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These files cover more than ten years of newsletters posted on our old website
(through April/May 2009), and are provided for historical purposes only.
As such, they may contain out-of-date references and broken links.
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Beef Management Tips
Livestock Update, May 2009
Scott P. Greiner, Ph.D., Extension Animal Scientist, VA Tech
May Beef Management Calendar
Spring Calving Herds
- Finish calving
- Give pre-breeding vaccinations to cows – IBR, PI3, BVD, BRSV and Lepto
- Begin estrous synchronization programs for AI
- Breed heifers 2 to 4 weeks before cows
- Solicit veterinarian to give breeding soundness exams to all bulls
- Supplement 1st calf heifers with energy through breeding
- Implant calves at turnout if not implanted at birth
- Keep high quality, high magnesium, high selenium minerals available
- Make 1st cutting of hay
- Implement grazing management strategies
Fall Calving Herds
- Creep graze calves while on cows
- Evaluate marketing options for calves- sale season, weaning/backgrounding strategy, retained ownership
- Vaccinate calves for according to weaning and marketing schedule
- Wean calves based on marketing plan for calves (most value-added sales require 30+ days weaning prior to marketing)
- Implant calves at turnout
- Deworm calves if needed
- Make 1st cutting of hay
- Continue feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
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