May Beef Management Tips
Beef management tips for May, by Dr. Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech.
7 May 2009
1 minute read
|
Beef Management Tips |
Spring Calving Herds
- Finish calving
- Give pre-breeding vaccinations to cows - IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV and Lepto
- Begin estrous synchronization programs for AI
- Breed heifers 2 to 4 weeks before cows
- Solicit veterinarian to give breeding soundness exams to all bulls
- Supplement 1st calf heifers with energy through breeding
- Implant calves at turnout if not implanted at birth
- Keep high quality, high magnesium, high selenium minerals available
- Make 1st cutting of hay
- Implement grazing management strategies
Fall Calving Herds
- Creep graze calves while on cows
- Evaluate marketing options for calves- sale season, weaning/backgrounding strategy, retained ownership
- Vaccinate calves for according to weaning and marketing schedule
- Wean calves based on marketing plan for calves (most value-added sales require 30+ days weaning prior to marketing)
- Implant calves at turnout
- Deworm calves if needed
- Make 1st cutting of hay
- Continue feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
May 2009
