13 April 2008

1 minute read

Spring Calving Herds

Finish calving

• Check cows 3 to 4 times per day, heifers more often - assist early if needed
  
  
• Keep calving area clean and well drained, move healthy pairs out to large pastures 3 days after calving
  
  
• Ear tag all calves at birth; castrate and implant male calves in commercial herds
  
  
• Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves
  
  
• Feed cows extra energy after calving; some protein may be needed also
  
  
• Implant calves at turnout if not implanted at birth
  
  
• Keep high quality, high magnesium, high selenium minerals available
  
  
• All bulls need a breeding soundness exam 30 days before start of breeding season

Fall Calving Herds

• Creep graze calves while on cows
  
  
• Give pre-weaning respiratory vaccinations - IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV, pasteurella
  
  
• Collect 205 day weights on calves; weigh and body condition score cows
  
  
• Wean commercial calves based on marketing plan for calves - many valued added feeder cattle programs require calves to be weaned 45 days
  
  
• Re-implant commercial calves - do not implant replacement heifers
  
  
• Pregnancy check cows 60 days after bulls were removed
  
  
• Continue feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany

Pastures and Forages

Fertilize pastures and hay fields according to test


• Begin managed intensive grazing
  
  
• Check hay making equipment

April 2008