Page 7 - MWC 2-24-2022s

Preparing for Winter Calving The Midwest Cattleman · February 24, 2022 · P7

By Mark Z. Johnson
Calving during the winter the cattle comfort index is grees F and hit-
months can present some below 32 degrees F. This en- ting the ground
unique challenges. Cold and/ ergy need will double to 2% at temperatures
or wet weather, higher birth if the animal is wet to the as much as 100
weights, fewer hours of day- skin. In regard to newborn degrees cold-
light and in most herds, this calves, consider that in the er. Add in rain,
is the time of year when we, birth process they are leav- snow, muddy
as producers, are the pri- ing the cozy environment ground or high
mary source of nutrition of their mother’s womb at a Calving during the winter months can present some unique
provided in the form of har- temperature of 101-102 de- continued on page 10 challenges. Be prepared for weather events, assisted births,
and have adequate feed supplies.
vested forage and supple-
mental feeds. What can we
do to make calving in the
late winter months as prob- Trust...
lem-free as possible? GET
PREPARED!

Calving Kit and Facilities the most important selection tool!
Prior to calving season it is
important to take inventory We measure and select for the traits that impact cow herd efficiency: Calving Interval,
of our facilities. Our working Docility Scores, Structural Soundness, Feed Efficiency, Calving Ease and Cow weights
pens, chutes and alley ways
need to be in good working and Body Condition Scores.
order. If we have a calving You can Trust your cow herd to Mushrush Red Angus!
barn or indoor facility, re-
member to check cameras, Annual Production Sale
batteries, and light bulbs.
We want all facilities ready
BEFORE we find ourselves Friday, March 18, 2022 • 12:30 pm CT
assisting that first heifer in 100 - Age-Advantaged, Feed Efficiency Tested Red Angus Bulls
the calving process. 100 - Stout Yearling Bulls (Red Angus & SimAngus)
To be fully prepared, have
the following list of supplies 50 - Fall calving Commercial bred Red Angus females
in a cooler, bucket or toolbox: 12 - “U Pick Em” Front-end Registered
Red Angus Open Heifers
• Colostrum and feeding
bottle
• Flashlight and batteries
• OB Sleeves
• Non-detergent lubricant
• Antiseptic
• OB chains and calf pull-
er
• Paper towels
• Rope halter
• Large cloth towel

Also, understand the three
stages of bovine parturition.
It’s important to know what
to expect when a cow or heif-
er goes into labor in order to
know when and how to pro-
vide assistance.
Account for Cold Weather
Cold, wet weather drives
up cow nutritional require-
ments and cows should be
fed accordingly. The Mesonet
Cattle Comfort Advisor is an 2346B N Road ∙ Strong City, KS 66869
excellent tool for monitoring 620.340.7461 (Joe) ∙ 620.340.9774 (Daniel)
weather conditions and the
impact they have on cattle. info@mushrushranches.com
According to the Mesonet MushrushRanches.com
Cattle Comfort Advisor, cow RANCHES Follow us on FB at Mushrush Red Angus
energy requirements in-
crease 1% for each degree