As calving season gets underway for many producers, it’s not just about getting live calves on the ground — it’s about setting those calves and their dams up for a lifetime of performance.
In a special episode of “The Future of Beef Show” podcast, hosts Jim Johnson, of Brands and Barbed Wire, Ian Wheal, CEO and founder of Breedr, and Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska feedlot specialist, visit with Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services about how data, nutrition, health and genetics all intersect at calving time.
Engle was also featured in episode eight.
Data at Birth: “No Better Time Than Starting Now”
From Wheal’s perspective, calving is the true beginning of an animal’s record — and missing that opportunity means giving up a lot of future insight.
“This is the start of the animal’s life,” he says. “This is when the data collection starts on this animal, if you can do it.”
He emphasizes linking each calf to its dam is pivotal. Explaining the value of tracking each cow’s calving performance make you better prepared and equipped to make culling decisions later.
By collecting birth data, you also gain an early handle on inventory, which feeds directly into budgeting and marketing.
Even if full birth data collection isn’t feasible, Wheal urges producers to at least recognize which cows have calved and assess them from a distance — especially mothering ability and calf vigor. These observations become powerful when reviewed later alongside performance data.
“There’s more to just going out and seeing that calf’s alive and nursed,” Johnson adds. “We look at things like calf vigor, you know, how quick did that calf get up and nurse? And then the mothering ability of the cow, that’s really important too.”
Collecting these details helps producers make informed sire selection and cow retention decisions. For example, if calves from a certain sire are consistently slow to get up, that’s a genetic signal that can guide future breeding choices.
Nutrition and Colostrum: Setting Calves Up For Success
On the nutrition side, Sperber explains a successful calving season starts well before the calf hits the ground — especially in the third trimester.
“Nutritional status of the cow is extremely essential in that third trimester,” she says. “So making sure she does have some overall flesh and cover on her… obviously, not too much flesh.”
She also highlights the importance of minerals to support calving, including calcium and magnesium.
Once the calf is born, the conversation returns to a familiar theme: colostrum is critical. If a cow has complications, poor milk letdown or the calf is weak, producers must be ready with alternative colostrum sources.
“Colostrum is critical,” Sperber stresses. “The longevity of that animal to perform on the rail for us starts at birth, starts in utero, essentially.”
Engle reinforces preparation for worst-case scenarios — like weak calves or dystocia — is a key part of good calf health management.
“I think that’s a big part of it, is being ready for worst case scenarios,” he says.
Johnson and Engle agree the economic reality regarding healthy calves.
“It’s hard to make money on dead calves,” Johnson says. Engle agrees, adding: “Absolutely, dead calves don’t pay the bills.”
Data Collection: Make It Simple and Standard
A recurring theme during the podcast was keeping data collection simple and consistent, so it is convenient and actually happens in real-world ranch conditions.
Engle points out even basic records — how much colostrum a calf received, what the weather was or any unusual events — can explain later performance differences.
“Just go out and take a picture,” Johnson suggests, if you are too busy to write down data. “You got a date, you got what the udder looks like, what the cow looks like, whether the calf’s cleaned off and up yet. You’ve got a lot of those things that help you remember.”
He suggests the photos can later support culling decisions, udder score evaluations and troubleshooting poor performance.
Genetics and Genomics: Accuracy Matters
From a genetics and genomics angle, Johnson and Wheal discuss when a good time is to collect tissue samples for genomic testing.
If tissue samples are taken at birth, Johnson cautions the calf must be clean and fairly dry to avoid contamination from amniotic fluid.
They also flag a common problem in larger operations and calving barns: cows switching calves. If calves are mismatched to dams or sires, genomic data and performance records lose their value.
“Part of that accuracy is also making sure that that calf’s out of the right sire and out of the right cow,” Johnson stresses. “Having accurate data is as important as having data.”
When sampling at birth isn’t convenient, branding time can be a good alternative, if identity is clearly captured and linked.
In summary, as Johnson notes, many people are in the cattle business for the joy of seeing calves “bouncing around green pastures.” Thoughtful data collection and solid management at calving help ensure more of those calves not only survive but go on to perform and pay the bills.
