Are there ways for producers to analyze forage/pasture quality for improved nutrition and cow reproductive performance?
Yes. Producers can analyze forage samples to determine pasture quality but this is usually impractical because our forage grows so quickly. Therefore, some producers will utilize intensive grazing management systems in an attempt to stay ahead of forage growth to prevent the forage from getting old in its growth stage where it is not eaten by cattle. If the forage does get ahead of the cows’ ability to graze it, producers should mow the grass, particularly on improved pastures. But stockpiling forage cannot be done in many parts of the Southeast, so we have to use it effectively when it is available. In what ways should southern producers approach AI and synchronization programs differently than their counterparts in cooler climates? Producers need to identify the genotype of cattle they want to synchronize. Do they want all Bos taurus genetics our do they want Bos indicus cattle? If they are all Bos taurus breeding, they can probably use synchronization systems that are typically used
