By Derek Scasta

Effects of sire genetic type on calving

Researchers at the University of Kentucky, Louisiana State University, and the University of Florida collaborated in a review of over 100 papers evaluating genetic effects from sires on calving difficulty. In general, they found:

1) On Bos taurus (domestic European cattle) females, straight Bos indicus sires (in most studies represented by Brahman cattle) increased dystocia compared to Bos taurus sires.

2) Calving difficulty from Brahman sires was no higher than from other straight Bos indicus sires, such as Indu-Brazil and Nellore.

3) Calving difficulty from Bos indicus-derivative sires (Brangus, Santa Gertrudis etc.) was generally no higher than from Bos taurus sires.

4) The Bos indicus sire effect was largely related to heavier birth weights, possibly due to longer gestation length along with highest heterosis from Bos indicus X Bos taurus matings.

5) Calving difficulty was higher from male than female calves. This effect was most pronounced in Bos indicus sires compared to Bos taurus sires. (Prof. Anim. Sci. 18:18)

Feral Hogs in Texas

Feral hogs are domestic hogs which have either escaped or have been released into the wild. The population of feral hogs in Texas is estimated to be between 1.5 to 2 million animals and their distribution and abundance within the state is expanding. It is estimated that feral hogs have been in Texas since the mid-1500s. Feral hogs can present many concerns about property damage, crop damage and the transmission of diseases. It is estimated that feral hogs cause $52 million in damage to Texas agriculture annually. Strategies for controlling feral hogs include: fencing them out of unwanted areas, snaring, trapping with box traps or multi-catch traps, hunting, hunting with dogs and aerial hunting. Feral hogs are not considered a game animal and there is no season or bag limit. However, you must have a hunting license to hunt them unless you are a landowner controlling depredating hogs on your own land. For information about hunting regulations contact your local game warden.

Navarro County is currently involved in the Statewide Feral Hog Abatement Project with Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Wildlife Damage Management Services and the Texas Department of Agriculture which is funding the initiative. Navarro County is part of the Blacklands Prairie site and there are also sites in Post Oak Savannah/Pineywoods and Coastal Prairie. This project seeks to assess the overall economic impact of feral hog abatement while exploring new control techniques and educating landowners. In 2006, 1,893 hogs were removed saving an estimated $944,000 for cooperators. This project is still expanding and underway. Watch for more updates and programs related to this project. Also for more information go to http://feralhog.tamu.edu.

Upcoming Events

May 22: Pesticide Applicator Training & Testing, Conference Room in County Courthouse Basement, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., $20 for materials and $60 testing fee. Must have RSVP to offer testing, (903) 654-3075.

June 9: Navarro County Cleanup Day.

August 6-8: Beef Cattle Shortcourse, College Station, cost is $140 per person.

August 8-9: Ranch Estate Planning Seminar, College Station, cost is $125 per person.

For more information about any of these programs contact us at (903) 654-3075 or come by the third floor of the county courthouse.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability, or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, US Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

A member of The Texas A&M University System and its statewide Agriculture Program.