How do most of you count your calving season length. I have always counted the day the cows were due to start calving as the first day. Do others count the day the first calf hits the ground? I usually have cows and heifers that calve a week or so before the due date, so that would add additional days to your calving season. I want as many of my calves in the first 45 days as possible, and by using the day the first calf hits the ground, it adds days.
For instance, my first calf heifers were due to start on Feb. 1 by artificial insemination, and clean-up bull after that. The first calf was born on Jan. 24, and the last calf was born Feb 28. If I use the due date, I had a 28 day calving season for my heifers. If I use the other, I had a 35 day calving season. 28 sounds better, just curious what others use.
For instance, my first calf heifers were due to start on Feb. 1 by artificial insemination, and clean-up bull after that. The first calf was born on Jan. 24, and the last calf was born Feb 28. If I use the due date, I had a 28 day calving season for my heifers. If I use the other, I had a 35 day calving season. 28 sounds better, just curious what others use.