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Management of the Brood Cow

Management and care of the brood cow is an area often neglected and yet is very important. The fact is, if you want to have a strong, healthy calf crop you must take care of the mother. Here are some management practices necessary for a profitable calf crop.

  1. Consult your local veterinarian for the vaccination program necessary for brood cows in your area. Determine the program best for your area and follow it.
  2. Flush your brood cows 20 days before the breeding season starts and continue for a total of 60 days. Cows should be fed to gain 3⁄4 to 1.25 lb daily depending on body condition during this time.
  3. After 60 days, remove the bulls from the cow herd and place in separate facilities.
  4. Pregnancy check your cows and cull open cows.
  5. Plan to have first-calf heifers calve 20 days before the rest of herd.
  6. Begin increasing the level of feeding for mature cows 60 days prior to calving to insure optimum body condition.
  7. Separate first-calf heifers and thin cows from the herd; feed extra feed to achieve proper body condition. Remember weight gain on mature cows doesn't occur overnight, it takes time and environmental stress makes it even more difficult.
  8. Provide clean, dry calving facilities for your cows.
  9. Keep accurate records and identify calves and any difficult calving cows.
  10. Provide adequate nutrients to meet the demands of lactation. Follow the Kent Beef Breeding Herd Program.
  11. Watch calves for early signs of scours and respiratory problems.
  12. Creep feed your calves.
  13. Consult local veterinarian for advice about vaccinations needed in your area. Dehorn all calves and castrate unwanted bulls. Implant steer calves.
  14. Practice proper fly, grub and lice control.
  15. Watch for pinkeye and treat those affected individually.
  16. Consult your local veterinarian for a vaccination program at weaning time. The vaccines used and the vaccination schedule will depend on local problems and conditions.
  17. Once-a-year deworming is recommended, and twice a year deworming may provide extra benefits.
  18. For feeding recommendations, please refer to the Kent Beef Breeding Herd Program.