- Vaccinating cows and calves for IBR, BVD, BRSV, PI3, Leptospirosis, and clostridia is an important part of an effective herd health program. Consult with your veterinarian about when to vaccinate and using modified live vaccines on open cows prior to breeding your cowherd.
- Don’t forget the bulls. They can easily transmit disease. Doing a Breeding Soundness Exam on your bull(s) should be part of prepping for the breeding season. This is an opportunity to vaccinate the bulls.
- DO NOT VACCINATE OR DE-WORM 30 DAYS PRIOR TO BREEDING SEASON. THIS CAN RESULT IN LOWER CONCEPTION RATE.
- If you use A.I. order semen and check your equipment. Be sure breeding corral is in working order.
- If breeding naturally, make sure you have enough bulls: 10-15 cows per yearling bull; 20-25 cows per 2-year old bull; 30-35 cows per mature bull.
- Have phosphorous source in form of free-choice mineral mix; phosphorous is important for maximum fertility.
- Yearling British heifers should weigh a minimum of 700 lbs. and continental heifers a minimum of 750 lbs. before being bred.
- If lactating cows are thin and not cycling, feed more energy.
Breed heifers one heat period before the cows. This provides extra time for heifers to recover to calve with the cowherd the following year. - The breeding season should last no more than 60 days. Make plans for keeping bull separate before and after the 60 day breeding season.
(Thanks to Dr. Dave Wilson, DVM for suggesting this timely tip and input to the article).