First session: Improving Herd Genetics and Reproduction
Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu
Contact: Steve Estes, 325-823-2432, saestes@ag.tamu.edu
ANSON – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will kick off their new Big Country Beef Cattle Improvement Series May 4 with Session 1, Improving Herd Genetics and Reproduction.
The session will be at Horn Livestock, 3750 Farm-to-Market Road 3326 E. in Anson.
The day will open with registration at 8:30 a.m. followed by the program at 9 a.m. and closing following the noon meal at the Lawrence Hall Activity Center, 801 23rd St., said Steve Estes, AgriLife Extension agent in Jones County.
“This series is a three-county endeavor involving the AgriLife Extension offices in Jones, Shackelford and Taylor counties,” Estes said. “These programs are all geared for the serious cattleman seeking up-to-date information on a variety of topics. This first session will concentrate on genetics, breeding and health issues.
“As a special highlight, we have Sid Miller, Texas Department of Agriculture commissioner, scheduled as our keynote speaker during our noon lunch. Miller has been asked to address legislative issues relevant to this particular audience including the veterinary feed directive issue.”
The day’s instructors will be Dr. Jason Cleere, AgriLife Extension beef cattle specialist at College Station, and Dr. Warren Dozier, veterinarian from Sylvester. Their topics and demonstrations will include:
– Importance of Bull/Cow Selection and Genetics.
– Fertility Management in Cattle…live chute-side demonstrations that will encompass bull breeding soundness and fertility testing, semen collection, utilizing sexed semen technology, disease management affecting breeding-trichomoniasis, aging cattle and the importance of palpation.
– Live versus Artificial Breeding, Managing a Successful A.I. Program.
– Vaccination Programs.
Individual preregistration is $10 due upon arrival and includes lunch.
For more information or to RSVP by April 29, call any of the participating AgriLife Extension offices in Jones, 325-823-2432; Shackelford, 325-762-2232, or Taylor 325-672-6048.
Estes said Session 2 of the three-part series will deal with range and pasture management on May 25 in Shackelford County. Session 3, slated for June in Taylor County, will address cattle marketing and economics.
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