Developing an annual reproduction calendar

With this in mind, I hope to be able to help you make some changes that will make it easier for you.

Working for extension, I understand what it’s like to have to rush around before or after work to try to keep cattle fed and watered each day, not to mention having to check the cows to see if anyone had a calf today or who may be having trouble.

To get started, let’s look at your operation and how you currently manage your cow herd. When are calves born? When are cows bred? What is your vaccination program, or do you have one at all? When are calves weaned and marketed?

When are calves born?

Having a defined calving season should be the first step in developing the reproductive calendar for your operation. Many producers may not have a defined calving season, and calves will be born throughout the year. The problem with calves being born all year long is: This creates problems and more work for the individuals caring for them. While having several cows calving near the same time may make more work in the short term, it can really free up a lot of time the rest of the year.

This calving season should fit your operation and goals. Set this calving season based on markets, workload and other responsibilities. Some operations may choose to have multiple calving seasons, but always make sure animals in a herd are on the same schedule.

Having animals on the same schedule will make everyday management easier. Feeding and supplementation can be simplified if all the animals are at the same production stage; for example, lactating females may need to be supplemented to meet demands of raising a calf and, if they are all on the same schedule, they can be managed as a group.

How long should the breeding season be?

The second step in developing your annual reproduction calendar should be to put up a fence or close a gate. Why? To contain the bull or bulls. Plan out when you want your calves to be born and calculate when cows need to be bred to achieve this.

In operations with multiple calving seasons, don’t worry about cows not ready to breed when you set the breeding season; let them go to the next breeding season. Controlling the breeding season will control your calving season.

How long should a breeding season be? Most are around 45 to 60 days, giving each female at least two chances to be bred. This shortened calving season not only reduces your time and labor but also can increase profits when calves are marketed, as selling similar calves at the same time could bring more money.

Weaning time is another time when having animals on the same schedule will benefit you. Calves born within a defined time can be weaned at the same time and managed as a group. This will not only make things easier for you but will also increase profitability, as groups (even small groups) of similar calves can be marketed together and are sought out by buyers.

When are cows and calves vaccinated?

Have you ever read on a vaccination box when they should be given to cows? Each vaccination will give you a time prior to breeding or calving that cows should be vaccinated. This is not practically possible without defined breeding and calving seasons. Once you have set dates for cows to be bred and calve, work with your veterinarian to determine the proper vaccination program for not only your cows but your calves as well.

For producers who already have a defined breeding and calving season, further improvements can be made through the use of estrous synchronization programs to get cows to calve earlier in the calving season. This practice is also great if you are looking to utilize A.I. to improve or bring new genetics into your herd.

Estrous synchronization will get cows bred in a tight window of time, and calves will be born in the same fashion. Cows should calve within a few days of each other, further reducing demands on the person checking on them.

Now it is time for you to sit down and plan out how you would like your reproductive calendar to look. Figure out when you want calves to be born and start taking steps to control your breeding season. Look at other responsibilities you may have, and plan your calendar so you can be available when needed.

Work with your veterinarian to develop a whole-herd health program. If you choose to utilize one of the estrous synchronization programs, check with one of the bull studs for details and what you will need to do.

It may seem simple, but I would strongly recommend working on your operation to develop a defined calving and breeding season, not only for increased profits but to simply make it easier for yourself. Develop your reproductive calendar so it works for you and your farm. Doing so will free up more time you can work on other projects or spend time with family.