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Beef Management Tips
Dr. John B. Hall, Extension Beef Specialist, VA Tech, Livestock Update, February 2008.|
Beef Management Tips |
February Beef Management Calendar
Spring Calving Herds- Have all calving supplies on hand and review calving assistance procedures
- Move pregnant heifers and early calving cows to calving area about 2 weeks before due date
- Begin calving late in month (some herds)
- Check cows 3 to 4 times per day, heifers more often - assist early if needed
- Keep calving area clean and well drained, move healthy pairs out to large pastures 3 days after calving
- Ear tag and dehorn all calves at birth; castrate male calves in commercial herds
- Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves
- Keep late pregnant cows gaining 1.0 lbs per day
- Pregnant heifers and 3 yr olds should gain 2.0-2.5 lbs per day
- Keep high quality, high magnesium minerals available
- Vaccinate cows against scours if it has been a problem
- Attend performance tested bull sale and/or order AI semen
- Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)
- Attend Virginia Cattlemen's Meeting in Roanoke
- End breeding early in the month
- Remove bulls to bull pasture and check condition
- Begin creep feeding or creep grazing calves if desired
- Plan marketing strategy for calves
- Begin feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
- Continue to check calves closely for health problems
- Inventory winter feed supplies
- Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)
- Attend Virginia Cattlemen's Meeting in Roanoke
