By Jason M. Warner, Ph.D., Extension Cow-Calf Specialist
Cow Herd Management
- Start post‐calving nutrition programs for spring‐calving females.
- Begin lactation rations once first calving cycle is complete.
- Make sure thin (BCS ≤ 4.0) females are on an increasing plane of nutrition going into breeding.
- Pregnancy check and wean fall‐calving cows if not already done.
- Evaluate your mineral program for the coming spring and summer seasons.
- What was your average consumption last year?
- Do you need to make changes this year to achieve targeted consumption?
- Consider magnesium supplementation levels, particularly for lactating cows grazing wheat, rye, or triticale in the spring.
- If synchronizing females for breeding, schedule your protocols now well in advance of the breeding season and mark your calendars.
- Use the estrus synchronization planner available to you.
- Inventory your A.I. supplies and check your semen tanks.
- Evaluate herd bulls for BCS and adjust as needed prior to breeding.
- Bulls need to be in a BCS ≥ 5.0 prior to the next season of use.
- Schedule breeding soundness examinations with your veterinarian.
Calf Management
- Market your fall‐born calves if not already done.
- Schedule your spring calf working activities and visit with your veterinarian to discuss your calf health protocols.
- Monitor growth and pubertal development of replacement heifers.
- Heifers should be having active estrous cycles prior to breeding.
General Management
- Make sure you complete your spring calving records!
- Don’t forget late‐calving females as you focus on other spring projects.
- Rethink your turn‐out dates if pastures were stressed from drought last year.
- Plan/adjust your feeding dates accordingly.
- Take inventory of any feed/forage that will be left over from winter.
- Cover piles or close bags if silage is left over and won’t be fed until fall.
- Clean up any soiled bedding or unused/wasted feed to reduce the breeding and development of stable flies as the weather warms up.
- Finish pasture management projects started last year:
- Repair or replace fences as needed.
- Burn if conditions allow, cut and pile trees, particularly Cedar trees!
- Clean and repair tanks and equipment as needed so watering sources are working properly when cattle are turned out to pasture.
- If making bull selection decisions:
- Review your herd performance relative to your marketing and genetic goals.
- Study EPDs impacting your marketing and genetic goals and do your homework well before sale day.
We need your input! If you have any suggestions or comments on News from KSU Animal Sciences, please let us know by e‐mail to katiesmith@ksu.edu
