Feeding animals in this period must begin with small norms. Immediately after calving, the cow is given about 5 kg of hay per day or replaced with 8 kg of green food. On the second day, the dosage of roughage is increased by 1 kg and 1 kg of wheat bran mash is added to the diet.
Full Answer
How can we improve brood cow nutrition?
Brood cow nutrition can be improved by grouping cows according to stage of gestation and feeding each group accordingly. When cows are strung out in their expected calving dates, it is difficult to provide cows adequate nutrition in a cost effective manner. 5.
When should I separate first-Calver cows from mature cows?
For this reason, beginning at least three weeks before calving, first-calvers need to be managed and fed separate from the mature cows. Research conducted at the University of Nebraska reported in the 2004 Nebraska Beef Report indicates that a first-calf-heifer within three weeks of calving experiences a 17% decrease in daily feed intake.
What are the benefits of a shorter calving season?
Acceptable performance implies not only weaning weight but also that a cow produce a calf every 12 months. 2. Shortened calving seasons provide a better opportunity to offer improved management and observation of the cow herd, which should result in fewer death losses at calving (a source of reproductive failure among any herd of cows).
How should we decide to keep or cull cows?
Decisions to keep or cull cows should reflect relative performance of calves within the herd. Acceptable performance implies not only weaning weight but also that a cow produce a calf every 12 months. 2.
What to feed cows before calving?
Hay should be tested for protein, and cows and heifers should be supplemented accordingly. By-product feeds or straw may be cost-effective in some situations. Some by-product feeds - corn distillers solubles, feather meal, for instance - are high in protein and by-pass protein.
What do you feed a bred cow?
Set cows up for success by providing them with quality cattle mineral and protein supplements. A good, year-round cattle nutrition program supports improved breeding rates. Try Purina® cattle mineral today through the Feed Greatness® Challenge.
What is the best feed for pregnant cows?
Hay. Hay, a staple of the cattle diet, is often fed to pregnant cows even if they have access to pasture. The average cow will eat between 20 and 30 pounds per day of good-quality hay such as alfalfa.
What to feed cows after calving?
A high energy feed needs to be supplemented. Corn, distillers grains, gluten feed, 20% cube, or silage may be good choices. Make sure the protein requirement is met, especially when corn or silage is fed. In ranch situations, the supplement may be fed on the ground instead of in bunks.
What is the best grain for calves?
Alfalfa or other high-quality legume hay, silage, or haylage can be used to supplement corn silage for protein in calf rations. It will take 3.5 to 4.5 pounds of alfalfa hay to supply the amount of protein contained in 1.2 to 1.5 pounds of soybean meal.
What is the best grain for cattle?
Corn, oats, and barley are the primary grains fed to cattle. Oats, which has a lower energy value due to its high fiber content, is considered the "safest" grain in regards to potential digestive disturbances.
How much grain should you feed a pregnant cow?
During the last two trimesters of pregnancy, mature cows generally consume 2 to 2.5% of their body weight on a dry-matter basis. For a 1,200 lb cow, this equates to 24 to 30 lb of hay per day on a dry-matter basis, or approximately 27 to 33 lb per day on an as-fed basis.
Is molasses good for pregnant cows?
M8U (molasses plus 8% urea) M8U is a common supplement for survival/drought feeding, spike feeding pregnant heifers and cows, and keeping growing steers and heifers growing slowly during the dry season.
Is salt good for pregnant cows?
The sodium supplement increased the birth weight of their calves but after 6 weeks there was no difference between treatments in calf weight. In addition to milk, calves in both treatments were offered a choice of concentrates with normal or high sodium concentrations (5·8 and 10·8 g/kg dry matter, respectively).
What do cows need after birth?
Food can help a mama cow's system recover from birth more quickly, so I like to provide our milk cows with extra treats after they give birth, such as alfalfa hay and/or a bucket of warm water with a swirl of molasses in it. Some people will also provide their cow with a warm bran mash with molasses or crude sugar.
What do you feed a first heifer calf?
Supplement first-calf heifers with grains (energy) like corn, corn silage, or barley before they lose body condition. “Thin heifers don't breed back quickly, if at all,” says Bjurstrom. “If she rebreeds late, it will take several lactations to get her back on track with the rest of the herd.
What to do after a calf is born?
The time immediately following the birth of a calf is an important period. The calf must begin to breathe, be cleaned and dried off, learn to stand and nurse adequate colostrum, and bond with its mother. Generally these events occur normally. Help may sometimes be needed.
How do you feed a bred heifer?
They need extra energy and attention. To maintain them at a body condition score 5.5, feed them separately from the rest of the cow herd. Feed high-quality grass or hay, Accuration® Liquid Supplement or Accuration® Hi-Fat Block, and Wind and Rain® Storm® Cattle Mineral.
How many bales of hay does a cow need a day?
A 1200-pound cow, ready for processing, will require 36 pounds of forage per day based on the formula used here. Thirty-six pounds of hay is close to one small square bale of hay per day, taking into consideration some waste.
How much grain should I feed my beef cow per day?
Cows will voluntarily consume about 2 percent of their body weight or 24 pounds per day. The 24 pounds is based on 100 percent dry matter.
Do cows need grain everyday?
The grain finished cattle need to be checked regularly and fed daily. They live in the pasture their entire lives and also receive natural grain during the last 6 months of their life. It's up to them on if they eat the grass or grain.
Why do cows feed later in the day?
Research indicates that feeding cows later in the day and evening will increase the number of calves born during daylight hours, when it is typically easier to keep a close eye on them.
