Breeding

Carcass quality and reproduction information are obtained through formal communication and feedback. When selecting bulls, carcass expected progeny differences (EPD) are used when available for heritable quality traits (ribeye area, marbling, tenderness, hot carcass weight). Bulls are selected to match the cow herd and reduce calving problems.

Bulls pass a breeding soundness evaluation and are trichonomiasis free or else they are culled.

Individual animal history records (including genetic history and progeny data) are obtained from the previous owner on all breeding stock.

Replacement heifers are selected for maternal and reproductive ability, carcass traits and production efficiency, depending on end use. Replacement heifers are vaccinated subcutaneously in the neck or behind the top of the shoulder blade with a 7 or 8 way Clostridial bacterin prior to breeding.

Reproductive vaccines, such as IBR, BVD, Vibrio and Trichonomiasis are given in the neck, according to label directions, using safe animal health product practices.

Breeding records including natural, Al, and embryo transfer are kept.

Calves are dehorned prior to 3 months of age. The only exception is the purebred Horned Hereford.