Calving-Ease, Don't Abandon the Total Mission

Calving-ease and marbling in a productive body type, that is what brought Akaushi to the dance. Period.

But ever since I started with Akaushi in 2014, calving problems in first calf fullblood heifers have been occurring at 10% or higher within contemporary groups. Some herds experience calving issues at 25-30% in their heifers…..this is outrageous, costly and avoidable!

After studying and learning on the issue for five years I came to the conclusion that Akaushi operations must be intentional in this area of selection every breeding season. There are two main factors to focus on:

-Heifer pelvic size and shape

-Calf size and shape (calf presentation is typically good)

It is very sad to see reputable Akaushi producers (some of the largest I might add) abandon the task of continued selection for direct and maternal calving ease in fullblood heifers and simply throw out a frail Black Wagyu to cover them instead. I’ve seen various seedstock breeders do this for 10 years now. They are punting on the situation and eventually pass along the unknown to whomever utilizes the genetics in a maternal setting.

It is tough listening to reputable Akaushi seedstock breeders claim a multiple-trait selection approach while masking the most maternally critical time in a female's production life. How effective are their “calving-ease bulls” when they do not use them for their own heifers? Then you start looking through bull sale catalogs and see so many bulls sold this year with +90lb birthweights. This is ALARMING. Both the lack of castrating and then the inclusion into showcasing sales.

This topic is discussed in private consulting meetings more than you might think. Some breeders get frustrated and lose hope, but I present them with a gameplan and strategy to mitigate the dystocia. Most are motivated and find their way out of the weeds. And some simply will not follow a recipe for success and continue to gamble with each new birth. You lay in the bed you make. 

So how did we get here? Mostly by not prioritizing to get it right. Also, by continual selection for larger weaning and yearling weights. It is widely known these traits are large and positively correlated with birth weight both genetically and phenotypically.

The bull pictured above, Cadillac 0122H (AF203847), is one of our go-to calving ease bulls on fullblood heifers. His calves range from 48-60lbs at birth and are very vigorous. We used his full brother, 1127J, the one season and had the same results. Consistency is bred into him on both sides of his pedigree. We have never touched one of their calves at birth (no assistance required).

Once you get both direct and maternal calving ease under control there is no need to limit or lower the heifers’ plane of nutrition before calving. Most of the sires in our lineup or co-own can be used with confidence on fullblood heifers including Cadillac 0122H, Escondido 7000E, Romeo 1636F, Midnight Special 8109F, Don Carlos 2003K, El Padrino 733D, and Yellowstone 0917F.

Ending note: if you are experiencing greater than 10% calving issues in your first calf Akaushi heifers, contact me and I can help you. I have a recipe and strategy that has shown positive results for many years.