Informed decisions are key for every industry, and it's particularly true for cow-calf producers. Kansas State University’s Beef Cattle Institute recently emphasized the importance of determining a cow's pregnancy status early on. This knowledge greatly aids in deciding which cows to keep and which to part with.
AJ Tarpoff, a well-known beef cattle veterinarian, highlighted a practical advantage. When forage availability is scarce, checking pregnancies during the first 60-90 days of gestation allows timely culling. This not only streamlines management but also curtails feed costs.
The discussion took another angle with Bob Larson, a veterinarian, emphasizing the timing of cow conception. According to Larson, cows that conceive early in the breeding season tend to nurture larger calves, maximizing profits at weaning. Such early calving cows are more likely to be on track for their next breeding season.
Beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster shifted the spotlight to the cow's body condition. Checking body condition during pregnancy assessments can provide a window into their nutritional needs. Lancaster insisted on aiming for an optimal body condition score as the calving season commences.
If discrepancies are detected early on, there's enough room to fine-tune their dietary regimen. This foresight ensures cows are aptly nourished, especially before the challenging winter weather sets in.
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle