Ensuring good body condition for autumn calvers

Autumn calving suckler herds should experience fertility rewards when they take advantage of this season’s more ideal cow condition and ensure stock are on a rising plain of nutrition up until service.

Autumn calving systems usually struggle with cows being over fat at calving, however, this year, animals are likely to be more on target, said independent beef and sheep consultant, David Hendy.

“Some should find it easier to get cows in calf as they will be nearer condition score three following the variable season.”

However, it is essential to take advantage of this opportunity and ensure stock are on a rising plain of nutrition for service, he said.

“Getting condition right and managing grass and forage crops so stock are on a rising plain six weeks prior to bulling is crucial.

“At grass, cows should be provided with an energy lick alongside 2kg of barley.” Post calving the diet should give 125-135 MJ of energy a head a day, increasing to 140 MJ up to bulling.

But, in some areas of the country, autumn calvers will still be facing the usual problems with cows calving down with too much condition, said SAC’s beef specialist Gavin Hill.

“Circumstances vary considerably across the country – many areas have seen poor grass growth, where as others are experiencing an abundance, so individual farms will be experiencing different problems.”

Nevertheless, producers that are expecting late grass growth to cater for freshly calved cows, should act with caution. “Grass may appear bulky, but on its own, it simply won’t provide enough energy or protein for cows to get back in calf and produce sufficient milk.” And this in itself makes scrimping on cereals to reduce costs, a false economy.

“Fresh grass will also cause scouring, so many should consider including straw in the diet to slow passage rate,” he said.

Feeding options should be considered 4-6 weeks prior to service, and not as an after thought as the bull goes out. In this way energy and protein levels can be rationed accordingly.

“You may think you’re saving by cutting back on feeding a barley mix, but in the long-term, prolonged calving intervals could make it costly,” he said.

And spring calving herds should also be thinking ahead to try and maintain body condition over winter. “Spring calvers should not delay housing to try and cut costs – dams must be fit when they come inside. The longer they are out with calf at foot, the more pressure they will be under, potentially compromising body condition.”

It is well worth putting creep out 4-6 weeks prior to weaning. This will not only help calves at foot, but will also help the dam as the calf will be less reliant on her for milk.

“You may think you’re saving by keeping stock out longer, but in reality you will be forced to feed more at housing because dams will be in poor condition.”

First and second lactation animals will also be under even more pressure as they direct energy into growing, milking and getting back into calf. “When winter forage supplies are a potential problem and weather is poor, it may be worth weaning these animals first so body condition doesn’t suffer.”