2009 Beef Management Tips

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Beef Management Tips

Livestock Update, February 2009

Scott P. Greiner, Ph.D., Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, VA Tech

February Beef Management Calendar

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
Check cows 3 to 4 times per day during calving season, heifers more often to 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
Late gestation mature cows should gain 1.0 lbs per day
Target gain for pregnant heifers and 3-yr olds should be 2.0-2.5 lbs per day
Keep high quality, high magnesium mineral available
Vaccinate cows against scours if it has been a problem
Evaluate herd genetic goals and assess bull battery, make plans to attend spring bull sales and/or order AI semen
Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)

Fall Calving Herds

End breeding season early in the month
Remove bulls 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 issues
Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)

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