Limousin Heart Beat
Official Publication of the heartLAND Limousin Association • May/June 2013
Stages of Production in the Beef Cow
Volume 21 • Issue 3
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time required for the animal to start cycling again (otherwise called post-partum anestrus period). Postpartum anestrus is on average 60 days, but can be up to 100 days. The later a cow cycles, the younger her next calf will be weaned and marketed the next year. This could mean 50-60 fewer pounds of calf in the fall. Another common problem is cows may show up open in the fall and then be culled from the herd. Stage 2 This is from about 80 to 205 days postpartum, or from the time of breeding to weaning. The three basic functions of the cow during this period are: 1.) lactation, 2.) maintain pregnancy, and 3.) gain weight and body condition lost during the previous winter. Commonly, this period is during the summer and cows are grazing pastures and trying to maximize
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The production year of the cow herd is typically broken down into four physiological stages of production, said Amy Radunz, University of Wisconsin beef cattle Extension specialist. Radunz explained the four stages in a news release. Stage 1 This approximately 80-90 days post-calving. The cow has four basic functions during this stage: 1.) lactation, 2.) undergo uterine involution, 3.) resume estrus, and 4.) conceive. This is the time when the cow has her highest nutrient requirements because she is lactating and trying to rebreed. In northern climates, cows spend most of this time on pasture. This is to match the high nutrient content of the pastures during the spring, but it is important to make sure the cow is receiving enough nutrients during this period and at times, pasture may not be enough. Dietary energy and protein intake as well as cow body condition score will determine the length of
use of animal harvested forage. “It is always cheaper to have an animal harvest its own feed,” Radunz said. If pasture becomes limited at the end of this period, several strategies can be implemented in order to provide enough nutrition to both the cow and her calf. Three common solutions are: 1.) supplement cows with hay and/ or concentrates, 2.) early wean the calves, and 3.) creep feed the calves. Continued on page 3.
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