Module 39:  Culling and Breeding Plans (Core)

Learning Objectives

Notes

39.1

To identify the common health and/or physical qualities leading to culling cows and bulls.

Cow/calf producers look for specific qualities when making decisions about whether to cull animals or keep them for future breeding.  Discuss with students what some of these considerations might be.  Some considerations include age, health, desirable physical characteristics and ability to raise a calf or breed cows.

Have students reflect on the importance of breeding records when making decisions about culling.

39.2

To develop the ability to evaluate an animal’s physical problems and recommend treatment or shipping.

Not all animals in poor condition for breeding should be culled immediately.  Some may be suffering from ailments which could be treated and, therefore, help to return the animal to the breeding program.  Students should consider alternatives between marketing the animal or using treatments.  Have students present their rationale for a culling versus treatment decision.

Student Reference Manual:  Have students list auction markets and sale days in the local areas.  Students should compare costs for yardage, and sale costs and prices on average.

Learning Objectives

Notes

40.1

To identify and demonstrate the operation of specialized livestock equipment.

There is a variety of specialized livestock equipment that may be used in the operation of a cow/calf operation.  These include weigh scales, feed mills, front end loaders, bale shredders, tub grinders, forage harvesters, and feed wagons.

Have students prepare a list of specialized livestock equipment, describe the major components, identify safety procedures and demonstrate proper operation and maintenance.

Learning Objectives

Notes

41.1

To understand cattle behaviour.

The range of cattle breeds, types, ages, and background can affect the operator handling techniques required to manage a cow/calf operation.  It is important for the operators to understand the concept of flight distance and other handler techniques to minimize accidents and health hazards. 

Have students describe the following behaviours of beef cattle:

·        herd instinct

·        flight distance.

41.2

To recognize the concept of  handler controlled factors in cattle handling activities. 

Have students demonstrate how to handle each animal differently according to the animal’s characteristics.  Make sure that students are able to recognize the animal’s response to invasion of flight distance and the appropriate handling response.  Students should recall and demonstrate the risk to animal health associated with common handling techniques.

Learning Objectives

Notes

42.1

To understand terminology specific to the marketing of beef cattle.

Have students research and describe the meaning of the following terms:

·        grading system

·        shrinkage

·        yield

·        backgrounders, replacement heifers, feeders, slaughter cattle, cull cows and bulls

·        rate of gain

·        cost of production.

42.2

To describe the different marketing options available for cow/calf operators.

Cow/calf producers have a number of options available to them for marketing their cattle.  Some of these include selling calves directly to a feedlot, selling cattle through an auction market, video and satellite sales, or selling to a livestock or order buyer.  Have students research and describe the different types of markets available to the operator.  As a class, compare and contrast these different types for advantages and disadvantages. 

Learning Objectives

Notes

42.3

To understand the factors that need to be considered when making marketing decisions associated with a cow/calf operation.

The maximum price for selling as well as the minimum price for buying still does not guarantee profit margin.  Buyers and sellers need to obtain as much information as possible on current and future conditions including:

·        livestock price

·        feed requirements and costs

·        condition of the cattle

·        transportation

·        interest rates

·        grain prices

·        weather conditions

·        number of cattle in feedlots

·        purebred and commercial demand.

Have students suggest how each of these factors might influence decisions about marketing cattle.

42.4

To identify the various ways of marketing cattle.

Cattle can be bought or sold in a variety of ways including brokers, livestock markets, satellite sales and direct to packing plants.  Each has advantages and disadvantages including sales costs, yardage, and transportation costs.

Have students describe the various ways that beef cattle can be bought or sold.  Using current prices, have students select the best option for marketing.

Student Reference Manual:  Have students identify the auction markets or order buyers in the local area and itemize the costs of each.  

42.5

To describe the transportation of cattle.

Regardless of how or when cattle are sold, they still must be transported to another place.   Have students describe the best conditions of transporting the cattle to market. 

Student Reference Manual:  Have students develop a marketing plan for the various types of cattle in a typical cow/calf operation.

Learning Objectives

Notes

43.1

To understand various concepts and practices associated with pasture management.

Develop a list of terminology used in pasture management including:

·        stocking rates

·        cow/calf units

·        rate of gain

·        forage production.

Have students develop an understanding of managing pastures wisely emphasizing environmental as well as production importance.

43.2

To investigate the costs of grazing cattle.

Have students do an analysis of the costs of grazing cattle.  Students should look at rate of gain, forage production, taxes, and fencing.

43.3

To discuss alternative concepts of pasture management and grazing.

Invite a livestock specialist or rangeland agrologist from the Grazing and Pasture Technology Program to discuss various grazing strategies including intensive grazing, swath grazing, and fall and spring grazing.

Ask an agrologist or biologist from Ducks Unlimited to talk to students about the relationship between wildlife and cattle.

Student Reference Manual:  Have students develop a comprehensive list of perennial and annual forages.  Students should also include notes on productivity, response to grazing pressure, and palatability to cattle.

Learning Objectives

Notes

44.1

To identify various methods used to identify animals.

The care of a herd depends largely on the records of each animal and being able to track the animals throughout their life at the cow/calf operation.  It is now mandatory for producers across Canada to identify animals with approved tags.  Cattle can be also be identified with tattoos, hot iron brands, freeze brands or computer chips.  It is important that the operator is able to look at the different choices and apply them to the animals.

Have students describe the different types of marking animals.  As a class, compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of the different ways to mark animals.  Demonstrate the techniques and procedures to apply each type with minor discomfort to the animal.  Identify the hazards of each type and describe the safety precautions to be taken during the process.

Verify with students that the method that they have chosen is incorporated in livestock records.

Learning Objectives

Notes

45.1

To identify the Code of Ethics for Animal Care.

Contact the Farm Animal Council of Saskatchewan for more information on the Code of Ethics.