Health Tips

Watch for lice and treat as needed.
Remove any remaining insecticidal ear tags. Old tags release low levels of insecticide that tend to promote development of resistance.
Follow up on internal parasite control practices.

Forage & Nutrition Notes

Monitor body condition scores, and adjust nutritional program as needed.
Modify winter supplementation based on forage analysis information, availability, and herd nutritional requirements.
Implement management intensive grazing systems on stockpiled tall fescue and bermudagrass.
Begin monitoring for cool-season annual weed pressure as cool-season forages begin to grow.
Conduct a forage analysis on stored hay, baleage, and silage before feeding to develop an accurate supplemental strategy.

Perform a pregnancy check on cows/heifers and cull cows/heifers based on pregnancy status, soundness, health, and performance.
Implement calf preconditioning programs including vaccinations, weaning strategies, and bunk breaking.
Select replacement heifers and permanently identify them.
Wean calves, if not already weaned, depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans.
Wean calves depending on pasture conditions and marketing plans. After weaning, cull cows based on pregnancy status, soundness, health, and performance.
Deworm calves at weaning.

Tag, castrate, dehorn, and implant calves as soon as practically possible. Do not implant replacement heifers.
Provide good nutrition for lactating cattle approaching breeding.
Make sure your bull is ready for breeding season by having a breeding soundness exam done 60 days before the breeding season.
For artificial insemination programs, have ample semen and supplies on hand. Schedule for estrus synchronization programs, and reserve an artificial insemination technician.