Cow Calf Operations

There are currently seven billion people on Earth, with an annual growth of 75 million people yearly. The average age of cattle producers is approaching 60 years old, and consist of less than one percent of the U.S. population. Cattle producers in the U.S. are a key part of feeding the world, even though the amount of total cattle is fourth in the world, the U.S. market is the most consistent and regulated. To keep up with the growing population on less and less land each year, new management practices must be utilized. Cow-calf operations in the U.S. are the most common operation, with 97% of U.S. operations being family owned and operated. The importance of reproduction efficiency many would say is the most important for profitability, especially …show more content…
This leads to the method of culling. Culling is weaning out cows from the herd for multiple reasons, that are not going to make money. Operations may overlook culling as it relates to shortening the calving season. Culling open heifers and cows, as well as poor performing or structured cows will not only conserve feed availability, but also condense calving time. Justin Rhinehart, the beef specialist at The University of Tennessee has eight points to look at when culling. The first point is his most important, that being to cull all open cows and heifers, as there is no reason to retain them. Rhinehart’s second point is to cull older cows, especially when they turn 10 years of age, due to the drop in productivity. The third point Rhinehart says to do is cull cows with physical problems, such as poor udders. All eight of Rhinehart’s points for culling should be considered by every operation, especially small ones to minimize the economic impact of the herd. As far as the impact culling has on a shorter calving season, it does as such. First it will allow for efficiency, putting producers attention fully towards cows that will produce a calf, and second it will conserve feed throughout the year for the cows that will produce a calf and furthermore lead to better body condition scores, allowing heifers and cows to endure a shorter calving season and be ready …show more content…
Preparing the herd to calve is crucial through proper health and nutrition. An operation should have in place a vaccination procedure, to fight and minimize illnesses. Diseases can spread throughout a herd rapidly, and even more so during calving. Many diseases can occur during this period of the year, such as scours and illnesses like pneumonia. While there are multiple methods to fight sickness during calving, proper vaccinations to every cow and calf is essential. Additionally, nutrition of the heard is crucial. Calving time requires the best feed for the herd to supplement the loss of energy and nutrients. Producers can determine the best feed rations for the herd, incorporating protein, vitamins and minerals and if needed are able to bring in specialists that can formulate feed rations based on herd needs. Preparing for calving season beforehand should be done by having proper feed and hay available, as well as all required