Having cows calving down in the correct body condition score goes a long way to cutting down on problems during labour, as well as when the calf hits the ground.

Cows that calve down in a fit condition, with a target body condition score (BCS) of 2.5 to 3.0, will also come back into heat faster.

Like all aspects of herd management, body condition can be controlled. Ideally, any changes to body condition should be carried out in mid-gestation.

For April- and May-calving cows, there is plenty of time left to correct body condition, but for January and February cows, time is running out.

However, there is still time to try to correct things prior to calving. Outlined are some tips to have cows calving down in good condition this spring.

1 Score cows from 1 to 5

Scoring cows is subjective, as it will change from farmer to farmer and with different breeds. That said, it is a useful exercise if carried out regularly.

Ideally, target BCS of 2.5 to 3.0. This should reflect cows with a good cover of flesh on the ribs, tail head and loin. You should only be able to feel bones when exerting pressure by hand.

2 Thin cows

Moving a cow from BCS 2.0 to 2.5 is the equivalent of gaining 30kg to 40kg of liveweight, depending on mature cow size. This weight gain should be controlled over a 30- to 40-day period.

Pull out thinner cows so they have unrestricted access to feed. Offer cows good-quality silage on an ad-lib basis.

Check dung samples, or medicine records, to see when they were last treated with a fluke and worming product. A follow-up drench may be necessary.

3 Fat cows

With cows carrying too much flesh, avoid rapid weight loss, as this will lead to metabolic problems at calving time. As with thin cows, reducing BCS by 0.5 units should be carried out over a 30- to 40-day period.

Isolate these animals and restrict silage by 10% to 20% maximum by taking smaller grabs from the clamp or dividing a grab out between multiple pens.

If restricting silage, there must be enough space for all cows to feed at the same time. Otherwise, the dominant cows will eat to appetite.

Alternatively, mix silage with straw, or hay, to reduce intakes and slow down digestion. If possible, reduce housing density so that these cows have more space for walking and exercising, as this will help keep them fitter.

4 Ideal cows

Cows in ideal body condition just need to maintain flesh. But as cows come closer to calving, their demand for energy will increase, as around 75% of foetal development occurs during the final three months of gestation.

Therefore, silage allocation should increase as cows come closer to calving. Target having animals on ad-lib silage by at least two weeks prior to calving date.

5 Mineral supplementation

Do not overlook the role of pre-calving minerals. Start feeding from six to eight weeks out from calving, although some farmers find better results by feeding minerals throughout winter.

Good mineral supplementation will reduce lethargy at calving, reduce the number of cows retaining the placenta and calves will be much quicker to get up and suckle.

Cows can also benefit from spraying iodine on the flank of the cow every week. Spray anywhere from 2ml to 10ml using a syringe.

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