Non-Genetic Influences That Affect Successful Angus Seedstock Production

Raising successful Angus seedstock animals involves understanding the various factors that influence their health and well-being. With all the media attention focusing on how genetics help or hinder efforts in accomplishing this task, you should not forget that there are many non-genetic influences as well. The latter is what we are here to discuss in the following to further your education on the topic.

Pasture Land, Feed and Water

The size of the herd dictates how much feed and pasture land are necessary to provide sufficient nutrients to the Angus in order for them to gain at the right rate and to be healthy. When grazing is the main source of food for your cattle, they need a mix of grass and legumes. If grain is your choice of feed, oats is an ideal one to start young seedstock animals on for their nutritional needs. Oats also make an ideal supplement if pasture lands are inadequate. On top of all of these, your cattle require a constant supply of drinking water.

Handling Methods Can Help or Hurt Your Efforts at Angus Seedstock Production

Do not overlook how your handling ability contributes to the growth and health of your Angus animals. For the best results, you should be calm and gentle with your animals since both will keep them from being nervous. Nervous animals will not gain weight at the right rate, may have trouble calving and be difficult to deal with when you need to be up close.

Environmental Conditions

The weather and other environmental elements are in constant flux throughout the year here in Australia. These are difficult to predict, and you must adjust to meet the needs of your cattle whenever necessary. Provide shelter for your animals throughout your property to ensure that they can receive protection from harsh environmental conditions when they occur.

Medical Care

Periodic veterinarian checks are another important influence in successful Angus seedstock production. This allows you to receive proper medical guidance on how your animals are progressing, and if you need to improve your care of them. Also, the veterinarian can catch minor ailments before they turn into serious health problems.

Other non-genetic influences on the health and well-being of your cattle include parasites and diseases that they can suffer with through their lifetime. Five of the top issues in this category are:

• Pestivirus or bovine viral diarrhoea virus
• Cattle tick
• Buffalo fly
• Neonatal calf mortality from unknown causes
• Dystocia

For further facts about the non-genetic influences that affect successful Angus seedstock production, consult with Southfork Angus. We are experts on this topic as well as all other aspects of raising Angus seedstock.

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