A common occurrence during the first part of spring is when the grass starts turning green ranchers turn the cows out. This time of year should be approached with caution because early spring grass could be limited on growth or volume. When it is like that your cows can use more protein and energy than they’ll take in.
Importance of Spring
Around this time of year cows will be coming out of gestation and entering the period of their highest nutritional demands. As they enter lactation their protein and phosphorus requirements can go up 60% to 70% compared to their last trimester. Also their Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) or energy requirements can increase by an additional 15% to 25%. Additionally while this is going on cows are trying to replenish their nutrients lost during that last trimester.
What impact does the gap play?
These nutrients impact her milk production, and that cow’s ability to get bred back quickly. Her ability to get bred back quickly ultimately will impact the next year’s calf crop as well as your pocketbook. The same feeding rate from gestation to lactation the gap can result in lost body condition as well as performance.
Studies in the Journal of Animal Science have shown that cows with a BCS of6, 98% showed estrus by day 40 and 90% were confirmed pregnant by day 40 of breeding season. In the same study a BCS of 5 resulted in just 80% in estrus and only 65% confirmed pregnant. In a herd of 100 cows a single point drop in BCS equates to 24 calves either being born late or not at all.
How do I stop the gap?
You will need to provide free choice hay and a supplement till the grass is green and lush. It is best to do this from the start. Once you “see” the loss in body condition you have already lost some performance. And “playing catch up” will just cost you more and likely you will still be just behind.
If you would like to read more about the important role roughages play you can click here
If you like what you read and would like to ensure that articles like this continue please support us on Patreon clicking here
