COLLEGE STATION If you’re in the cattle business, handling and working cattle can be challenging if not aggravating at times.
The cattle handling and working demonstrations scheduled at the 2005 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, set Aug. 1-3, may be just what producers need to make their operations run smoother.
“Most of the problems producers have when penning and sorting cattle can be avoided by simply understanding general cattle behavior principles such as flight zones and the animal’s point of balance,” said Dr. Ron Gill, Texas Cooperative Extension livestock specialist.
The cattle handling demonstration is scheduled the morning of Aug. 3 and will feature discussions and information on basic cattle psychology, penning techniques, and sorting principles. Stress on cattle has been shown to increase susceptibility to disease and decrease animal performance, Gill said.
“Anything the beef cattle producer can do to reduce stress on an animal will help to reduce production losses and ultimately increase profitability,” Gill said.
In addition to the cattle handling demonstration, a chute-side calf working demonstration will be conducted at the Texas A&M University Beef Center. Simple management practices that will add value to calves will be demonstrated by Extension beef specialists.
“Many cow-calf producers do not castrate, dehorn, or implant their calves,” said Dr. Jason Cleere, Extension beef cattle specialist and conference education coordinator. “These inexpensive and easy management practices can add up to $25-$50 in additional calf value for less than $5 in costs.”
New this year for Wednesday’s Cattlemen’s College and Seminars will be a private applicators license training. Upon completion of the training, participants will be tested at 1 p.m. to receive their license. There will be an additional $50 course materials charge, payable at the training. Those interested in attending the private applicators training course should contact Dr. Don Renchie at (979) 845-1099.
The short course will also highlight the most recent information regarding individual animal identification and DNA testing. Fifteen other specialized workshops are also part of the Cattleman’s College sessions, Cleere said.
Registration is $120 per participant (if paid by July 27) and includes admission to the two-and-a-half day educational conference, including the Cattleman’s College, a copy of the 300-page short course proceedings, trade show admittance, tickets to the special Aggie prime rib dinner, and additional meals and refreshment breaks.
Producers interested in attending may register online at http://animalscience.tamu.edu or by calling (979) 845-6931.
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