Beef Cow Hard To Breed

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I have this 5 yr. old hereford cow that I've had for 3 yrs.. She has had 2 calves since I've owned her but this last time she has proven a beast to get bred. She "didn't take" two times and then we had given her some kind of shot so she would "drop and egg" and insure the breeding would be successful. Well, guess what? It didn't take! So here we are - have lost the whole summer waiting for a calf and now realize the hard way - there will be no calf. She is only with her 13 month old heiffer from last year, so it's hard to tell when she's in heat. So now I'm not sure if I even want to try this again or not. Am considering selling them both! I don't have the "perfect" set up for these big animals and they have proven to be alot of work for a single mom and 2 girls. IF I decide to keep them thru the winter - what are some good suggestions to get her successfully bred? Putting her with a bull might not be an option. HELP!!

-- Pat (mikulptrc@aol.com), October 02, 2001

Answers

Pat: There may be something out there that I am not familiar with. But my husband and I are ranchers. Most of the time when this happens to us it is because of LiverFluke...at least in this part of the country. It could also be a type of VD in the cow that she could have picked up or poor minerals in her diet. Has she been given something for "worms"? That could also be a problem. Do you have access to a vet or someone who is knowledgable in obtaining a blood sample to be tested? This can be time consuming and not cost worthly....so you may have to start over again...with another cow that is. Another suggestion would be to talk to your local feed store....a lot of locals will be happy to help you if you ask. Keep the forum posted...I would be intersted to know what happens :-))

-- Krista from Richland, Oregon (krista@nacsdc.org), October 03, 2001.

not sure what step to take but I do know she never showed any signs of going into heat after we had her bred- that's what led me to believe "it took" - will probably have to get a vets' advice

-- Pat (mikulptrc@aol.com), October 03, 2001.

I take it she was AI'd? Or just taken to the bull when in heat? Would be curious if you used cysterellon (bursts cysts and makes them ovulate) on the cow. Giving this without knowing when to will destroy the pregnancy instead of getting her to take. Putting her in with the bull is always the best idea when you are dealing with a cow who doesn't have stong heats, or if you are learning by the seat of your pants. Your a goat gal aren't you? Same premise here, newfolks to goats rarely can tell when their goats are in heat, and by the time they figure it out, putting them in with a buck is nearly to late to get a good pregnancy. But selling a cow who has produced already for you, is used to you and your set up, for a new cow, doesn't sound like a good idea either. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 03, 2001.

yes, she was artificially taken care of the other time - I used to be a "goat lady" but sold them recently when I had to take on a full time job - didn't need more work - although I kept the large animals and am having the usual problems - will call the vet and see what he says - wouldn't hurt to call the man I bought her from to see if I can haul her over to his bull but I hate to ask - you're right Vicki on keeping a cow that knows me, etc.

-- Pat (mikulptrc@aol.com), October 03, 2001.

You should try a different AI person. Old farmer told me that sometimes just a different touch is all it takes, He had a heard of Jersey's and every now and then would go through one that would not take 4 or 6 times. got to the point when the second one did not take he would ask for the fill in AI guy to come and it always took then.

-- phillip (raines@rainesridgefarm.com), October 03, 2001.


If you are just breeding her for a calf to butcher, but aren't comfortable with a large animal. You can always sell (butcher) her and start over with a mini cow. Their smaller size makes them easier to handle then standard size cattle. You don't have to split an animal with someone else just so it would fit in the freezer. And you could still have a hereford (mini) if thats the breed you prefer. If not, there are several other mini breeds (& crosses) to chose from. Maybe even get a pretrained mini bull (so will be nice) to keep with 1-2 cows on a constant basis, so you won't have to worry about a cow coming in heat. A bull is the best judge on when to breed the cows.

Good luck

animalfarms

-- animalfarms (jawjlewis@netzero.net), October 05, 2001.


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