Given current calf prices, aiming for high pregnancy rates should be a priority in any cow-calf operation. In addition to maintaining pregnancy, it is necessary to conceive early in the breeding season to maintain a 365-day calving interval and ensure a uniform calf yield. This increases the profitability of weaned calves and increases the profitability of calf and cow operations.
Please also read
Transitioning young cows to the Sandhills Calving System to clean calves
Cow and calf producers across North America face a wide range of challenges each calving season, but diarrhea and neonatal diarrhea often top the list.
However, most producers have known for several years that this is easier said than done. We have heard that many producers in Western Canada are reporting very low conception rates over the past year, with 15 to 25 per cent of their cows finishing their breeding season. There are many possible reasons for the decline in conception rates, but malnutrition in cattle due to the drought that has affected Western Canada in recent years may be the culprit. The availability, quantity and quality of feed ingredients are the main factors. How can we prevent this from happening in 2024?
The first step is to develop an annual feeding program for your operation that takes into account the different reproductive stages of your cows and, therefore, their nutritional requirements. Dividing the year into four periods (calving to conception, breeding cow to weaning, post-weaning dry cow to the end of the second third of the gestation period, and the last third of the gestation period), the cow This helps ensure you design feed that meets your goals. Adjust nutritional needs at a specific point in time and reduce feed costs.
The last third of pregnancy and the first 90 days after calving are when cows need the most nutrients, including energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. Ensuring that you “keep your foot on the gas” (see Dr. John MacKinnon’s nutrition column) after calving is important for cycling cows and promoting high first conception rates. Barry Yaremcio recently discussed changing cow nutritional requirements and post-calving feeding programs.
There are several important highlights that will impact your feeding program during this period. First, the common management strategy of late winter or early spring calving in Western Canada increases the need for post-calving nutritional supplementation, as high-quality forage/pasture is not yet available. Stubble fields are low in protein, high in fiber, and have a very low energy content that does not meet the nutritional requirements of cattle during that period.
Second, weather patterns that cause late spring or drought also slow pasture regrowth and increase the need for herd replenishment. Producers should plan to supplement feed/roughage as well as concentrate during this period. Having proper feed inventory and associated feed testing will help you design accurate feeding programs and identify deficiencies in feed ingredients. If forage becomes scarce, producers should consider purchasing additional forage until pasture is available, or if it makes more sense to reduce herd size for the time being. Planning this feeding program and having a back-up strategy in case the weather doesn’t cooperate (which is very often) is essential to keep your cows from getting sick and paying the price.
The next step in preventing drought or poor forage quality from impacting reproduction rates is to keep cows at an appropriate body condition score. Assessing physical condition scores can be difficult and requires training. The Beef Cattle Research Council has some great resources on their website to help you understand what the Beef Cattle Research Council is and how best to do it. Looks can be quite deceiving, so it’s ideal to touch the cow. Cows with a body condition score of 3 to 3.5 (scale 1 to 5) will return to heat and become pregnant faster than cows with a body condition score of less than 3.
After calving, feeding your cow a balanced diet will help keep her in shape to produce milk. At calving, cows with a body condition score below her 3 will require additional supplements to quickly restore body condition and get pregnant during breeding season. The first calf requires special attention. This is because the calf is still growing (needs more nutrients) and is not as aggressive/competitive on the berth, and lack of nutrients will delay the second pregnancy. After calving, these cows and those with lower body condition scores may be grouped separately from the main herd so that additional nutritional supplementation can be strategically given.
It is important to note that cows with low body condition scores at calving indicate errors in the previous year’s feeding management. Breastfeeding to restore health score after childbirth is not very efficient. Ideally, the cow’s body condition score should be assessed and corrected immediately after weaning. Immediately after weaning, when nutritional requirements are lowest, the feed provided is used more efficiently to improve body condition, so you spend less on feed.
The final point is where and how to feed the cow after giving birth. At this time of year, the snow often melts and it becomes quite muddy, making feeding difficult without good equipment and structure. Additionally, you may not want to confine these cows as this increases the risk of calf baptism. Investing in a portable feeder that you can move from time to time allows you to feed your cows in a drier environment and keep your calves in a clean and healthy environment.
As mentioned above, there can be many reasons for low fertility (nutrition, infection, bull fertility, etc.), but work with your veterinarian, nutritionist, or extension agent in advance to Have well-designed long-term and short-term plans. You’ll be rewarded. Simplify your feeding program, reduce daily stress, and create a plan that meets your cow’s needs without any additional costs.
