Going to Pasture

Sorting cattle prior to sending to pasture gives you an opportunity to check for those “problem” cows. Record cows with poor feet, bad udders and calving difficulties for culling in the fall. Write down those problem numbers before your memory has faded! Cull or treat cancer eyes but don’t wait until the summer ends. It is amazing how a tiny spot on the eye in the spring can be a full-blown fly-infested mess in the fall with resultant loss in market options, not to mention humane concerns.

Be sure to vaccinate the herd (and don’t forget the bulls!) to prevent reproductive loss. BVD and IBR should be done as a bare minimum with Leptospirosis and Vibrio vaccinations in risk herds/areas. Traditionally, vaccinations were done two to four weeks pre-breeding but recently, vaccination protocols have changed. Depending on individual disease risks and management systems, vaccination can be done in the fall at pregnancy testing or precalving

Calf management is also important at pasture turnout to optimize payouts at weaning If not already done at birth, castrate and dehorn. Leaving bull calves intact does not lead to more pounds at weaning – weight loss with castration in the fall (or discounts if sold intact) negates any gains from hormones over the summer. Castrated bull calves also cannot breed heifers! Consider implanting - a variety are available and training by company representatives, your vet or techs can be organized if you are new to implants. Implanting provides the most economic return (20lb gain/calf) of any management tool. If cows are on poorer pasture or are a little thinner, consider creep-feeding to maximize gains and conserve cow condition. Lastly, do not forget to vaccinate – a 4-way viral (BVD, IBR, BRSV and PI3) with Clostridial should be the bare minimum Vaccination against other diseases like Hemophilus or the Pasteurellas can be done if a problem in your herd

A little attention to the details now will reap more bred cows and bigger healthier calves this fall!

Did you know that vaccinated cows are more likely to get pregnant, especially in co-mingling situations? Vaccinated cows were less likely to abort? Calves born to vaccinated cows were less likely to be treated before weaning?