SUPPLY
CATTLE
Based on sound research , a cow with a body condition score of less than 5 is typically too thin for optimal production . More specifically , calving your cows in a body condition score of 6 , and not allowing them to fall below a body condition score of 5 is ideal .
Why should one keep their cows between a body condition score of 5 and 6 ?
Proper nutrition during gestation
Recent research from the Sandhills of Nebraska indicates that live calf performance can be influenced by how their mothers are cared for during pregnancy . In fact , the percentage of calves weaned and weaning weights of calves can be improved strictly by treating the cow better during pregnancy ( Stalker et al ., 2006 ). Furthermore , pregnancy rate of replacement heifers was improved from 80 % to 93 % because mother cows were treated better during pregnancy ( Martin et al ., 2007 ). These positive effects on fertility , weaning rate , and weaning weight are independent of how the calves are managed after being born . This phenomenon is called fetal programming , and it is a very real . Letting your cows slip during pregnancy is a bad idea .
Proper nutrition at or around calving
One must understand how nutrients consumed by the cow are partitioned after calving . Short et al . ( 1990 ) indicates that nutrients are partitioned in the following order : 1 ) basal metabolism , 2 ) activity , 3 ) growth , 4 ) basic energy reserves , 5 ) established pregnancy maintenance , 6 ) lactation , 7 ) additional energy reserves , and 8 ) estrus cycles and pregnancy initiation . The cow ’ s ability to cycle is of relatively low priority . The cow must be in good condition or gaining condition to begin cycling and then be bred . Houghton et al . ( 1990 ) illustrates the importance of good body condition score as it relates to post-partum interval and pregnancy rate ( Figure 1 ; see below ).
Proper nutrition during lactation
Cows that are in poor condition and / or in negative energy balance ( losing weight and condition ) during the breeding season have longer post-partum intervals and lower pregnancy rates . Additionally , cows in negative energy balance do not lactate optimally during early lactation . Bastidas et al . ( 1990 ) illustrated this point with Brahman cows at 50 days post-partum ( Figure 2 ; see below ).
The productivity of your liquid supplementation program is summed up with these questions . Did it work ? Did it keep my cows in good enough condition to breed back on time , and raise a big calf ? Did it keep my cows in good enough nutrient status through all physiological states that she could do her job effectively ? Every supplementation program should be evaluated in this way , especially liquid supplementation programs .
Solution
Purina Animal Nutrition ® has a research-tested supplementation program that complements your cow ’ s nutrient requirements and forage conditions . Purina ’ s Accuration ® Range Liquid or Accuration ® Block provides supplementation when the cow needs it ( Figure 3 , see below ). Plus , the supplemental