Arrowleaf Clover and Oats in the Pasture
At Davis Ranch, we strive to produce the best possible forage, year round, in order to limit the costs associated with supplemental feed and hay. We take care of the soil, because proper soil health eliminates those instances of decreased productivity in our forage base and our cattle.
- In 2009, all of our cows and first-calf heifers bred back within a 58-day breeding season.
- In 2010, all of our cows and first-calf heifers bred back within a 42-day breeding season.
- This was accomplished with a good forage management plan (nutrition) and an excellent health program.
Nutrition and Health Program Summary
- Fall calving, to better utilize higher quality forages throughout the fall and winter months in Southeast GA.
- Cows and 1st calf heifers calving from September 15th through October 27 will be "limit-grazed" on Rye for 3-4 hours per day and fed a medium quality grass hay for filler.
- From early to late Spring (March - May) cow/calf pairs will be "limit grazed" on Clover 3-4 hours per day. Very exciting results from Texas A & M have shown a 2.75 - 3.5 lb ADG at a stocking rate of 1.2 AUM's.
- Calves will be given their booster vaccinations, in April, four weeks prior to weaning in mid-May. This works best, as there is very little stress at weaning, due in part by their high immunity levels.
- Post-weaned calves will go on Tiff Leaf 3 millet by mid-May, where we have annually maintained 2.5 lbs ADG with a stocking rate of 4.8 AUM's.
- Cows post-weaning will go on Bermuda pasture throughout the summer months and into fall, when their nutritional requirements are the lowest of the year.
- We have been a State Certified Brucellosis-free herd since 1982. All heifers are calf-hood vaccinated.
Our pastures are aerated 3 times per growing season. This invigorates the growth of Bermuda grass and improves overall soil tilth by providing key ingredients: Air and Water.
"Soil tilth is the measurement of the balance between basic soil elements: mineral, air, water and organic matter. The proper balance of these elements increases soil production by allowing efficient interaction of all the soil systems. Air and water balance is the key to good root growth (Aerway)". Our grass productivity has increased 40% since using aeration in our pastures.
Breeding Program
In our breeding program, we make every effort to surpass the ASA averages. We balance our EPD's and consider each traits importance along with conformation, disposition and frame scores to name a few. The end products are moderately framed, easy fleshing cattle that work on grass in your pasture or ours.
THE NUMBERS
CE BW WW YW MCE MK MARB BF API TI
Avg 50% --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.0 1.1 31.2 55.9 2.7 4.4 0.13 .01 102 61 AMERICAN SIMMENTAL (ASA) AVERAGES FOR PB SIMMENTAL
Top 2.5% 1.5% 5% 7% 39% 45% 4% 15% 2.5% 1%
12.8 -2.9 43.1 74.3 3.5 4.6 0.34 .00 130 76 DAVIS RANCH AVERAGES FOR PB SIMMENTAL CALF CROP 2010
Top 1.5% 1% 1% 3% 30% 35% 1% 4% 1% 1%
13.6 -3.3 47.1 81.1 4.1 6.1 0.48 -.01 136 80 DAVIS RANCH AVERAGES FOR PB SIMMENTAL CALF CROP 2011
The Proof
EDR U 08 is a New Design 1407 Daughter bred to SS Ebonys Grandmaster.
Expected EPD's for her 10/1/2010 3/4 SimAngus calf:
EPD CE BW WW YW MK MWW API TI
---- -5.6 42.3 76.0 6.9 28.1 150 88
TOP% 1% 3% 7% 4% 1% 1%
TRAIT LEADER
