October is finally here, and shorter days and cooler weather come with it. For many producers, this time of year means weaning and preconditioning calves and preg-checking cows. With that being said, here are a few things that may be of help.
Preg-check checklist
Preg-checking is an incredibly beneficial procedure that can be done via palpation or with an ultrasound from your local veterinarian. Finding open cows to cull can be of huge benefit, considering a reduction in feed costs alone. This is one of the quickest ways to make an operation more efficient. It can also be helpful in sorting early calvers from late calvers, which allows cattle producers to keep late-calving cows on stalks, pasture or rye longer and reduce standard dry lot feed costs.
Palpation can be done on cattle at 40 days of pregnancy, with the best accuracy usually between 40 to 180 days. Ultrasound is typically from 30 days to about 120 days to provide the best accuracy, with 30 to 100 days as the ideal range.
Fetal sexing can also be performed for from 80 days to 110 days as a way to potentially sort or sell those carrying bulls versus heifer calves. Standard costs of these procedures depend on the number of head and range from $3 to $8 per cow. Considering an open cow on feed can cost a few hundred dollars in winter feed, finding an average of 5% opens easily justifies the expense!
It is also a great time for you and your veterinarian to discus herd goals, body condition, nutritional demands, and potentially any other questions that arise during this time.
Weaning strategy
From a weaning standpoint, consider providing the following:
- Clean, fresh water accessible to the smallest calves
- Adequate, fresh grass hay (alfalfa and corn are not needed in the initial wean)
- Appropriate fencing to keep calves from running back to mom
- Creep feed in pellet form versus powder form (do not feed corn or oats in the first week or two to limit bloating and ulcers)
- A shaded area with limited dust or other stress such as traffic (vehicle or human)
- Fence-line weaning where possible
- A preconditioning protocol for calves with appropriate vaccines administered three weeks prior to weaning (consult with your area veterinarian)
- Booster vaccinations for calves three to four weeks post-weaning to get them appropriately conditioned. This will help you get more value at the sale barn or better herd health if you retain calves.
Of course, there are other things to consider for a producer’s region and herd. Never hesitate to contact your local veterinarian. I’m certain they are more than willing to work with you to establish protocols.
About the Author: Dr. Josh Beutler graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in veterinary medicine, before moving to Pender, Nebraska, where he practices in a five-person, two-clinic practice. He practices mostly beef production medicine with cow-calf and feedlot operations throughout northeast Nebraska. Beutler also works closely with his family on a fourth-generation SimAngus cow-calf herd.
