Part 9: It’s all about the microbes There are many supplements available to the cow-calf producer, and most producers utilize some sort of supplemental feeding when cattle are on a primarily forage-based diet. The choice of supplement should complement the ability of the … Continue reading →

Part 8: Body Conditioning Score Series: Consequences of poor forage Unfortunately, a lack of understanding of forage quality and beef cattle nutrient requirements by cow-calf producers often leads to poor body condition scores in their cattle, particularly in the early … Continue reading →

Part 6: Body Conditioning Score Series: Measuring Forage Quality The expression “You can’t manage what you can’t measure,” very accurately describes managing forage quality on cow-calf operations. Forage quality is measured through performing forage quality testing. Whether you feed dry … Continue reading →

Part 5: Body Conditioning Score Series: Forage System Management Each individual cow-calf operation is a unique and complex system of various inputs and factors that drive management decisions and animal health and profitability outcomes. If cow-calf producers and their veterinarians … Continue reading →

Part 2: Body Condition Scoring in Cattle: Effects on Production   Body Condition Score: Average time to first heat following calving (days): 3 89 4 70 5 59 6 52 7 31 Table 1: Differences in postpartum interval for cattle … Continue reading →

Part 1 : Body Condition Scoring in Beef Cattle: The Basics Body condition scores (BCS) are a numerical ranking of the condition (fat cover) of individual cattle. Body condition scoring of beef cattle involves a subjective, evaluation of the cow’s … Continue reading →