Beef Cattle

Comparing the Environmental Impact ofthe U.S. Beef Industry in 1977 to 2007

Everyday Environmentalists / Fact Sheet

JOHNE'S DISEASE 

Johne’s Disease — What You Need to Know!

Information Center - www.johnesdisease.org.

SALT TOXICITY INFORMATION: A Consequence of Too Much Salt and Not Enough Water

TIMELY TIPS
Dr. Roy Burris, University of Kentucky Beef Specialist  

 Spring Calving Cow Herd  (Get ready for a successful breeding season) 

• Replacement heifers should be gaining adequately to reach target breeding weights by May 1. Be sure that their feeding program is adequate for early breeding.

• Overall condition of the cow herd should be evaluated. Cows losing weight now are most likely to have weak or dead calves. These cows will likely be a poor source of colostrum milk for the newborn calf. Feed cows, if necessary to keep them in good body condition.

• Have calving equipment, supplies and labor ready for the spring calving season. Some supplies which may be needed are: eartags and applicator (put numbers on eartags now), tattoo pliers and ink, record book, scales for calf weights, iodine for calves' navels and colostrum supplement.  Calving equipment (puller and chains, etc.) and facilities should be ready and clean.

• Record birthdate, cow I.D., and birthweight immediately (use your Beef IRM calendar). Identify calf with eartag and/or tattoo. Registered calves should be weighed in the first 24 hours. Male calves in commercial herds should be castrated and implanted as soon as possible.

• Heifers should begin head-start calving in early February. Move them to a clean, accessible pasture, away from cow herd and near facilities so that calving assistance can be given. Cows may start calving later this month. Signs of calving are relaxation of pelvic ligaments, enlargement and swelling of the vulva, and enlargement of the udder. Expect calving difficulty if (1) calf's head and two feet are not visible, (2) only the calf's tail is visible, and (3) the cow has been in labor for 1½ hours. Be sure calf is being presented normally before using calf puller. Recognize situations that are beyond your capability and seek professional help as early as possible. Calves that aren’t breathing should receive assistance. Try sticking a straw in nostril to stimulate a reflex or try alternate pressure and release on rib cage. Commercial respirators are also available. Calves should consume colostrum within 30 minutes of birth to achieve good immunity.

• Separate cows that calve away from dry cows and increase their feed. Avoid muddy feeding areas so that cows' udders won't become contaminated and spread scours. Don't confine cows to muddy lots.

• Increase feed after calving to 25-27 pounds of high quality hay. Concentrate (3-4 lb. for mature cows and about 8 lb. for first-calf heifers) may be needed if you are feeding lower quality hay.  Supplementation may have a beneficial effect on date and rate of conception. The most important time to feed a beef cow is after calving. Thin cows don't come into heat very soon after calving.  We must have cows in good condition, if we plan to breed them early in the season for best pregnancy rates, especially on high-endophyte fescue pastures.

• Sub-zero weather can mean death for newborn calves. During extremely cold spells, bring the cow(s) into a sheltered area as calving approaches to protect the calf. Be prepared to warm-up and feed newborn, chilled calves. Calving in mud can also cause problems.

• Watch for scours in newborn calves. Consult your veterinarian for diagnosis, cause, and treatment.  Obtain fecal samples and submit to diagnostic lab, if scouring begins.

 
 Fall Calving Cow Herd 

• Important! Consider creep feed or creep grazing (wheat, etc.) to supply extra nutrition to fall-born calves which may have to depend solely on their dam=s milk supply for growth. They are not getting much except their dam=s milk now (i.e. there is nothing to graze). February/March is the worst time of the year for fall-born calves.

• Breeding season should end this month. Remove bulls and confine them so that they regain condition.

• Provide windbreaks or clean shelter for calves.

  General 

• You should be feeding a mineral supplement with adequate magnesium to prevent grass tetany (~15% Mg) now. The Hi-mag UK Beef IRM mineral can be used now.

• Provide shelter or increase feed as temperature drops. When temperature falls below 15 degrees, cattle need access to windbreaks. For each 10 degree drop below 15 degrees, add three pounds of hay, two pounds of corn, or six pounds of silage to their rations.

• Provide water at all times. Watch for frozen pond hazards.

• Control lice. Watch for signs such as rubbing.

• Begin pasture renovation. You can overseed clover on frozen or snow-covered pastures.

• Start looking for herd sire replacements, if needed.

LINKS
ID-108 Kentucky Beef Book
Grazing Alfalfa Part I 
Grazing Alfalfa Part II
Kentucky Beef Newsletter - OFF THE HOOF  -  JANUARY 2012