Beef Suckler cow management and herd health

Question 1

What is a suckler cow

Answer 1

lactating cow producing a calf for beef production

Question 2

Are there more disease in suckler cows or dairy cows

Answer 2

Generally, less disease in beef calf as more natural rearing

Question 3

Describe the cycle of a Typical Spring Calving Beef herd

Answer 3

(Breed during the Summer)
June-Aug: Breeding
Sep-Feb: Pregnant
Mar-May: Calving

Question 4

Describe distribution of energy and protein and minerals during calving period

Answer 4

Energy and protein
Huge increase needed here for colostrum and milk production ++
Minerals
Ca, Mg increased demand due to milk production

Question 5

Describe distribution of energy and protein and minerals during Wean calf and dry off period

Answer 5

Energy and Protein
Now is the time to manipulate BCS
Cows in late preg can be underfed/over fed

Minerals
Iodine to prevent goitre and poor tolerance to cold
Selenium to prevent WMD

Question 6

Describe distribution of energy and protein and minerals during last 6 weeks of pregnancy

Answer 6

Energy and Protein
Requirements ramp up in last 6 weeks

Minerals (need specific pre-calving mineral)
Ca (keep it low pre-calving), Mg and Ph to prevent slow calving
Iodine to prevent goitre and poor tolerance to cold
Selenium to prevent WMD