Health Tips

• Make sure adequate shade is available for cattle as temperatures begin to rise.
• Implement y and anaplasmosis control programs.

Forage & Nutrition Notes

• Monitor body condition scores, and adjust nutritional program as needed.
• Fertilize warm-season pastures according to soil test recommendations.
• Sprig hybrid bermudagrass before moisture becomes limiting.
• Graze overseeded annual ryegrass to prevent shading warm-season forage.
• Review planting recommendations in Extension publication ANR-0149, “Alabama Planting Guide for Forage Grasses,” in your part of the state.
• Use high-quality warm-season forage as it becomes available.

Winter Calving Herd

• Implement heat synchronization protocols. Breed heifers ahead of cow herd.
• Maintain breeding records.

Spring Calving Herd

• Calculate spring calving percentage.
• Heifers bred in early May should calve in mid-February.
• Breed cows. Cows bred in late May should calve in early March.
• Tag, castrate, dehorn, and implant calves as soon as practically possible. Do not implant replacement heifers.

Fall Calving Herd

• Implement calf preconditioning programs including vaccinations, weaning strategies, and bunk breaking.
• Make sure calves are weaned and weighed within the acceptable age range for breed associations and performance record keeping.
• Perform pregnancy checks on cows/heifers and cull on pregnancy status, soundness, health, and performance.