Tightening calving seasons creates management and economic benefits. Done wrong, the benefits turn into costs. Les Anderson, University of Kentucky Extension beef specialist, says takes at least two years for producers to tighten a year-round calving season into a 75-day controlled calving season.
Source: Drovers CattleNetwork, September 2016.
Anderson offers eight steps to get a handle on calving season:
- Determine the ideal calving season and a target length.
- Examine the reproductive status of each cow in the herd.
- Does it make sense to split into two calving seasons?
- Build strong fences.
- Pull bulls from the herd
- Preg check females.
- Plan replacement heifer breeding season.
- Repeat for the second year.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams can consult with producers about this approach to extend your value.