Beef management tips for February, by Dr. Scott P. Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech.

Spring Calving Herds

• Have all calving supplies on hand and review calving assistance procedures
• Move pregnant heifers and early calving cows to calving area about 2 weeks before due date
• Check cows 3 to 4 times per day during calving season, heifers more often to assist early if needed
• Keep calving area clean and well drained, move healthy pairs out to large pastures 3 days after calving
• Ear tag and dehorn all calves at birth; castrate male calves in commercial herds
• Give selenium and vitamin A & D injections to newborn calves
• Late gestation mature cows should gain 1.0 lbs per day
• Target gain for pregnant heifers and 3-yr olds should be 2.0-2.5 lbs per day
• Keep high quality, high magnesium mineral available
• Vaccinate cows against scours if it has been a problem
• Evaluate herd genetic goals and assess bull battery, make plans to attend spring bull sales and/or order AI semen
• Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)

• End breeding season early in the month
• Remove bulls and check condition
• Begin creep feeding or creep grazing calves if desired
• Plan marketing strategy for calves
• Begin feeding high magnesium minerals to prevent grass tetany
• Continue to check calves closely for health issues
• Frost seed clovers (mid to late in the month)