  BeefTalk:
Improve Calving Distribution by Proper Winter Management
By Kris Ringwall, Extension Beef Specialist,
NDSU Extension Service
The fall of the year is performance evaluation time when calves are weighed,
processed and visually appraised at the chute. By now, the actual data should be
filtering back in report form to verify visual judgments. Unfortunately, only a
small percentage of the beef industry ever enters the domain of performance
reports--the actual black and white reports that verify the performance of the
herd.
The summary reports should contain a total synopsis of the herd, allowing
quick assessment of total herd performance. The performance report allows
producers to take appropriate management action. For example, the calving
distribution table is an often under-utilized part of the performance report.
In reviewing the Cow Herd Appraisal and Performance Software Program (CHAPS)
report for the North Dakota State University Dickinson Research Extension
Center, the calving distribution table presents a weaning weight summary for
each age of cow within the herd. In addition, the calving distribution report
notes how many cows calved within each 21 day period of the calving season for
each age group.
For our herd, the average calving date for the three-year-old cows was March
21. The four-year-olds’ average calving date was March 26, with the five-,
six- and seven-year-olds leveling the calving date off at March 28, 29 and 26,
respectively. (First-calf heifers had an average calving date of March 3 but
they are bred early so they calve early. First calf heifers--and in most cases
their calves--have much different care and nutritional needs.)
From a management perspective, the center’s cows reached a consistent
calving date when they reached four years old. Perhaps more attention needs to
be given to the younger cows in the herd or, if the inputs don’t allow
increased attention, the slip in calving date may simply need to be noted by the
manager.
Delayed calving does cost pounds. On the same table, I can find out the
actual number of pounds lost because of later calving by viewing the average
calf weight by 21-day calving periods. The calf weaning weight from those cows
that calved in the first 21 days of the calving season was 556 pounds. Those
cows calving during the second 21-day period of the calving season averaged 516
pound calf weaning weights and those cows calving within the third 21-day
calving period averaged 468 pounds.
I realize not all the calves can be born during the first 21 days of the
calving season, however, the degree of effort put forth to keep cows calving
early within your chosen calving season needs to be proportional to the amount
of weight lost in the lighter calves. We give up 40 pounds for every calf
delayed into the second cycle and 88 pounds of calf for every one delayed into
the third cycle. The majority of our calves are born the first 21 days, 150
head, with 94 calves born during the second 21 days and 23 during the third 21
days.
Adding up the weight loss, 94 calves were 40 pounds lighter for a total 3,760
pounds and 23 calves were 88 pounds lighter for a total of 2,024 pounds. The
total non-marketed weight for the herd was 5,784 pounds if all the calves are
sold on the same day.
Lighter calves may bring more dollars per pound to help offset some of the
loses, but they don’t bring more dollars per head. However, the over-riding
principle is one of constant pressure within a cow herd to keep cows calving
early. Now is the time to review you calving distribution, and if your not
satisfied take measures to improve cow condition. After calving next spring is
simply too late. May you find all your ear tags.
Your comments are always welcome at www.BeefTalk.com.
For more information, contact the North Dakota Beef Cattle Improvement
Association, 1133 State Avenue, Dickinson, ND 58601 or go to www.CHAPS2000.COM
on the Internet. In correspondence about this column, refer to BT0120.
###
Source: Kris Ringwall, (701) 483-2427, kringwal@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu
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Graphic --
2002 Average Calf Weaning Weight
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Number Average Difference From
Calving Period of Calves Weaning Weight First 21 Days
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First 21 days 150 556 0
Second 21 days 94 516 -40
Third 21 days 23 468 -88
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NDSU Dickinson Research Extension Center
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