By Scout Nelson
For beef producers, ensuring first-time mother cows successfully breed for the second time is a significant problem. It's disappointing and costly when these young cows, representing the future of the herd, are not pregnant at the time of diagnosis.
This situation leads to both income loss from the potential calf and depreciation of the cow's value, a substantial financial hit.
The common philosophy among producers is survival of the fittest; if a heifer can't grow in their environment, she's not suited for the herd.
While this mindset helps select for traits like low maintenance and high milk production, it overlooks the fact that first calf heifers, still growing and lactating, have different nutritional needs than mature cows.
Mature cows and first calf heifers are as different as apple and orange trees in their production capabilities.
Recognizing this, young cows require a specialized diet to meet their greater nutrient demands and smaller rumen capacity.
For instance, supplementing all cows with the same amount of feed might meet the needs of mature cows but leave heifers lacking essential nutrients.
Proper nutrition before and after calving is essential for these heifers. They should reach a body condition score (BCS) of 6 by calving to ensure better breeding success.
Nebraska research indicates heifers calving earlier have a longer stay in the herd and produce heavier calves, underlining the importance of timely and adequate nutritional support.
To secure the future productivity and profitability of the herd, producers must focus on the nutritional, health, and reproductive management of young cows. This approach boosts their chances of successful re-breeding and contributes to the success of the breeding season.
For assistance with balancing diets for optimal heifer development and long-term herd profitability, producers are encouraged to consult with their local Nebraska beef extension educator.
Through proper management and nutritional planning, the challenge of re-breeding first-time mother cows can be effectively addressed, ensuring a productive future for the beef herd.
Photo Credit -gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Beef Cattle