7 February 2007

2 minute read

February Beef Management

• 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 at Virginia Tech

• 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 at Virginia Tech