the process is another important step. If a cow does not produce a calf within the same timeframe as the others, having had the same preparation treatment as the others, it is imperative that she is culled. This ensures that your herd continues to operate at peak efficiency.
Understanding how a herd can synchronize their breeding schedules to match the breeding method of choice is important and can be tough to implement from the get go. This is why planning proves to be the first step in breeding for success. Understand your herd...How many head? Breeding for certain traits? Natural or AI? Fall or Spring calving schedule? Current cows bred? Prospects for culling? These are all questions to ask yourself prior to implementing a synchronization schedule.
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