Newsletter

Tips, Tricks and Techniques – Fetal Sex Determination

Fetal gender determination can be a large value-added feature for those utilizing ultrasound technology. To accurately determine the gender of the fetus, most experts do not recommend attempting to fetal sex earlier than day 57. The optimal window when using a linear probe ultrasound such as the BoviScan HD, is between day 57 and 80 days. When using a convex rectal probe ultrasound (ReproScan XTC and BoviScan Curve), Dr. Andrew Bronson recommends waiting until day 70 to begin fetal sexing. The upper limit for age of fetus when using the convex rectal probe is determined by size of cow and other factors. Fetal gender has been successfully determined in cattle up to 120 days pregnant if the cows are small and conditions are right. Therefore, the window of opportunity for gathering gender data varies depending upon the ultrasound probe type, size of cows, consistency of manure, facilities and sunlight. If conditions are favorable, fetal gender can be determined much easier than in challenging conditions. If you are new to fetal gender determination, practice on cows that are 60 to 75 days with a linear probe unit or 75 to 90 days pregnant with a convex rectal probe unit.

Reproductive Ultrasound for Feedlots

Here are some key points to consider:

• A significant number of feeder heifers may be pregnant on arrival at the feedlot.
• Pregnancy status is a very significant factor in the performance and welfare of heifers in the feedlot.
• Feedlot staff under the direction of a veterinarian can quickly learn to pregnancy test feeder heifers.
• The stage of pregnancy can be detected and pregnant heifer management protocols can be implemented using this information.
• The VGA output of the ReproScan XTC and BoviScan Curve allow the image to be easily and clearly displayed on a large flat screen monitor. ReproScan can provide a 19” / 50 cm 5:4 LED monitor for your feedlot.
• The use of the ReproArm along with the ReproScan XTC or BoviScan Curve allows feedlot personnel to pregnancy test feeder heifers without putting their arms into the heifers. This is a very significant safetly factor.
• It is very cost effective to pregnancy test feeder heifers on arrival in the feedlot using ReproScan Veterinary Ultrasound equipment.

New RAM Mount® for your ReproScan Monitor

There are numerous ways to position your Bright LCD Monitor chute-side. ReproScan is now offering a new RAM Mount Kit for your Bright LCD Monitor. This kit allows you to quickly set the perfect angle and fix the position of the monitor. The RAM Mount keeps your monitor steady even in the wind, allowing you to make your diagnosis quicker.

It is simple to attach the RAM Mount Kit to your existing monitor bag. With two adjustable joints connecting the LCD Monitor to your choice of chute-side adapters, it is quite versatile and easy to set up. Depending on the chute you are working with, there are a couple different ways to fasten the Bright LCD Monitor to the chute allowing the Ram Mount Kit to be used at any chute. Call ReproScan today to discuss the RAM Mount Kit.

Unique Valentine's Day Gift

Karmen Landers received a unique Valentine’s Day gift from her husband Steve this year. The Lander’s family runs a registered and commercial Red Angus operation in Central Arkansas. Karmen is a registered nurse and loves ultrasounding her own cows. She has been coveting a new machine, and after meeting the ReproScan team at NCBA and looking at the different ultrasounds, Steve decided to surprise her with a ReproScan XTC for Valentine’s Day. Thanks Steve and Karmen for choosing ReproScan, we hope you enjoy it! Watch the video to see her reaction.

AABP Special

Vets, this year is a monumental one for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, it is the 50th anniversary. The ReproScan team is excited to be a continued part of the annual conference and trade show. ReproScan will be unveiling new equipment at the conference. Stop by booth number 518 during the conference in Omaha, NE on September 14-15, 2017 to see the new equipment, learn about show specials, and meet the team.

Trained For Success

Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what Dr. Blakely has to say about our training courses!

“The course environment was a positive and fun learning environment. I felt open to ask questions and participate. I would recommend this course to practitioners, technicians, and veterinary students. I found it very helpful for myself as a new veterinarian but also found it beneficial to enroll my technician in the course. By doing this, we are both educated and aware of the benefits of ultrasonography and she is able to set up appointments and discuss the use of the ultrasound with producers. This allows us to be efficient on and off the farm. I am 100% more confident with ultrasonography after the course. The course provided a solid foundation for ultrasonography in which I have been able to utilize and build off of in practice. Additionally, it has been a way for me to gain clientele, provide new services, and offer higher quality medicine.

Feeding Open Cows

Producers up north, cannot imagine not pregnancy testing their cows. They have had one of the toughest Februarys on record, and the hay piles are getting smaller by the day. They sure don’t want to be feeding any open cows in their herds this winter. It is easy to become envious of southern ranchers who must supplement their herds much less in what they might call “winter”.

Our question to you southern ranchers is, does it pay to pregnancy test beef cows in places like Florida and southern Texas? It looks like a non-pregnant cow cost everyone money and the sooner they go to town and get off the ranch the better. Below is a summary of Chris Prevatt’s work from the University of Florida, Range Cattle Research & Education Center:

ReproScan Welcomes Derek Hermes to the Team

ReproScan is excited to welcome Derek Hermes to our sales team as a US Sales Representative. Derek started in December of 2016. He will be based in Texas and will travel throughout the United States. Derek will head up on-farm demonstrations for both beef and dairy operations.

Derek brings a well-tailored set of experiences with him to ReproScan. Derek grew up in Elbert, Colorado as one of ten kids in the family. From a young age he was involved with cattle both on his family’s cow-calf operation and through 4-H. Following high school, he pursued his interest in cattle and went to work for a large purebred Limousin cattle ranch in Colorado. After obtaining a degree in Ag Business, he went to work for ABS in Portales, New Mexico. Derek was a breeder for ABS in Idaho, New Mexico and Texas.

Breeding Season: How Long is Too Long

How long should your breeding season be?

The cattle business is amazing in its diversity of geographical locations and management styles. Every ranch must adapt to their environment and resources and strive to be a competitive producer of calves and feeder cattle. One of the many decisions to make each year is, how long should your breeding season be?

One quick answer is, not much different than last year. Cows will need 30 to 90 days after calving to get themselves ready to conceive again. The length of time will depend on many factors that include nutrition, body condition, age, easy of calving and even photo period. I have seen some low pregnancy rates when the breeding season has been shortened by 10 days from one year to the next. If pasture conditions are tough and there were a high percentage of young cows and late calvers in a herd, be prepared for more open cows at pregnancy testing if the breeding season is shortened. If cow numbers must be reduced due to limited forage supply, this is one way to get this done.