Hardware disease can be difficult to conclusively diagnose and clinical signs will vary based on where the hardware has penetrated. The best prevention of hardware disease is good management.
Preparing for breeding season begins long before bulls are turned out. Evaluate bred heifers, cows, and bulls for Body Condition Score (BCS) to ensure your herd breeds back successfully.
Calving during daylight means calves are born during times of warmer temperatures, cows calving are easier to find and provide assistance if needed and accordingly, more calves saved and alive.
Understanding the stages of calving is critical in order to know when/if we need to provide assistance during calving season to increase the likelihood a live calf is born and off to a good start.
Mature Weight (MW) is moderate in heritability (35%) meaning response to selection pressure to downsize cows can be accomplished more effectively. Most beef cattle registries calculate MW EPDs.
Reproductive efficiency is highly correlated to nutrition. The target Body Condition Score going into calving season is 5.5 for the mature cow and 6 for first calf heifers.
Producers should manage their calving season, genetics, grazing system, supplementation program and herd health to achieve an average BCS of 5 to 6 (target 5.5) in the mature cow herd at calving time.
Nutritional needs of cattle vary by age, size, stage of production, environmental conditions, weather and other factors. Nutritional programs must first determine the objective of why we are feeding or supplementing.
