calf nutrition Archives

Beef cows need to have a good body condition score going into the winter.

Early-gestating beef cows need good nutrition

Better Bunks and Pastures: Two-stage use of minerals over the fall and winter can help cows maintain body condition at a better cost

By Peter Vitti December 31, 2024

Late autumn is when many spring calves are weaned and removed from their moms. The remaining cow herd is now in its earliest weeks of gestation and requires a modest level of nutrition. It is an opportunity to feed some of the most cost-effective forage diets. But as time goes on, beef cows’ nutrient requirements […] Read more

Feeding milk replacer can be part of a well-balanced calf-feeding program.

Dairy Cattle, Livestock, The Dairy Corner

Prevent abomasal bloat in young dairy calves

Several factors related to feeding may cause the disorder

By Peter Vitti November 24, 2020

Once the dairy calf hits the straw of the maternal pen, it is removed from its mother and shuttled away to an individual pen or hutch where abomasal bloat is often waiting. Although not fully understood by dairy veterinarians and specialists, the relatively high incidence of abomasal bloat in young dairy calves can be significantly […] Read more

Females still need high level of proper nutrition after calving.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Proper nutrition needed before and after calving

An example of a good feeding plan based on common sense and economy

By Peter Vitti February 14, 2019

Most people have done a good job in feeding their gestating cows this winter in order to maintain good body condition for calving. Yet hard work doesn’t stop once the last calf is born. Rather, good nutrition should continue for months afterward, so fresh cows can produce lots of milk for their growing calves and […] Read more

Once she calves, this cow's dietary needs will change.

Cattleman’s Corner, Cow-Calf

Old school nutrition works after calving

It doesn't have to cost a lot to maintain proper body condition

By Peter Vitti April 11, 2017

Already, I know a few producers have had a couple of sleepless nights checking cows at calving. Most have told me all has gone well, because their cows came through the winter in good shape and were well-prepared for this year’s calving season. Moving forward, they now feed their calved-out beef cows diets which contain […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Columns

Protein and energy demands jump after calving

By Peter Vitti May 1, 2014

While some cows are fortunate to freshen in a draft-free barn, others drop their calves outside on straw pack, in a pole barn or open drylot. Regardless of where they calve, most cows return or remain outside to not only brave the arctic cold, but must meet the challenges of nursing a new calf and […] Read more

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

GFM Network News

Alberta crop conditions improve: report

U.S. grains: Corn sets contract lows on expectations for big US crop

U.S. livestock: Cattle strength continues

Tag Archives calf nutrition

Early-gestating beef cows need good nutrition

Prevent abomasal bloat in young dairy calves

Proper nutrition needed before and after calving

Old school nutrition works after calving

Protein and energy demands jump after calving

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