16 September 2008

1 minute read

Spring Calving Herds

• Inventory feed supplies, test hay for nutrient content and plan winter feeding strategies
• Give pre-weaning vaccinations to calves
• Make final preparations for calf crop marketing program
• Pregnancy check cows
• Body condition score cows at weaning and separate thin cows
• Put open, old and very thin cows on cull list
• Make arrangements for backgrounding calves
• Continue feeding high Se trace mineral salt
• Continue to stockpile forages, if possible

• Body condition score cows; plan nutrition and grazing program on BCS
• Inventory feed supplies, test hay for nutrient content and plan winter feeding strategies
• Make sure all calving supplies are on-hand
• Move pregnant heifers and early calving cows to calving area about 2 weeks before due date
• 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 to large pastures 3 days after calving
• Ear tag all calves at birth; castrate male calves in commercial herds
• Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves
• Feed cows extra energy after calving especially to two-year-olds; cows calving at BCS less than 5 should receive special nutritional attention
• Keep high quality, high Selenium, high magnesium minerals available
• Plan estrous synchronization program; line-up AI technician and supplies