INGENUITY IN GENETICS LEADS TO PRODUCERS ’ SUCCESS
Imagine a 1979 , well-used motorhome and inside it every compartment of space is taken up by bull semen collection equipment . That ’ s quite the sight . That was the beginning of Great Lakes Sire Service , owned and operated by Earl Souva in Bronson , Michigan . Today , Great Lakes Sire Service is a state-of-the-art semen collection , processing , storage and shipping company for the livestock and whitetail deer industries .
Earl grew up in a rural town in northern Michigan , and his father was a plumbing and heating contractor , so Earl learned a variety of trade skills at a young age . He worked on various farms nearby and raised cattle and other livestock as 4-H and FFA projects in high school .
“ I grew up touching tools , not pitchforks , but my involvement in 4-H and FFA is really what fostered my interest in livestock production and helped me develop as a leader ,” Earl said .
Earl ’ s first exposure to reproduction work was in Stillwater , Oklahoma , where he moved to be closer to his future wife , Melissa , who was attending Oklahoma State University . There , Earl gained hands-on experience with AI and semen collection at Reproduction Enterprises , and learned how these technologies play a key role in the improvement and growth of the beef industry , allowing cattle producers to make targeted decisions . When Melissa was offered an agriculture teaching position , the
Great Lakes Sire Service barns where bulls are kept for collection .
couple had the opportunity to move back home to southern Michigan . In Bronson , Earl worked for Melissa ’ s family hog operation and other various part-time jobs while he searched for the equipment necessary to begin his own genetics business .
With a loan from the bank and support from family , Earl searched nearby areas for used equipment and came across someone selling the entire set up in an old motorhome , so Earl and Melissa set out to make an offer . They were able to purchase the equipment and thus began Great Lakes Sire Service .
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WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER THE TEMPERAMENT OF CATTLE ? HOW ARE TEMPERAMENTS SCORED ?
Scoring the temperament of cattle is crucial for effective management and ensuring both animal welfare and handler safety . Methods to Score Cattle Temperament
1 . Chute Score :
• Cattle are restrained in a chute , and their behavior is observed .
• A six-point scale is often used , ranging from 1 ( docile ) to 6 ( aggressive ), based on movement , vocalization and restlessness .
2 . Flight Speed Test :
• Measures the speed at which an animal exits a confined space .
• Faster exit speeds indicate higher levels of excitability and stress .
3 . Pen Score :
• Assesses cattle reactions to human approach in an open pen .
• Scores range from calm and approachable to aggressive and difficult to handle .
4 . Qualitative Behavior Assessment :
• Experienced handlers subjectively evaluate cattle behavior based on their interactions and responses to stimuli .
Importance of Considering Cattle Temperament
1 . Animal Welfare :
• Calm cattle experience less stress , which can lead to better overall health and productivity .
2 . Handler Safety :
• Understanding and managing cattle temperament reduces the risk of injuries to handlers and other animals .
3 . Productivity :
• Cattle with calmer temperaments tend to have better growth rates , reproductive performance and meat quality .
4 . Management Efficiency :
• Knowing the temperament of cattle helps in making informed decisions about handling , breeding and culling .
By regularly assessing and considering the temperament of cattle , one can create a safer and more productive farming environment .
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