423: Great Genetics Won’t Save a Bad Nutrition Program with Justin Ramirez

Justin Ramirez, M.S., livestock nutritionist, is back on Cattle USA Daily to break down the connection between nutrition, breeding and reproductive success. From artificial insemination and body condition scores to egg quality, mineral programs and forage testing, Justin explains how nutrition can influence every step of a cattle breeding program. The conversation gets especially practical as Justin explains why producers should test their water and forage, how to determine what their cattle actually need, and why genetics, nutrition and reproductive technology have to work together to get the most out of an operation. Connect with Justin:Email: [email protected]: primestocknutrition.comLinkedIn: / justin-a-ramirez-msc-78aa1972 Facebook: / justinaramireznutritionist Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m ⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/ CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759 CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/ Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/ Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/ Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Nutrition is a foundational part of reproductive success, not a side consideration Body condition can have a major impact on pregnancy rates and future productivity Nutrition 60 days before ovulation can influence egg quality and reproductive performance Water quality can affect mineral availability and is often overlooked in cattle programs Producers should test forage instead of assuming protein levels tell the whole story A hay probe can help producers make more informed supplementation decisions Testing can help eliminate the costly “shotgun approach” to supplementation Genetics only reach their potential when nutrition supports the animal Genetics, nutrition and reproductive technology all have to work together Small management changes can make a significant difference in an operation Chapters: 03:22 – Nutrition Meets Artificial Insemination 05:00 – Body Condition & Pregnancy Rates 07:19 – The Reproductive “Three-Legged Stool” 11:12 – Timing Nutrition Before Calving 15:06 – Nutrition & Egg Quality 17:28 – Why Water Testing Matters 20:28 – The Forage Mistakes Producers Make 24:28 – The Best Investment for Your Nutrition Program 29:15 – Genetics, Nutrition & Reproduction Together Justin Ramirez MS, livestock nutritionist, cattle nutrition, livestock nutrition, cattle breeding, cattle reproduction, artificial insemination, AI cattle, cattle pregnancy rates, body condition score, cow nutrition, heifer nutrition, breeding season, reproductive efficiency, egg quality, embryo quality, cattle genetics, feed efficiency, forage testing, hay testing, hay probe, water testing, mineral nutrition, trace minerals, copper, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, cattle supplements, forage quality, cattle pregnancy, beef cattle, cow-calf operations, cattle management, reproductive technology, Cattle USA Daily