Timely tips for herds

Garrard Coffey
Agriculture and Natural Resources

Spring Calving Cow Herd

• Start cows on the high magnesium mineral supplement soon.  Consider protein supplementation if hay is less than 10% crude protein.  If cows are thin, begin energy (grain) supplementation now.

• Consider vaccinating the cows to help prevent calf scours.

• Keep replacement heifer calves gaining enough to reach their “target” breeding weight (65% mature weight) and to be cycling by the start of the spring breeding season.

• Study the performance of last year’s calf crop and plan for improvement.  Plan your breeding program and consider a better herd sire(s).  Select herd sires which will allow you to meet your goals and be willing to pay for superior animals.

• Get ready for calving season!  See that all equipment and materials are ready, including obstetrical equipment, record forms or booklets, eartags, scales for obtaining birthweights, etc.

Prepare a calving area where assistance can be provided easily if needed.  Purchase ear tags for calves and number them ahead of time if possible.

Plan for enough labor to watch/assist during the calving period.

• Move early calving heifers and cows to pastures that are relatively small and easily accessible to facilities in case calving assistance is needed.  Keep them in good condition but don’t overfeed them at this time.  Increase their nutrient intake after they calve.

Fall Calving Cow Herd

• Breeding season continues.  Keep fall calving cows on accumulated pasture as long as possible, then start feeding hay/grain.  Don’t let these cows lose body condition!

• Provide clean windbreaks and shelter for young calves.

• Catch up on castrating, dehorning and implanting.

General

• Provide water at all times.  Cattle need 5 to 11 gallons per head daily even in the coldest weather.  Be aware of frozen pond hazards.  Keep ice “broken” so that cattle won’t walk out on the pond trying to get water.  Automatic waterers, even the “frost-free” or “energy-free” waterers can freeze up in extremely cold weather.  Watch closely.

• Increase feed as the temperature drops, especially when the weather is extremely cold and damp.  When temperature drops to 15°F, cattle need access to windbreaks

• Feed hay in areas where mud is less of a problem.  Consider preparing a feeding area with gravel over geotextile fabric or maybe a concrete feeding pad.

• Consider renovating and improving pastures with legumes, especially if they have poor stands of grass or if they contain high levels of the fescue endophyte.  Purchase seed and get equipment ready this month.

For additional information, contact the Whitley County Cooperative Extension Service at 549-1430; visit the office located at 4275 N. Highway 25W in Goldbug; or email DL_CES_WHITLEY@EMAIL.UKY.EDU.