Autumn Cow Calf Management Tips

Autumn Cow Calf Management Tips

Here are some general cow-calf management reminders for the fall season. This information has been adapted from the “Beef Cow Herd Calendar”1 developed by the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service.

October

  • Beginning in late October or November, provide supplemental feed for bulls on dry grass according to age and condition.
  • Evaluate cows’ body condition score (BCS) at weaning. Develop winter nutrition program to have cows at a BCS of six at calving to enhance rebreeding performance.

November

  • Check with your Extension office for information on educational meetings about livestock and forage production practices.
  • If fall calving, lactating cows need to be in good condition for breeding, a BCS of at least 5.5.
  • Treat cattle for lice if needed.
  • If spring calving, check the weaned steer and heifer calves regularly to produce desired gains.
  • In spring calving enterprises, if culling is not completed in September and October, it should be completed this month.

December

  • Check your financial management plan and make appropriate adjustments before the end of the year.
  • Monitor the herd continuously for health problems.
  • Treat cows for internal parasites if needed.
  • If spring calving, identify the purebred herds and test stations at which you want to look for herd sires. Check sale dates and review performance criteria to use.
Source material for this blog article was provided by Purina Mils, Inc. © 2009