November 19, 2001

Pay Attention to Cow Condition Now, NDSU Beef Specialist Says

Mild weather this fall has been easy on cows and cattle producers, but that’s no reason to let nutritional management of pregnant cows slip, says a North Dakota State University beef specialist.

"March-calving cows will soon be into their third trimester," notes Greg Lardy of the NDSU Extension Service. "Cows should be at a body condition score of five or better by calving, so their nutritional needs are particularly important now."

Lardy says any calves that haven’t been weaned yet, should be soon. That will give cows time to divert nutrition from milk production to improving body condition. "Producers can still put quite a bit of condition on cows with inexpensive feeds," he says.

Moderate quality forages may be enough to do the job. Good quality grass hay, average quality alfalfa hay or hay supplemented with 4 to 5 pounds of grain can be fed to improve cow condition. "You want to make sure needs are met, but that doesn’t usually require a lot of supplement," Lardy notes. Feed dealers and extension agents can assist in balancing rations.

Improvements in cow condition will lead to improved calf survival and vigor, improved quality and quantity of colostrum, and improved reproductive performance in the cow. "It’s all about getting a live and healthy calf on the ground and better breed back for the cow," Lardy says.

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Source: Greg Lardy, (701) 231-7660, glardy@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu