The breeding season places significant demands on our cows, who play a crucial role in this process. They are not just animals in our operation but critical contributors to our success. During this time, they are expected to provide adequate nutrition for their calf and allow their bodies to recover from giving birth. Then, they are expected to return to estrus just before they are bred again. All of this is likely to occur within 90 days after calving to maintain a yearly calving interval. This cycle is essential for our operation’s success.
A yearly calving interval is not just a cycle; it’s a financial lifeline for our operation. If a cow does not provide a calf every year or 2, then we are not getting a return on what we spend on the cow. With the ever-increasing input costs we have seen over the last year, we need more than getting a return on investment. The financial implications of this cycle are urgent and crucial for our operation’s success.
Adequate nutrition is not just a key but a responsibility in breeding your cows again. Considerations should be made to meet the cow’s nutritional demands. The best approach is to look at the quality and quantity of forage consumed, the cow’s nutrient requirements, and the feed options available. This responsibility is crucial in ensuring the health and productivity of our cows.
