Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension cow/calf field specialist, shares information about body condition scores (BCS), market timing and factors that affect BCS throughout the year.
Source: Drovers, September 19, 2018. Link.
Age, lactation, feed quality and availability, and parasite load are all factors that influences BCS. . . Regardless if cows are thin due to drought, age, or lactation, early weaning may be the best option to increase BCS prior to late gestation. A three-year research study. . . noticed cows that had their calves early weaned gained body condition from August to November. While cows that were in the November weaned group lost BCS during the same time period.
INSIGHTS: Attention sales representatives and veterinary teams! We know overall health of cows is important to immune status and calf survivability. Note the references to parasites and feed quality. Share this article with producers to start a new conversation about preventatives and weaning approaches. Consider emailing it to at least five customers you know who could improve their outcomes by monitoring BCS and then follow-up in two or three days with a phone call.