Advantages of a Short Calving Season

The majority of cow calf producers have moved to a shortened calving season as they evaluate their economic and production records. Most cow/calf producers would agree that a calving season of 45 to 60 days is a desired goal today. If your calving season extends beyond the above period, shortening the breeding season will yield some advantages.

The greatest influence of calf weaning weight is the age of the calf at weaning. There was an interesting study completed in Wyoming that showed that steer calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season were 29 lbs heavier at weaning than those born in the second 21 day period. This same study also revealed that calves born 42 days into the calving season were 71 pounds lighter than those born in the first 21 days. The above weight difference is substantial as you place a dollar value to the pounds sold in the fall.

There is a belief in the industry that calves born later in the calving season will compensate for their late start and catch up the following winter and summer. The same research as above indicated that the heaviest calves at weaning were also the heaviest at 18 months of age.

Puberty in beef cattle is directly related to age and weight of the heifer in question. Heifers that are older and heavier at weaning will reach puberty earlier and will be the heifers of choice for retention in your breeding herd. The interval from calving to return to estrus is about 80 to 90 days for heifers which is about 20 to 30 days longer than for cows. For this reason, it is recommended that a producer breed their replacement heifers 14 to 21 days ahead of their main cow herd, to maintain a shortened calving season as they enter the mature cow herd inventory.

It is also important that your cows at the time of breeding are in a good body condition state, and have received their annual booster for IBR and BVD. UFA supplies a killed vaccine that will offer your cow herd and replacement heifer’s protection. This is just one of the many animal health products available.

Remember to stop by your UFA Farm and Ranch Supply store to take advantage of the savings on the Going to Grass Checklist as you prepare for the branding and breeding season.