Each month, cow-calf producers are faced with management tasks related to seasonal and production goals. Kansas State University Extension cow-calf specialist Jason Warner summarizes the top 10 management practices producers should check off their to-do lists in May.
1. For cows that are borderline BCS (4.0 to 5.0) going into breeding, consider:
- Supplementing two to three weeks prior to and through first cycle.
- Early weaning if BCS doesn’t pick up during the season.
2. For those synchronizing females for breeding, schedule your protocols well in advance and mark key dates on your calendar.
- The estrus synchronization planner is a great tool!
- Inventory your Artificial Insemination (AI) supplies and order products in advance.
3. If you have a fall herd, schedule pregnancy checks and make culling decisions.
- How were pregnancy rates relative to last year?
- Do we need to re-think our fall and winter nutrition program for fall calvers?
4. Plan your mineral supplementation for this coming spring and summer.
- Make an effort to measure intake regularly and adjust it as needed.
- If using fly control products, start them at recommended times for your area.
5. Consider magnesium levels in mineral supplements, particularly for cows grazing lush, rapidly growing forages.
- Wheat, rye, triticale, oats, bromegrass and other cool-season forages.
- Risk of grass tetany is greatest for lactating cows and older cows.
6. Schedule bull breeding soundness exams well in advance of breeding.
- Ensure younger and older bulls are introduced and their hierarchy is established prior to the start of breeding.
- Closely monitor bulls the first few weeks of breeding for signs of injury.
7. Review your calf health protocols before spring turnout.
- Consider implanting nursing calves and grass cattle.
- Calculate the cost of gain versus value of gain for creep feeding.
8. Consider supplementing yearling replacement heifers around the time of breeding under the following conditions:
- They have little post-weaning grazing experience.
- Forage supply is limited at grazing turnout.
9. If pastures are drought-stressed to start the grazing season:
- Consider delaying turnout or adjusting stocking rates.
- Make plans now so you are prepared to early wean if necessary.
10. Make and evaluate important production calculations:
- Calving distribution (% first cycle, second cycle, third cycle).
- Calving intervals.
