Prepare for a Successful Calving Season

Oct 15, 2024

Fall Calving

Tips for Monitoring Body Condition Scores and Supplementing Cows for Optimal Health

With calving season just around the corner there are a few things that we can look into to making calving season successful. One of the main things we can do to help ensure that we are ready to go is checking body scores on the cow. By monitoring body condition, we are able to make sure the cows' requirements are being met. We would like to see body condition scores between a 4.5 to 6. By knowing the body condition score of the cows, it will better help us understand how to get the cows ready for calving. 

When looking at body condition scores this early in the fall, we can add on weight more economically than waiting until the third trimester. On the other side, if our cows are in good condition, we can continue to do what we are doing. I like to look at body condition after weaning and see where our cows are at, and how we can help them through. If we have thin cows after weaning, we have a few options that we can go back to help regain the condition that is necessary for calving to help ensure a healthy calf. 

A few of the ways that we can help gain body condition are with supplements. One of the easier options that you, as the producer, can do is by using protein tubs. With protein tubs being free choice, we can let the cows use the supplement as needed. We can also use liquid protein and feed through tanks. Another way to help with condition is to supplement with cubes. We have many options of cubes at CVA with many additives that we can add to meet your quota. Finally, the last thing that we can do to add weight is through a total mix ration. 

With all of that said, these are all options that we can use to help maintain body condition in our cows as well. With these options, we can effectively help our cows maintain body condition score. To help know what supplements need to be added or used you can have your local feed sales specialist come out and take samples. We can use the results to help make rations for your cattle. We can also use the results to help come up with the supplement that best fits your needs. 

By maintaining a good body condition score, and having the cows in ideal condition, we can help calf health at calving. Some of the benefits of keeping the cows in ideal body condition are increased calf vigor at birth and better colostrum production. With these benefits the calves should hit the ground running and excel. 

For more information on the body condition score of your cows and supplements that are needed, please contact your local CVA feed sales specialist or feed location. 

  • Nathan Bracht | West Point, NE | 402-380-0826

  • Merlin Schlote | Elgin, NE | 402-649-9383

  • Justin Tracy | Gordan, NE | 308-962-4255

  • Cody Ohlde | Clifton, KS | 785-541-1490