Protocols from MU Thompson Farm boost cattle quality, add value to beef

"We have technology that works and is being underused," Dave Patterson told the crowd during the opening session.

Patterson, MU Extension specialist, explained the breeding protocols developed at Thompson Farm that allow all cows to be bred on the first day of the breeding season.

"The protocols are not just for breeding, but for improving beef quality," he said.

Use of estrus synchronization protocols, followed with artificial insemination (AI) using semen from the best sires in the breed, allows improved replacement heifers and premium-quality steers in feedlots.

Quality beef will be the overriding issue in the future success of the U.S. beef business, Patterson said. "We cannot compete in the global market for commodity beef. Our opportunity relies on producing higher-quality beef."

Goals at MU Thompson Farm have been twofold, Patterson said. "First, develop fixed-time AI programs for beef cows and heifers. Second, produce premium-quality, ‘white tablecloth’ beef." High-end restaurants require USDA prime grade beef.

By retaining ownership through the feed yard to the packing plant, the MU herd gets all carcass data back. That guides herd improvement.

"The challenge will be to gain adoption of the proven protocols for breeding both cows and heifers," Patterson said. "Can we overcome the resistance to AI by breeding by appointment?"

Mike Kasten, herd owner from Millersville, told of using AI to breed his cows for 37 years. After trying many methods, he has adopted the MU protocols for synchronized breeding by appointment.

"I used to get on a horse and check the cows for heat twice a day in the breeding season," he said. "Now I breed by appointment and eliminate that month of labor."

Breeding by appointment produces more uniformity in the age of his calves.

Now Kasten forms alliances with five neighboring herd owners. That adds 500 cows to his timed-breeding schedule.

"When I tell farmers about timed AI, they always say, ‘That would take too much work.’"

To respond, Kasten and his helper recorded the time involved. With three trips through the chute, the combined time for both workers was 10 minutes per cow. The heifers, with an extra trip through the chute, took a little longer, 11.2 minutes.

"Most people can’t believe how simple timed breeding is," he said. "Once they see it, they won’t use any other way.

"We no longer heat detect at all!" he added.

Kasten repeated Patterson’s message about quality. Kasten’s records show that by using superior genetics from proven sires he increased income from each steer by $177. "Timed AI pays," he said.

Kasten feeds his calves at the Irsik and Doll feed yard, Garden City, Kan. By retaining ownership, he collects the grid premiums for prime cattle from the packing plant.

Mark Sebranek, manager of that feed yard, told how he manages cattle from Thompson Farm, Kasten and other Missouri herds. "Development of marbling starts on your farm," he said. Marbling, the fat in the muscle of steaks, helps achieve the prime grade. Marbling adds flavor and juiciness sought by consumers.

Proper vaccination helps keep calves healthy in the feed yard, he explained. Dry weather on the plains of western Kansas also helps keep calves from getting sick.

Scott Brown, MU beef economist, told producers that the MU FAPRI beef outlook shows record-high beef prices for coming years.

Drought in the Southwest creates opportunities for Missouri producers, he added. The supply of beef cows continues to decline. That reduces the supply of beef going to market.

Producers have not retained enough heifers the last few years to meet the growing demand for quality beef.

There will be increasing competition for the center of the consumers’ dinner plates, Brown said. "Anything you do to improve beef quality will be a plus for your business."

Brown urged producers to follow the research at the MU Thompson Farm. "Each year the percentage of steers grading prime continues to increase."

This year, 31% of the steers graded prime. "Remember that from the U.S. herd, less than 4% grade prime. There are a lot of opportunities for gaining premiums."

Brown advised producers to find feed yards that know how to feed quality cattle.

"Demand is vital to the future of the U.S. cattle industry," Brown said. "That applies in this country and around the world."

The MU Thompson Farm is part of the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources in Columbia.

Patterson pointed out that having the cow herd at the north Missouri farm made his research possible. Funding came from USDA integrated grants. That means the work includes scientific study, teaching of students and extension of information to farmers.