A feeding practice developed in the 1970s called the Konefal method, remains the most dependable practice to promote daytime calving. Daytime calving makes overseeing cows more efficient and help ranchers get some rest.
Source: Progressive Cattleman, January 16, 2018.
Kansas State University scientists recorded data on five consecutive years in a herd of spring-calving crossbred cows at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center at Hays, Kansas. They recorded the time of calving (to within the nearest one-half hour). It is interesting to note that 85.28 percent of the calves were born between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. This is very similar to Iowa research data when cows were fed at dusk.
INSIGHTS: This information is important for the cows, their calves and their owners. Consider sharing it with a “did you know?” theme via social media or newsletter.