|
Feeding the Cow Herd During A 12 Month Reproductive Cycle
Period 1. Mid-Gestation (Spring Calving, Nov.-Jan.; Fall Calving,
May-July).
During this time, the nutrient requirements of the cow will be at a low
point. From weaning up to 2-3 months before calving, the beef cow is fed primarily for
maintenance. Grazing crop residues and diverted acres or medium to poor quality hay, straw, chaff or other
harvested crop residues can furnish much of the nutrients needed, when properly supplemented. Fat cows can and
should lose some weight in early gestation. However, all cows should be maintaining their weight or gaining
slightly (1/4 to1/2 lb./day) within 60 days of calving. After calving they should gain weight for at least 90-120
days or until the end of breeding season.
Period 2. 60-90 Days Before Calving (Spring Calving, Jan.-March; Fall
Calving, July-Sept.).
During this time, nutrients are needed for rapid fetal growth, in addition to
those needed for maintenance. The nutritional level needed in the ration will depend primarily on the general
condition of the cows. Additional silage or some grain may be needed if the cows are too thin. We do not want
the cows too fat at calving time, however, as calving difficulties may result. Feeding for fat gain is too
expensive. In addition we want her in a gaining condition between calving and re-breeding for best conception.
It's difficult to flush a fat cow.
Period 3. Calving Thru Re-breeding (Spring Calving, Mar.-July; Fall Calving,
Sept.-Jan.).
This is the period of greatest nutritional needs. The cow loses about 125 pounds at
calving and this weight should be re-gained in 90 to 120 days after calving, with most of it recovered by the start
of breeding. In addition, she has to produce milk for a calf and get her reproductive tract in shape for
re-breeding and conception besides meeting her maintenance requirements. Proper feeding is important to get the
cows re-bred quickly to avoid a strung out calf crop, which results in a lower average weaning weight and some cows
not getting re-bred in time to stay within a 12-month calving interval. The bulls should be removed after 60-90
days to prevent late calves next year. Then, pregnancy check and cull those not pregnant.
Period 4. End of Breeding to Weaning (Spring Calving, July-Nov.; Fall
Calving, Jan.-May).
Nutrients for milk production as well as maintenance are still needed, but the
critical feeding period is over after the cow is rebred. Also, the calves are consuming other feeds in addition to
milk. Use whatever feeds are readily available, such as temporary or permanent pastures.
Feeding Replacement Heifers
The objectives here are to have replacement heifers calve as two-year olds and then calve at
the same time as mature cows the following year. This requires having them weigh 600 to 800 pounds at 14-15
months of age when first bred, and then feeding first and second calf heifers separately and at a higher
nutritional level than the mature cows. The level of feeding needed from weaning to first breeding depends on
their weaning weight and breed. If we want them to weigh 600 to 800 pounds at the start of breeding, which
should be 20 to 30 days ahead of the mature cows, they will usually need to gain 200 to 250 pounds in 180-210
days, requiring a gain of 1 to 11/2 pounds per day from weaning to first breeding.
During breeding season (14 to 16 most) heifers should gain about 1.3
lb. per day. After breeding season, up to 120 days prior to calving (16 to 20 mos.), they can afford to gain
as little as 1/2 lb. per day. During the last 120 days of gestation (20 to 24 mos.), they should be fed to
gain 0.9 to 1.3 lb. per day. After calving, they should continue to gain weight until they are
bred.
In order for heifers to obtain the level of feed needed to gain
properly, they should ideally be fed separately from the rest of the herd during their first and second
winters. If not, the mature cows may consume more than their share of the feed, and the heifers are apt to
suffer. This especially is true in larger herds of cattle and in herds where feeding space is limited. It is
also a good idea to winter the coming 3-year-olds separately during their third winter if they are extremely
thin from raising their first calf. In fact, many good producers feed their first and second-calf heifers and
their old, thin cows all together as one nutritional management group.
| 
