Cattle producers will be able to gain insights into how to maximise the reproductive potential of their herds when the next ReproActive workshop is held near Deniliquin on June 9.
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The one-day event is supported by Meat & Livestock Australia as part of its More Beef from Pastures program.
Deniliquin veterinarian and ReproActive workshop presenter, Dr Nigel McMahon, said the foundations for success needed to be laid months ahead of joining and then built on year after year.
“How to select the right bull and manage him for peak performance and longevity is an essential skill for every cattle breeder,” Dr McMahon said.
“Fertility is the number one profit driver and high herd pregnancy rates are the result of good planning and good management.”
Dr McMahon said it was vital that producers visually inspected prospective new bulls. “I recommend going through the catalogue carefully and ranking the bulls that suit your production system.
“Go to the stud at least several weeks before the sale so you can see the bulls, assess their temperament, structure and soundness, and talk to the breeder about their breeding objectives.
“Ranking the bulls means that if you miss out on the one you want, you already have back-up choices and won’t be forced to make hasty decisions under pressure. It’s also very important to know the nutritional background of bulls. How bulls are fed can affect their future performance.
“You want to know the bull will cope with your production system and you need to be wary of bulls that are over-fed, particularly on grain, which can cause structural and fertility problems.”
And when it comes to selecting for genetic traits, Dr McMahon ranked fertility as number one.
Bull management, assessment and health will be among the topics Dr McMahon and fellow veterinarian, Dr Andrew Johnstone, will address at the ReproActive workshop.
Elders senior livestock production advisor Rob Inglis will address critical mating weights and condition scoring including a yard demonstration and assessment; as well as managing weaning for lifelong productivity.
Zoetis Australia livestock veterinary operations manager, Andy Hancock, will discuss reproductive disease awareness and management through vaccination.
The ReproActive workshop will be held at the Morocco West Cattleyards and the Bullatale Fire Shed on the corner of Lower River Road and Tocumwal-Mathoura Road, Bullatale near Deniliquin.
Cost is $40. Register by June 8 at www.reproactivedeniliquin.eventbrite.com.au
