February Beef Management Calendar

Livestock Update, February 2005

John B. Hall, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech

Spring Calving Herds

• Have all calving supplies on hand and review calving assistance procedures
• Move pregnant heifers and early calving cows to calving area about 2 weeks before due date
• Begin calving late in month (some herds)
• Check cows 3 to 4 times per day, heifers more often - assist early if needed
• Keep calving area clean and well drained, move healthy pairs out to large pastures 3 days after calving
• Ear tag and dehorn all calves at birth; castrate male calves in commercial herds
• Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves
• Keep late pregnant cows gaining 1.0 lbs per day
• Pregnant heifers and 3 yr olds should gain 2.0-2.5 lbs per day
• Keep high quality, high magnesium minerals available
• Vaccinate cows against scours if it has been a problem
• Attend performance tested bull sale and/or order AI semen
• Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)
• Attend Virginia Cattlemen's Meeting at Homestead

Fall Calving Herds

• End breeding early in the month
• Remove bulls to bull pasture and check condition
• Begin creep feeding or creep grazing calves if desired
• Plan marketing strategy for calves
• Begin feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
• Continue to check calves closely for health problems
• Inventory winter feed supplies
• Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)
• Attend Virginia Cattlemen's Meeting at Homestead

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