First-calf heifers (3-year-olds) are traditionally the most challenging animal to get bred back. As breeding season approaches, it is worth reminding that timely supplementation to first-calf heifers may be warranted. If the cattle market prognosticators are correct, it should be extra valuable to keep these heifers in production for the next run-up in cattle prices.
First-calf heifers are dealing with a large demand for nutrition. Nutrients are needed to support maintenance (normal bodily processes), lactation (milk for her calf), growth and reproduction. Mature cows do not have the demand of growth. Virgin heifers do not have the nutrient demand for lactation.
The flow of nutrients results in reproduction being one of the last served. This should make some sense. Cows not able to support themselves and their newborn calf are not good candidates for longevity and productivity in the given environment. However, if drought and high feed prices are the reason for nutrient shortage, then genetics are not always to blame.
Proper heifer development is important. Not overdeveloping or underdeveloping heifers can set them up to succeed. I suggest having bred heifers in a body condition score (BCS) of 6, knowing they will lose some weight during their first lactation. Genetics are crucial in target weight and BCS. Selecting for moderate-milk females that can maintain themselves on forages makes getting first-calf heifers bred back an easier endeavor.
If you find yourself looking at thin 3-year-olds right now, timely supplementation of additional energy in the diet will likely pay. Feeding larger amounts of grain and starch-based feeds can actually reduce fiber digestion efficiency. Thus, choosing fiber-based feeds like distillers grains, corn gluten feed or soybean hulls are better supplements to pair with dry forages. If cows are turned out on lush grass or small grains, then adding a dry, low-protein supplement is likely a better option. Mixing small amounts of grain with soybean hulls has proven to be a suitable strategy. Utilizing fat as an energy source can be a good method of delivering energy to the ration without needing to add large volumes of feed. Work with your nutritionist to target a positive energy balance in your rations at breeding time. Research has shown thin cows gaining weight will cycle and breed much faster than thin cows just maintaining or especially losing weight.
Young cows are an investment yet to pay off. Knowing this, mismanagement of 3-year-olds can be a costly mistake to a farm or ranch. Timely supplementation to increase breed-up of thin cows is a good return on investment, even with higher feed costs. Entering years with lower cow herd numbers and fewer calves available also incentivizes the need to get young cows bred.
