By Scout Nelson
The journey to building a business is likened to cow-calf operators striving for sustainability, as voiced by experts from Kansas State University's Beef Cattle Institute during a Cattle Chat podcast. A key participant, Bob Weaber, a renowned K-State beef cattle geneticist, emphasized the role of efficiency in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Weaber highlighted, “Efficiency-focused producers often achieve better profitability by effectively harnessing energy.” In agreement, Phillip Lancaster, a beef cattle nutritionist from K-State, remarked that converting forage to calf more efficiently not only enhances sustainability but also reduces greenhouse gas per product unit.
These specialists unanimously believe that cow-calf producers have tools at their disposal to improve their herd's sustainability. K-State veterinarian, Brian Lubbers, brought up a recently FDA-approved product designed to cut down greenhouse gas emissions. Lubbers predicts a rise in similar non-genetic tools in the coming times, catering to those prioritizing sustainability.
Weaber emphasized that while genetic evaluations are crucial, management and environment play a more significant role in determining a cow's herd duration. He also highlighted the importance of cows being in sync with their environment for size, metabolic efficiency, and balanced lactation.
K-State veterinarian Bob Larson also emphasized the importance of reproduction in the equation. Larson noted that employing tools such as breeding soundness tests, pregnancy checks, and body condition assessments would likely result in a herd where most cows raise a healthy calf to weaning, defining true reproductive efficiency.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle