See guidance from UF/IFAS on having a rewarding and successful calving season this winter in Florida.

The majority of cattle producers in Florida spend winter in calving season. According to a UF/IFAS blog article, “The major components to a successful calving season are proper herd health, genetic goals with a controlled breeding season, and adequate nutrition.” The article shares information on these three components. See them below.

Tips to a Successful Calving Season

“What is a Calving Season?”

“The definition of a successful calving season can differ from operation to operation, but all should have common goals. Some producers’ success is measured in terms of percentage of live births. For these, the length of the calving season may not be as critical. For others, success is measured in terms of lack of need for assisted births. These programs are often based on dams with strong maternal characteristics bred to bulls with low birth weights. For others success might be measured by the percentage of calves born within the first 30 days or that are all born within 84 days to ensure that cows are truly calving annually.”

“Herd Health”

“Herd health is vital in terms of herd longevity and herd development. Herd health can be achieved by a vaccination program (helps immunity), de-worming and fly control protocols, lower stress handling systems, and record keeping…”

“Breeding Stock Selection”

“Selection of breeding stock is the foundation of a reproductive program in any operation. Each producer will select the breed, style, and characteristics of cattle they prefer. Breeding and selection traits can be achieved through artificial insemination (AI), natural breeding, bull selection, and/or purchase of bred cows or first-time heifers. Important features when selecting and maintaining cows or bulls include, but are not limited to, temperament, body condition score (BCS), culling factors, estimated progeny differences (EPDs) metrics (milk production, ribeye area, birth weight, weaning weights etc.), and Brahman influence (adding ear to herd). Temperament, EPDs, and Brahman influence are genetically influenced, while BCS and culling factors can be genetically influenced and environmentally influenced. Culling is important for many reasons but most importantly if cows are not calving once a year it is money lost to maintain an open cow…”

“Nutrition”

“Nutrition is essential to have healthy cattle all year long who feel their best and can raise a strong calf. Nutritional requirements for cows change throughout the year according to her production cycle… Animal characteristics to also consider are breed, age, state of reproduction cycle, environmental requirements, and BCS. The dominant warm season forage in Florida is Bahiagrass, which goes dormant in the winter so supplementation or a cool season forage option is required.”

“Ultimately, successful calving season inputs begin months prior and should be considered year-round when determining management decisions. Cows should be calving yearly, and bulls should be semen tested yearly to make a profitable cattle herd…”

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