Rising input costs are posing a major threat to profitability in nearly all sectors. For most cattle producers, the largest input is feed. While I think everyone should be looking at ways to reduce feed costs, I believe timely supplementation is a good investment.
First, identifying and culling cows that are too high-maintenance is good for the future of your cow herd. This winter has likely identified some members of the herd that need to see the gate. However, if cows are behind due to a hard winter and limited feed, then timely supplementation can help avoid poor breed-up.
The biggest focus should be getting thin cows gaining weight. Cows that are gaining weight breed back at a higher percentage. This is easier said than done considering spring-calving cows will be lactating.
Cows receiving harvested feeds at the time of breeding are generally of less concern. However, if energy density of the ration is low or dry matter intake (DMI) is limited, cows could be losing weight. Often, trouble comes with short hay supplies or poor-quality hay. In this case, adding energy from co-products or grains at a low level can be appropriate.
For cows that will be turned out on pasture at the time of breeding, a dry, low-protein supplement can be used to help balance your pasture ration. New pasture growth has challenges. It is washy, high-protein and low-fiber. To transition cattle successfully to pastures, offer a supplement that adds dry matter, energy and fiber. Adding energy is likely the priority. Thus, I have found success in advising cattlemen to feed cows 4 pounds per head per day of a 50-50 mixture of corn grain and soybean hulls when starting cattle on pasture. Offering a bale of hay or any palatable dry forage can help, but stay away from high-protein forages like alfalfa. Getting more dry matter, energy and fiber in the cow will help her better utilize the lush grass pasture for weight gain.
Reproduction is a complex and sensitive mechanism. Thus, it is important to consider not just timely supplementation but also numerous other factors. A list of considerations for timely breedback should include selecting replacements from cows that calve early in the season, having cows in correct body condition score (ideally 6), avoiding decreasing plane of nutrition at breeding, your mineral program, considering synchronization and timed A.I. to front-load the calving season, how to limit animal stress and conducting breeding soundness exams on all bulls prior to turnout.
