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Prenatal and early calf care in cow-calf operations for beef
The growth performance of cow-calf beef cattle is a critical aspect of livestock management, influencing the overall productivity and profitability of beef operations. Colostrum quality, early life nutrition and weaning practices have a big impact on affect the growth performance of calves in cow-calf operations.
Prenatal cow care for strong and healthy beef calves
Proper prenatal care for cows is crucial for the health and success of their calves. A gestating cow should receive adequate nutrition to support both her maintenance and fetal growth. Cows in a body condition score of 5.0 – 6.0 (on a 1-9 scale) tend to deliver healthier calves with higher vigor and lower incidences of dystocia (see Table 1). Nutrition of beef cows during pregnancy can have a big impact on the quality of the calf. In a trial carried out at the Oregon State University1, cows fed Selko Vivalto, a supplement containing rumen protected vitamin B complex, delivered calves that had a higher bodyweight at turn-out (see Table 2).
Cows with a BCS o 4 or thinner at calving have a slower calving process, produce less colostrum, and give birth to calves that are less vigorous and stand later2. As a result, these calves have lower immunoglobulin levels, making them more vulnerable to early calf-hood disease challenges. This illustrates the importance of targeting mature cows to calve in a BCS of at least 5.0. First-calf-heifers require additional nutrients to support growth, because they have only reached about 85% of their mature weight after calving. Therefore, aim at a BCS of 6.0 at calving for beef heifers in cow calf operations.
| Selko Vivalto | Controls | |
| Body weight at birth (lb) | 81.7 lb | 81.7 lb |
| Body weight at turn-out (lb) | 169.7 lb | 180.5 lb |
| BCS | Pregnancy rate, % | Calving interval, d | Calf ADG, lb | Calf WW, lb |
| 3 | 43 | 414 | 1.60 | 374 |
| 4 | 61 | 381 | 1.75 | 460 |
| 5 | 86 | 364 | 1.85 | 514 |
| 6 | 93 | 364 | 1.85 | 514 |
Table 1: Body weight at birth and at turn-out of calves from dams fed Selko Vivalto from 45 days before calving until 15 days post-calving compared to controls receiving the same diet without supplementation.
Table 2: Relationship of body condition score (BCS) to beef cow reproductive performance. Adjusted from Kunkle et al. 1994
Colostrum for beef calves: the first line of defense
Colostrum from beef cattle, the first milk produced by the mother post-birth, is rich in nutrients and antibodies. It is essential for the newborn beef calf, providing the initial protection against pathogens. The calf's digestive system is uniquely adapted to absorb these antibodies efficiently within the first few hours of life, which is why timely colostrum intake is crucial. Beef calves receiving adequate colostrum demonstrate better disease resistance and improved growth performance throughout their lives. A study in beef cows3 has shown that it is possible to increase the level of antibodies in colostrum by feeding Selko Fytera Secure during pregnancy. A study carried out in dairy cows4 has shown that feeding Selko IntelliBond during pregnancy and early lactation increases the amount of colostrum produced (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Colostrum yield at first milking of cows supplemented with Selko IntelliBond compared to cows supplemented with sulphate trace minerals. Data about colostrum yield are presented separately for heifers and multiparous cows.
Beef calf nutrition: the building block of growth
Nutritional management of beef calves is a complex process that already begins pregnancy. The early stages of a calf's life are marked by rapid growth, requiring a balanced diet rich in protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins. Metabolic programming is a process where nutrition during pregnancy and during the first 8-10 weeks of life can permanently affect the genetic make-up of a beef calf, leading to a change in organ development and future performance. This underscores the importance of proper nutrition from the outset. As calves grow, their dietary requirements evolve, necessitating adjustments to feed composition to optimize growth rates and health outcomes.
Signs of poor calf nutrition can manifest in various ways:
Weaning of beef calves: transitioning to independence
Weaning of claves in cow-calf operations is a significant milestone in a beef calf's development, marking the transition from milk to solid food. The method and timing of weaning of beef calves can profoundly impact the calf's stress levels, health, and subsequent growth performance. Research indicates that low-stress weaning methods for beef calves, such as fence-line weaning or the use of anti-suckling devices, can result in better weight gain and lower stress indicators compared to abrupt weaning practices. The goal is to minimize the stress associated with weaning of beef calves, to maintain a trajectory of healthy growth and development.
In conclusion, the growth performance of cow-calf beef cattle is contingent upon a multitude of factors, with colostrum intake, nutrition, and weaning practices playing pivotal roles. By ensuring that calves receive high-quality colostrum, balanced nutrition, and are weaned using low-stress methods, producers can set the stage for optimal growth performance and the long-term success of their beef operations.
Navigating the daily operations of dairy and beef farming is challenging, and the transition towards sustainable practices raises numerous questions.
Selko ruminant specialists are dedicated to help you assess and address these challenges effectively. For personalized support and expert advice on achieving sustainable and profitable farming, get in touch with our team today.
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References about performance of beef cattle in cow-calf operations
Ranches, J, Hernandez, G.M, Rezende, A, Ferreira, M. and D. Bohnert (2023). Effects of Late Gestation Supplementation of Vitamin B Complex for Beef Cows. JJ. Anim. Sci Vol. 100, Suppl. S4, 26.
Kunkle, W.E., R.S. Sands and D.O. Rae. 1994. Effect of body condition on productivity in beef cattle. M. Fields and R. Sands (ed.) Factors Affecting Calf Crop. Pp. 167-178. CRC Press.
Jardon, G.H, Kovarna, M, Moening, K, Brandner, A, Werner, H, Heldt, J.S. and A.C. Baiao Menezes (2023). Effects of a Phytogenic Supplement Pre and Post-Calving on Colostrum Yield and Composition, and Cow-Calf Performance. ,J. Anim. Sci Vol. 101, Suppl. S3 504
Adeoti, T, Sarwar, Z, Marinho, M.N, Rasia, J, Oliveira, L.R.S, Simões, B.S, Perdomo, I, Griswold, K. and J. E. P. Santos (2024). Effects of source of trace minerals on production performance in dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci, 107:1, 242.
