Pre-winter score keeps suckler condition right

12 October 2001

Pre-winter score keeps suckler condition right

By Richard Allison

MANY suckler cows are in the wrong condition this autumn, due to good grass growth and foot-and-mouth restrictions.

In Signets Sheep and Beef Notes, SAC beef specialist Basil Lowman highlights the need to score cow body condition before winter.

"The target score depends on the calf breed and bull used. Where a difficult calving is expected, aim for a score of 2.5. With easier calving breeds, aim for score three."

Good grass growth this summer has led to many suckler cows being in better condition than normal. "However, over-fat cows tend to have more calving difficulties and are prone to metabolic diseases, such as milk fever."

Excess body condition can be managed by delaying weaning until three weeks before calving, but check cows regularly for mastitis. Alternatively, wean calves on the normal date and stock dry cows heavily on poor or bare pasture to lower condition, he says.

Over-fat animals in autumn is less of a problem for spring-calving suckler cows, but watch condition in the run-up to calving. A cow with 0.5 extra body condition can be fed about 1kg less barley a day over winter, adds Mr Lowman.

"Producers may cash in on this excess body condition. But rations must be changed now to take this managed body loss into account. This will be valuable on units where feed stocks are limited."

In contrast, F&M restrictions have forced some producers to carry more stock this summer, resulting in thin cows. "This will lead to problems, as thin cows are more difficult to get back in calf."

Little can be done for autumn calving cows which are thin, as feeding extra feed during the three months before calving will result in extra calf growth and increased calving difficulties. Instead, supplement cows after calving to avoid losing more body condition.

Lean calved cows may need an extra 20% feed to get back in calf successfully. Mr Lowman says many beef units are short of forage and one solution is to sell finished cattle earlier as stores to ensure sufficient feed for cows.

"Spring calving cows, which are below target body condition, should have their pregnancy confirmed. There is no point in keeping thin, barren cows as feed is better used on remaining cows to build up body condition slowly over winter." &#42

BODY CONDITION

&#8226 Score cows.

&#8226 Target depends on calf breed.

&#8226 Use excess condition.

Good grass growth this summer has led to many suckler cows being in better condition than normal, says Basil Lowman.