K-State to host seven events around Kansas.
MANHATTAN, Kan. –In anticipation of calving season, Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry and K-State Research and Extension are planning a series of calving schools beginning in November and finishing up in January. Continue reading “Calving Schools Planned”
By Sandy Johnson, Extension Beef Specialist, Colby, KS
The checklist below is designed to help you plan and prepare to improve the success of your calving season and weaned calf crop.
• Balance cow rations for adequate protein and energy for increased third trimester and subsequent lactation requirements. Group and feed cows by body condition and age to the degree possible. Target body condition for first calf heifers at calving of 5.5 to 6 and 5 to 5.5 for mature cows.
• Develop sound vaccination program to prepare the cow to produce high quality colostrum.
• Control lice and internal parasites.
• Plan for recording calving data and consider ways to backup records.
• Make sure calving facilities are clean and in good repair
• Plan for ear tags, tattoos, scale or weight tape, banding or castration.
• Check flashlights and other quality portable light sources.