Spring-calving herds
Most operations are in “hurry up and wait” mode for spring calving. For many producers, December marks the beginning of the third trimester. Throughout this period, fetal weight and volume will grow exponentially, and cow dry matter intake will decrease proportionately due to rumen space restrictions.
If cows are on low- to mid-quality forage, diets should become gradually more concentrated or more supplement should be supplied to continue to meet nutritional demands of the cow.
It is imperative that soon-to-be first-calf heifers are managed separately from the mature herd at this juncture to more appropriately tailor a nutritional program to their needs and intake capabilities. Body condition scores (BCS) should be monitored monthly on all females, and feeding groups should be shuffled as necessary.
Remember, BCS is positively related to quality of colostrum, and that high-quality colostrum helps in the prevention of neonatal morbidity.
Calving females between a BCS of 5 and 6 improves colostrum quality when compared to thinner cows. In addition, research has shown a reduced incidence in dystocia for these more appropriately fed females as well.
Finally, work with your veterinarian to implement necessary vaccines for scours and reproductive diseases.
Fall-calving herds
Fall calving should be wrapped up or very close to being done. Evaluate feed resources and BCS of cows. Inclement weather paired with lactation for fall-calving cattle in the Midwest and Northern Plains make maintaining BCS challenging; supplement as needed.
Nutritional strains acknowledged in the previous paragraph often make early weaning a popular option among many fall-calving herds in the region.
If this management practice is part of the equation, work with your veterinarian and nutritionist to develop appropriate rations and vaccination protocols for these younger individuals.
Evaluate bulls regularly for dramatic shifts in body condition, libido and any other abnormal reproductive activity. When in doubt, get them checked out now instead of confirming the “issue” at pregnancy diagnosis.
As always, consult with the team of experts you have assembled, including your beef extension specialist, nutritionist and herd health veterinarian. 
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Patrick Gunn
- Assistant Professor of Animal Science
- Iowa State University
- Email Patrick Gunn
