It’s important that autumn-calving cows receive adequate attention over the coming weeks in terms of nutrition, so there is no delay in getting them back in calf. Stock bulls, too, need winter care.
In an ideal situation, autumn-calving cows should calve down at BCS 3 and then not go below 2.5 BCS at breeding. If they lose too much condition the cows will be delayed going back in calf.
Silage quality is really important to reduce higher costs associated with autumn-calving cows. These cows should be fed the best silage on the farm, ideally 70+DMD. If silage quality is not high, more concentrate will be needed to avoid BCS loss. For example, if a cow is at BCS 2.5 and your silage is 60DMD you will need to feed 3kg/head/day, prior to breeding. If silage quality is 70DMD, 2kg/head/daily will be needed. A simple three-way mix of barley, soya hulls and maize distillers with minerals will suffice to feed autumn-calving cows.
Growing animals
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If the silage being fed is very low in protein, a higher protein ration (14%) may be needed. Pay special attention to first-calved heifers and pen separately to avoid bullying. Remember, they are still growing animals and need to be fed accordingly. Creep feeding calves can help to take some pressure off cows, help reduce the bond and get cows cycling quicker. Again, a simple mix will suffice. Aim for 14-16% protein and a feeding rate of approximately 1kg/head/daily.
Stock bulls
Don’t neglect the stock bull when it comes to housing. If the bull lost condition during the breeding season, it may mean that they need some TLC when housed. Don’t forget to dose and vaccinate the stock bull along with other stock. Any intervention with hoof paring, etc should be completed well in advance of the breeding season. Make sure the nose ring is present and avoid housing bulls in isolation.
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It’s important that autumn-calving cows receive adequate attention over the coming weeks in terms of nutrition, so there is no delay in getting them back in calf. Stock bulls, too, need winter care.
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In an ideal situation, autumn-calving cows should calve down at BCS 3 and then not go below 2.5 BCS at breeding. If they lose too much condition the cows will be delayed going back in calf.
Silage quality is really important to reduce higher costs associated with autumn-calving cows. These cows should be fed the best silage on the farm, ideally 70+DMD. If silage quality is not high, more concentrate will be needed to avoid BCS loss. For example, if a cow is at BCS 2.5 and your silage is 60DMD you will need to feed 3kg/head/day, prior to breeding. If silage quality is 70DMD, 2kg/head/daily will be needed. A simple three-way mix of barley, soya hulls and maize distillers with minerals will suffice to feed autumn-calving cows.
Growing animals
If the silage being fed is very low in protein, a higher protein ration (14%) may be needed. Pay special attention to first-calved heifers and pen separately to avoid bullying. Remember, they are still growing animals and need to be fed accordingly. Creep feeding calves can help to take some pressure off cows, help reduce the bond and get cows cycling quicker. Again, a simple mix will suffice. Aim for 14-16% protein and a feeding rate of approximately 1kg/head/daily.
Stock bulls
Don’t neglect the stock bull when it comes to housing. If the bull lost condition during the breeding season, it may mean that they need some TLC when housed. Don’t forget to dose and vaccinate the stock bull along with other stock. Any intervention with hoof paring, etc should be completed well in advance of the breeding season. Make sure the nose ring is present and avoid housing bulls in isolation.
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