Extension Education
University research you can use.
by Karla H. Wilke, UNL Cow/Calf Systems and Stocker Management beef.unl.edu
KEEPING AN EYE ON BODY CONDITION IN FALL CALVING COWS With much of the eastern and
October 2020
western borders of Nebraska in a drought, producers with fall calving cows need to be especially mindful of body condition on fall calving cows. In Nebraska, most fall calving herds actually start calving sometime in August. This allows producers to take advantage of late summer grass as a forage
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resource with ample protein and energy for the newly lactating cow. However, the hot dry conditions this year have left many pastures not only short on dry matter tonnage, but also short on the nutrient density required to maintain the lactating cow. While body condition is critical for all lactating cows going into the
breeding season, this is especially important for the fall calving cow who potentially could be facing a long hard winter in poor condition while still trying to meet the demands of lactation. Lactating cows in peak lactation require about twice the energy of a dry pregnant cow at traditional weaning. Research has indicated
above While body condition is critical for all lactating cows going into the breeding season, this is especially important for the fall calving cow. Photo credit Troy Walz.
thestockmanmag.com | THE STOCKMAN
