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Analyze winter feeds for optimum cow body conditionCow-calf producers need to pay close attention to feed analysis during the winter months. As cows approach spring calving season, body condition becomes more and more important. Body condition is vital because a low score could mean problems during calving and for future reproduction success. A mature cow should be at a body condition of five, and first-calf heifers should be at six. First-calf heifers require the higher score because their bodies are still growing and adjusting to lactation. It is often a good idea to separate heifers from mature cows and feed accordingly as they approach the last trimester. Grazing cows on corn stalks over the winter months is common among producers because it provides inexpensive, quality forage. Although down corn is not as common as it once was, due to more efficient harvesting equipment and improved corn varieties, one acre of stalks will feed one cow for approximately 40 to 45 days. Protein supplementation isn't always needed on corn stalks. While grazing corn stalks, offer cows a mix of 12 percent calcium and 12 percent phosphorous, along with Vitamin A. Producers need to check the quality of annual forages before feeding it to cows. Good quality forages contain sufficient moisture, crude protein and energy (TDN). Producers should check nitrate levels of summer annual forages or, for that matter, any forages that were planted late summer or early fall. Pay close attention to the way nitrates in the forage are tested and use a reputable laboratory for analysis.
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