Missed Breeding Cycle

[LimoX]

I have a small herd 10 limo-angus cross that i bought last year and they were all bred cows that had calves this spring. all really good mommas that are raising good calves. Sent the bull in this spring to re-breed and pulled the bull after 90 days. Out today and noticed the other cows and steer calves were jumping one of the cows so i do believe that she is obviously open. My goal is to build my small herd slowly up to 30 to 40 momma cows, with that being said should i cull the cow ( the obvious choice) but with such a small herd and the overflow of cows in the system (prices are a off here for a cull cow)it is hard to do and look to buy something back to not miss a calf this spring. Should i run a bull and make her a fall breeding cow, or with the state of where cows will be next spring breed this fall and sell her as a bred cow in the spring. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[expensive hobby]

Just my opinion, I would cull her. Try selling her private treaty as an open.

 

[kjonesel]

If you have someone in he area who does AI and if you have a means to catch her that would be what I would do.

 

[slick4591]

With the size of your operation I gotta wonder what it's going to hurt to go ahead and get her bred and keep her. I have two that were ready in July and quit cycling because of the heat. That was about the same time I turned the bull in and I know they are both open. Started the Lute and hope to get them bred pretty soon. No way I'm going to ship them because of the situation with my small herd size.

 

[raykour]

I had similar problems this year, bought a bunch of cows last year they all calved put the bull out 90 days, had 3 open. One the vet said had a scarring on her cervix, the other 2 no discernable reason. 90 days is 3 or 4 chances to get bred, which in my vets opinion was plenty and they should go down the road. They were big cows (1400 lbs) and I got $1000 or so for them. Turned around and bought 2 breds for $850 and $925 that were already several months along. Figured I'm ahead of the game with the sure thing. In my opinion, unless there is some reason you think you should keep this particular female, sell her and replace her with a cow that is already bred rather than going to special lengths to try and breed her.

 

[backhoeboogie]

If the cows have had loose mineral and adequate forage, then they need replacing.

If they are getting mineral blocks (which are 97% salt) it is not the cows fault.

I calve year round. Most of mine calve in less than 11 months. It is all about minerals in my opinion.

 

[novatech]

If this is going to be your foundation stock then the choice is obvious. Take the money and invest in something that will make you money. A calf a year period. But I also agree with backoe. Make sure your are feeding proper mineral.

 

[LimoX]

Plenty of free choice mineral, so don't think it was that, may have been too hot, really don't think it was that. Plan on shipping her because if not an early breeder than it really doesn't fall into my plan of what i want out of my cows. I guess my next question is should I try to have her bred and sell her as a bred cow to maximize the profit potential due to the existence of replace cattle in the drought area or not put anymore into her and sell her as a cull? thanks for all the help

 

[raykour]

Sell her where? Privately? In the market here at the sales, a bred cow is selling for less than a cull cow. Of course all depends on quality, but I have even seen three in ones selling for under $1000. I sold a 1400 lbs. cull cow for $1000 recently. She would have brought the same price bred.