Mark Reynolds
Well-known member
There is a lot of variation between producers as to when the best time to calve is. From a management standpoint, it is usually preferred and easier to get the entire herd to calve at the same time (all calves in a 4 to 6 weeks at the outside). There are producers that do prefer to have fairly scattered and evenly distributed calving throughout the year though. These producers tend to be those who sell freezer beef directly to the consumer and like having a beef 'at the ready' at any given time for the customer. That isn't for everyone.
In order to be profitable, a cow needs to produce a calf on a yearly basis. The 'cost estimate' varies, but I've been informed that it takes roughly 3-4 years of successful calving for a cow to 'pay for' an open year or a lost calf, if you decide to keep the cow. The chances of a cow losing a 2nd calf or being open a 2nd time go up dramatically vs. the chance of it happening a first time. So, consider carefully about giving a co a 2nd chance, regardless of the reason.
It is considerably easier to move a cow 'forward' with its breeding (have a 17 month interval between calves) than it is to 'back a cow up' (have it calve at 10.5 or 11 months apart), but it can be done. You will want to consider lost production time though if you move a cow forward. Similar to as if you are retaining a cow that has lost or missed a calf/calving cycle.
Be cautious if you have 'scattered' calving. If you don't keep watchful records, you may end up with an open cow for 18-24 months or longer, and not even realize it. I've seen it happen.
In order to be profitable, a cow needs to produce a calf on a yearly basis. The 'cost estimate' varies, but I've been informed that it takes roughly 3-4 years of successful calving for a cow to 'pay for' an open year or a lost calf, if you decide to keep the cow. The chances of a cow losing a 2nd calf or being open a 2nd time go up dramatically vs. the chance of it happening a first time. So, consider carefully about giving a co a 2nd chance, regardless of the reason.
It is considerably easier to move a cow 'forward' with its breeding (have a 17 month interval between calves) than it is to 'back a cow up' (have it calve at 10.5 or 11 months apart), but it can be done. You will want to consider lost production time though if you move a cow forward. Similar to as if you are retaining a cow that has lost or missed a calf/calving cycle.
Be cautious if you have 'scattered' calving. If you don't keep watchful records, you may end up with an open cow for 18-24 months or longer, and not even realize it. I've seen it happen.
