Pre Calving Advice

[midtncattle]

My cows are about 2-3 weeks out from the start of calving. They have been on pasture, free choice hay and mineral. Body condition is good. One or two are a little less conditioned then the others, but they seem to do this each winter. I think I will start hand feeding pellets 16% protein once a day or at least every other day. Just a few lbs per head. Is this a beneficial practice or just something to help me feel like I am doing something? Thanks for your input.

 

[Black and Good]

Depends on what your cows look like,if they are a little poor it would be fine. And it might pay off if you see the need to caught one. But if there are first time calvers in there be careful not to get them fat. Also, keep in mind that calf is growing pretty fast right now. It could up your normal birth weights. I would just look at your mature cows if they look thin, then maybe feed a little. I like to feed my cows just to keep them coming up,and used to me. But, this time of year they stay mad at me cause they don't get much feed at all. I do keep tubs and mineral out year round though. Hope this helps. B&G

 

[Stocker Steve]

A feel good activity unless you need to pen them every day for some reason.

 

[ALACOWMAN]

if their gerts, calving this time of year, its more than a feel good activity.... they will look like hand slung chitlins by the time spring gets here

 

[midtncattle]

if their gerts, calving this time of year, its more than a feel good activity.... they will look like hand slung chitlins by the time spring gets here

Do you think fall calving is better for gerts?

 

[ALACOWMAN]

if their gerts, calving this time of year, its more than a feel good activity.... they will look like hand slung chitlins by the time spring gets here

Do you think fall calving is better for gerts?

not here in our area, around the end of march early april.... by the time the calves are needing more,, theres grazing for both and less supplement's needed ....our winters and early springs here, are just to unpredictable anymore, and i'll be glad when this one's overwith....

 

[midtncattle]

I really have struggled with trying to decide best calving time. I am looking at moving them more to end of February. I put the bulls in April 20 this past year. I may AI around that date this year then bring in clean up bulls in second week of May.

 

[Santas and Duhram Reds]

the bulk of our calves start to come mid march. We do not feed anything but hay and mineral. Some do better than others in both our gerts and our durham reds. It all comes down to genetics, regardless of breed.

 

[midtncattle]

As I have looked more at them I think it is that some of mine are doing great and others are just doing well. I eent down to Grandview farms this week and looked at some great cattle. The condition of mine was very similar to their cattle.