Beef Cow

There is many factors that affect calf crop percentages that include good management of the herd, pregnancy testing, and breeding soundness examinations of bulls. According to the Extension Extra from the South Dakota State University states, “percent calf crop is calculated by dividing the number of calves weaned by the number of females exposed during the breeding season” (Bongso,2009). One factor that affects loss in potential calf crop percentage is the failure of cows to become pregnant during breeding season. Extension Extra states, that there is four main factors during postpartum to rebreeding period that contribute to infertility in beef cows: 1) a general infertility, 2) short estrous cycles, 3) uterine involution, which causes a physical barrier to sperm transport for about the first 20 days of postpartum ,and 4) anestrous”(). The management of the postpartum interval is an important and …show more content…
It is important to understand the nutritional needs of cows and heifers and be prepared to handle newborn calves properly” (Beef Cattle Calving Management, 2009). Adequate planning and preparation can reduce the calf loss, which means ore profit for the producer. Using useful proven management techniques which include: good nutrition, nursing and colostrum surveillance, good record keeping, and proper castration, dehorning, and implants to help ensure a successful calving season. Good organization by precise record keeping and using appropriate management techniques before, during, and after calving is essential to building a thriving herd. Using a controlled breeding and calving season makes it easier to manage herd in groups and eliminates the need to observe the herd for calving constantly. Good management during the calving season improves weaning rates and calf health and productivity. Using all of these useful techniques often leads to higher calf marketing