How often do you feed Konefal?
Konefal’s method included a twice a day feeding, with first feeding between 11:00 a.m. and noon and second feeding between 9:30-10:00 p.m. Similar research at Iowa State University using the Konefal feeding system, but only feeding one time per day at 4 p.m., starting 2 weeks prior to the expected start of calving, ...
What percentage of calves are born outside the window?
In addition, calves born between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. (75% of the 24 hour day) was 91%. Therefore, only 9% of calves were born outside the window when traditional calf checks are performed.
When should I start a Konefal calving?
Here are some points to remember if Konefal calving will be implemented: Research has indicated that for this method to be most effective, it should be started one month prior to calving, but shorter duration before the start of calving will still have some effect.
How long should I feed my dog in Iowa?
Iowa State advises staying as close to the same feeding schedule and feed amount as possible each day. Deviating more than 15 minutes or providing too much feed will yield less desirable results. Maintain regular night checks.
Do cattle calve at night?
Before or during storms, cattle may not come to the bunk to eat and may be more likely to calve at night. Additional research indicates that a first calf heifer that calves during the day will tend to calve during the day the remainder of her productive years.
Does hay work in drylots?
It works best in a drylot situation where all feed is provided. Desired effect in a grazing situation may not be seen unless supplemental hay or timing of grazing can be regulated. Weather can play a role in effectiveness. Before or during storms, cattle may not come to the bunk to eat and may be more likely to calve at night.
How much does a calves weigh when weaned?
Calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season can weigh 30 pounds more at weaning than those born during the second 21 day period. Calves born 42 days into the calving season have been found to weigh as much as 70 pounds less than those born in the first 21 days and 42 pounds less than calves born in the second 21 days.
How to improve brood cow nutrition?
Brood cow nutrition can be improved by grouping cows according to stage of gestation and feeding each group accordingly. When cows are strung out in their expected calving dates, it is difficult to provide cows adequate nutrition in a cost effective manner. 5.
What is the first step in reproductive management?
The first step in reproductive management is controlling the breeding and calving seasons. Whichever calving season (winter, spring, or fall) is chosen, the following reasons illustrate why a controlled, seasonal calving schedule is desirable.
Why are short calving seasons better?
Shortened calving seasons provide a better opportunity to offer improved management and observation of the cow herd, which should result in fewer death losses at calving (a source of reproductive failure among any herd of cows).
Is culling based on production records?
The culling of cows and selection of replacements is based on production records; however, accurate comparisons in the production of cows within a herd cannot be made unless a certain degree of uniformity exists among their calves.
What is the best way to get your cattle on schedule?
Vaccinations are a building block to herd health and another essential component for getting your cattle on schedule. Again, you should work with your veterinarian to develop your vaccination program and determine what your cattle need. The requirements of heifers and cows will vary and you may need additional vaccinations , depending on your geographic location and prevalent diseases. Vaccination is a preventative measure that is important in helping cattle arrives at breeding and calving season in optimal health and ready for the stresses ahead.
When should I do a bull soundness test?
Breeding Soundness Exams (BSE) for your bulls should be conducted before and at the conclusion of breeding season. There is no sense in getting your cattle on a schedule if your bull is not fit for the job. A veterinarian can conduct this evaluation; it should be completed one or two months prior to breeding season. You will also want to make sure your cattle chute and handling equipment is in good condition with a vet cage that will allow your veterinarian to safely conduct the evaluation.
Does staples have an easy button?
The office store Staples has an “easy” button that appears in their advertisements and other promotions. The premise is that Staples makes doing business easy. It would be nice if there were an “easy” button for all businesses, including cow calf operations.
What to do if you don't have a herd health program?
If you don’t have a comprehensive herd health program, now is the time to talk with your veterinarian or animal health supplier to develop one. If you have a program, it can be beneficial to re-evaluate and ensure the protocols still make sense.#N#Make sure cow and calf vaccinations are part of your calving and breeding plan for cattle. Since every operation has a different risk level in how and when they calve, the program should be specific to your operation and region.#N#For operations with multiple employees, make sure everyone is familiar and comfortable with the cattle vaccination program ahead of time. Getting everyone on the same page before beef cattle calving begins can help ensure protocols are followed correctly and consistently.
How does BCS affect cows?
Cow body condition score (BCS) at calving impacts how quickly a cow returns to heat and helps prepare her for the next calving season. Cows managed for optimal body condition at calving (6 BCS) have shown to rebreed with conception rates of 88 percent or greater.1#N#You want cows cycling prior to the breeding season so when they come into heat during breeding season, you have a better chance of getting them bred in the first 21 days. Cows bred early in the breeding season result in calves born early in calving season.#N#Why does it matter if a calf is born early in the season? Calf age has the biggest impact on weaning weight. Calves born in the first 21 days of the season are likely heavier at weaning. Assuming a calf gains between 2.25 and 2.5 pounds per day, every cow heat cycle is worth roughly 50 pounds.#N#The cow’s body condition score also impacts calf performance. Ideal BCS at calving supports colostrum quality, the cow’s stamina during calving and calf vigor. Aim for a minimum BCS of 5.5 at calving for mature cows; 6 is preferable. The minimum BCS for first-calf heifers is 6. Cattle supplementation can help maintain a consistent body condition score.
What is calving and rebreeding?
Calving and rebreeding are two sides of a coin; a calf is ultimately the result of a year-round breeding plan for cattle. Simultaneously preparing for beef cattle calving and rebreeding puts you in position to achieve your breeding herd goals:
