MONTH Beef Management Practices Spring Calving Fall Calving Graze cows on lower quality pastures or crop residues. Start feeding magnesium mineral sup

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1 Coastal Plain Beef Cattle Forage Management Systems Most areas of North Carolina can adapt to high quality forage production. As a result, the state has the potential to support a substantial beef cattle industry, especially production of feeder cattle. Economical beef production systems must rely on low-cost, highly productive forage programs to supply adequate nutrients when they are needed by beef cattle. Dry pregnant beef cows, for example, can maintain weight on low quality roughages like corn stover, hay or pastures, whereas lactating beef cows should receive ample amounts of high quality feeds, especially during the first four months after calving. For the beef cattle-forage system to operate efficiently and profitably, certain management practices, unique to each part of the beef-forage system, must be followed. Forage production depends on soil type, rainfall, temperature, fertility and ha rvesting management. Because there is tremendous variation in these parameters, North Carolina forage systems (acreage requirements, forage species, grazing systems, winter feeding periods) vary according to location. Grazed forage generally provides the least expensive method of supplying nutrients to beef cattle, especially for feeder cattle production. The costs of equipment and labor to mechanically harvest, store and feed roughage to cattle adds substantially to the nutrient costs of feeding cattle. for North Carolina This bulletin provides monthly guidelines which producers can use to make timely management decisions for a beef-forage operation. Forage systems are suggested for five geographical regions of the state. Fall and spring calving systems also are included. Assumptions and helpful suggestions for using this bulletin are in the following list. Forages 1. Depending on region, a 90- to 150-day winter feed supply is needed. in addition, a 30- to 60-day emergency feed supply should be maintained to feed during drought, severe winters or other unforeseen conditions. 2. Pasture systems contain enough acreage of the suggested species to provide a 12-month feed supply. The range of acres allows for low-to high production potential. 3. The forage systems emphasize perennial grasses and legumes for pasture and hay. However, corn, sorghum, small grain and hay crop silages may be used in the winter feeding program. 4. In mosrpasture systems, an acre of corn silage will substitute for two acres of pasture. In terms of dry matter equivalents, 3 lbs of silage (as fed) is equal to about 1 lb of hay. (Continued on back page)

2 MONTH Beef Management Practices Spring Calving Fall Calving Graze cows on lower quality pastures or crop residues. Start feeding magnesium mineral supplement containing 25% magnesium oxide (M90), 25% dicalclum phosphate (DCP) and 50% trace mineral salt (TMS). Cows should consume a minimum of 1 oz of MgO/head daily. Vaccinate replacement heifers for blackleg, malignant edema, IBR, Pia, BVD and leptospirosis. Feed heifer replacements to reach lbs at breeding (December 20), depending on frame size (see FS SR 1000, NC 1008-A). Graze cows and bred heifers on pastures other than pure fescue. The calf crop should be weaned by now and sold. Steer calves should weigh in excess of 500 lbs. Prepare for calving season. Have the following items SEPTEMBER available: antiseptic lubricant 0 castrating and 0 calf-pulling equipment dehorning equipment - 7% iodine solution 0 medicine for scours, 0 ear tags and tattooing respiratory problems, equipment and grass tetany 0 growth implants ' handling facilities in good working order Clean and disinfect calving area and handling facilities. The calving area should be convenient for frequent observation and accessible to handling facilities. OCTOBER Heifers start calving. Check often and give assistance if needed, especially during hot weather. New calf management: ' Inject calves with Vitamins A, D and E. 0 Identify with ear tags and tattoo. ' Dip navel cords with 7% iodine solution. 0 Make sure calves consume colostrum within 4 hrs of birth. Keep frozen colostrum on hand in case heifers will not allow nursing. ' Castrate bull calves that won t be kept for breeding. 0 Implant steer calves with Flalgro or Compudose. Separate heifers with calves and increase the feeding level, or give access to highest quality pastures. Heifers should gain about 1/2 Ib/day between calving and rebreeding. Graze cows and bred heifers on pastures other than pure fescue. Continue running dry cows on lower quality pastures or crop residues. Supplement with protein and Vitamin A if needed. Clip brands on cows. Prepare bulls for breeding season. Increase feeding level if bulls are thin. Trim feet. Make sure sufficient bulls are on hand for the breeding season: one 2-year-old or older bull per 30 cows; 1 yearling bull per cows. Continue feeding magnesium mineral mix. Obtain 205-day weights and heights of calves. Evaluate bulls based on calf performance. Deworm calves. Select replacement heifers and do not creep feed. Watch September markets in local area and choose market location and marketing method for steer calves over 500 lbs. Market steer calves heavier than 500 lbs. Wean all calves and start light steers (under 500 lbs) and heifers on growing ration (see FS NC 9301) Implant steers and heifers to be sold as stockers. Vaccinate calves against blackleg, malignant edema, IBR, Pla, BVD and leptospirosis (5 strain). Check calves daily after weaning for sickness and to watch feed and water intake. Put cows on lower quality pastures or field gleanlngs. Both Fall and Spring Calving Check cow herd regularly. Provide water, salt and minerals. Treat for grubs using a systemic pour-on. Deworm cows using a different wormer from spring treatment. Supply water, salt and minerals.

3 Fescue-Ladino Clover 1/4 Acre/Cow-Calt Pair Begin to move cattle back to these pastures as growth accumulates and bermudagrass is completely used. Forage Management Practices Coastal Plain System Hybrid Bermudagrass ( lbs N/A) 3/4 to 1 Acre/Cow-Cali Pair Shift animals to bermuda that will not be overseeded % of Bermuda Acreage Overseeded with Rye or Ryegrass ( lbs N/A) Plant rye and ryegrass in mixture or in separate pastures. Plant at least half the winter pasture by September 15 and the rest by October 15. Apply lbs N/A as soon as winter annual is up. Continue grazing as long as possible during the fall, then move cattle to overseeded bermuda. Try to completely use bermuda by frost or immediately after frost. Begin grazing as soon as rye has about 8 inches growth and the fescue-clover is utilized.

4 Fall Calving Start calving mature cows. Check often and give assistance if needed. Separate cows with calves. Maintain feed and supplement intake in first-calf heifers. When winter cover crops are ready for grazing, open them to heifers with calves. If additional small grain grazing is available, allow cows with calves to graze it. Cows with calves may also graze stockpiled fescue. Brand yearling heifers and start checking for estrus. Make sure bulls have adequate feed, mineral and vitamin supplements, fresh water and an area in E which to exercise. m E in > 0 Z Beef Management Practices Spring Calving Graze cows on lower quality pasture, field gleanings or stockpiled fescue if needed. Feed stockers hay, silage, small grain or stockpiled fescue with supplement to gain 11/2 lbs/day. In Sandhills, stocker cattle should be fed to gain 1% lbs/day. Replacement heifers gain 1-11/2 lbs/day depending on frame size. Both Fall and Spring Calving Observe cattle regularly. Supply water at all times. All cows and bred heifers should receive a magnesium mineral supplement containing 25% MgO, 25% DCP and 50% TMS. Cows should eat a minimum of 1 oz of MgO/head/day. Start breeding yearling heifers on December 20. Prepare for calving season. Observe cattle regularly. Erffid hé'ffitrs I 60 days to bulls known to S're "9m Have the following equipment Provide water and magnesium 'r weig caves. available: mineral mix. Have heifers in gaining condition going into the O calf-pulling equipment T f l' - _ breeding season. Heifers should weigh lbs antiseptic lubricant omfizgwslgvir:ifesafitdeglrcggfigs at breeding, depending on frame size. 0 7% iodine solution Use dust if cows were not treated If breeding weights have been obtained and heifers snag? and tattoomg equ- for grubs. are cy cl'n I g, consider ' estro u s synchr o n' ization '. 0 castrating and dehorning, e- Have forage tested. Conduct breeding soundness exam on bulls within 3 quipment weeks of breeding season. Continue conditioning growth implants bulls. 0 medication for scours, E Obtain semen and artificial insemination (Al) respiratory PFOblemSi grass :9 supplies. tetany 5 Maintain nutrient intake (FS SR-2000). Cows should Maintain condition of COWS- 0 at least maintain post-calving weight. Don t allow Clip hair from brands and make "DJ COWS to lose weight as the breeding season sure identification is egib e_ approaches. Consider early weaning or altering suckling intensity Clean and disinfect calving facilities. to stimulate cycling in first-calf heifers. Start checking cows for estrus. Prepare calving area for heifers should be convenient Calves of first-calf heifers should be creep fed or for frequent observation and accessible to facilities. creep grazed. Stockers continue to gain 11/2 lbs/day. In Sandhills, stockers should gain 1% lbs/day.

5 Fescue-Ladino Clover 1/4 Acre/Cow-Calf Pair Continue grazing as long as possible during the fall, then move cattle to overseeded bermuda. Forage Management Practices Coastal Plain System Hybrid Bermudagrass ( lbs N/A) 3/4 to 1 Acre/Cow-Calf Pair Try to completely use bermuda by frost or immediately after frost % of Bermuda Acreage Overseeded with Rye or Ryegrass ( lbs N/A) Begin grazing as soon as rye has about 8 inches growth and the fescue-clover is utilized. Graze as growth permits. Provide supplemental feed as necessary. Restricted grazing should be practiced during this period. Don t graze below a 2-inch stubble. Provide supplemental feed as needed. If forage supply is limiting, let calves or stockers have priority for this high quality forage. Cows may be limited to grazing once every 2-3 days.

6 JANUARY Beef Management Practices Fall Calving Spring Calving Vaccinate cows for lbr, BVD, Pig and leptospirosis Heifers start calving. at least 2 weeks before breeding. Deworm cows and replacement heifers. Newborn calf management: 0 Identify with eartag and tattoo. Maintain condition of heifers and have cows gaining weight as breeding approaches. - Dip navel cord in iodine Continue breeding heifers. Watch for heifers returning to estrus. 0 Make sure calf has solution. Creep feed or creep graze calves. colostrum 2-4 hours after birth. Sell all cows that are not nursing calves. 0 Implant steer calves (Ralgro Start breeding cows on January 20. If using bulls or Compudose). and if sufficient bulls are available, rotate and rest 0 Castrate bull calves. bulls every 7-14 days. Separate heifers as they calve if breeding AI, check estrus in early morning and and put on small grain or feed to late evening. Bread 12 hrs after standing heat. gain V2 lb per day. lf cows are cycling well, consider estrous Maintain condition of mature synchronization. cows. Castrating and dehorning should be completed. Start conditioning bulls for breeding. Provide one 2-year-old or older bull per 30 cows; 1 yearling bull per cows. Stockers should gain 11/2 lbs per day (in Sandhills 13/4 lbs/day). Pie-implant stockers if implanted with Ralgro or Synovex. Both Fall and Spring Calving Have clean fresh water available at all times. Continue feeding magnesium mineral mix. Purchase herd sire replacements. Select virgin, performance-tested bulls. Isolate new bulls for 30 days. FEBRUARY End breeding season for heifers by February 20. Keep heifers gaining weight. {Rotate and rest bulls every 7-14 days. Creep feed or creep graze calves. Mature cows start calving. Heifers finish calving. Creep feed or creep graze calves from heifers. Sell heifers not nursing calves. Keep heifers gaining /2 lb/day. Separate cows as they calve from dry cows. Graze cows with calves on cover crop if available. Continue conditioning bulls. Brand replacement heifers. Keep stockers gaining 1% lbs/ day (13/4 lbs/day in Sandhills). Provide mineral mix with magnesium. Provide clean fresh water. Purchase virgin, performancetested bulls. 21"!

7 Fescue-Ladino Clover 1/4 Acre/Cow-Caif Pair Graze as growth permits. Provide supplemental feed as necessary. Forage Management Practices Coastal Plain System Hybrid Bermudagrass ( lbs N/A) 3/4 to 1 Acre/Cow-Calt Pair 30-50% of Bermuda Acreage Overseeded with Rye or Ryegrass ( lbs N/A) Restricted grazing should be practiced during this period. Don t graze below a 2-inch stubble. Provide supplemental feed as needed. If forage supply is limiting, let calves or stockers have priority for this high quality forage. Cows may be limited to grazing once every 2-3 days. /,» : A Reseed clover if needed to maintain 30-60% clover in mixture. Rye will provide most of the grazing from December through February. Apply lbs N/A for early spring growth. é.

8 MARCH APRIL MAY Beef Management Practices Fall Calving Spring Calving Stop breeding cows by March 20. Continue calving management. Creep feed or creep graze calves until spring grass Perform breeding soundness examination on bulls within 3 weeks is available. If supplemental or stored feed has been used, discontinue as spring grass is available. Maintain cow weight. of breeding season. Vaccinate all calves against blackleg and malignant Graze cover crops. edema. Deworm all cows and calves. in Sandhills consider early weaning or altered suckling intensity to stimulate estrus in first-calf heifers. Deworm and vaccinate replacement heifers 2 weeks before breeding. Start breeding heifers March 20. Heifers should weigh lbs depending on frame size and be bred to bulls that sire small birth weight calves. Consider estrous synchronization if heifers are cycling. Obtain semen and Al supplies. Stocker cattle continue optimum weight gains. ln purebred herds, separate cows with bull calves Deworm and vaccinate cows from for cows with heifer calves. IBR, Pig, BVD and leptospirosis (5 No bulls should be with cows. strain) at least 2 weeks before Make sure fencing and waterers are in order for breeding. creep grazing. Have cows in gaining condition before breeding. Start breeding cows April 20. Castration and dehorning should be finished. Sell all cows not nursing calves. Consider estrous synchronization of cows if they are cycling. Rotate bulls every 7 days in herds using 2 or more bulls. Sell stocker heifers and keep steers grazing spring pasture for a June sale everywhere except in Sandhills. In this area sell steers and heifers. Deworm and re-implant steers. Feed monensin in a grain carrier. Apply tags for fly control. Maintain condition of cows and heifers. All calves should be dewormed Put out dust bags for fly control at mineral feeders and vaccinated against blackleg and at gates which cattle use. and malignant edema. Implant steers. End breeding season for heifers. Keep heifers in gaining condition during gestation. Keep stocker steers gaining 11/2 lbs per day. Supplement with monensin in grain. Both Fall and Spring Calving Provide mineral mix with magnesium to cows. Provide clean fresh water. Purchase new bulls. Watch for bloat on clover pastures. To prevent bloat, fill cows with hay before turning onto pastures, maintain 50% clover stand or feed Bloatguard. Check cows regularly. Watch closely for bloat. Continue magnesium supplementation. Provide clean fresh water. Clip pastures to prevent pinkeye and improve forage quality. Provide clean fresh water. Continue feeding magnesium mineral mix. Watch for bloat on clover pastures.

9 Fescue-Ladino Clover 1/4 Acre/Cow-Calf Pair Fertilize with P and K. Begin grazing. Begin creep grazing calves. Forage Management Practices Coastal Plain System Hybrid Bermudagrass ( lbs N/A) 3/4 to 1 Acre/Cow-Calf Pair Apply any preemergence herbicide needed % of Bermuda Acreage Overseeded with Rye or Ryegrass ( lbs N/A) Intensify grazing by restricting acres available to cattle so they use the forage as it grows. Apply N, P, K as soon as bermuda begins to show green shoots. Thereafter, apply lbs N/A every days. Be sure to graze all overseeded rye first to get good utilization and reduce competition with bermuda. Ryegrass will begin to grow rapidly and rye production will peak. Graze rye heavily to get complete utilization and prevent heading. Use only pasture area needed to meet animal requirements. Harvest excess forage as hay. Begin grazing as soon as enough bermuda growth accumulates. Ryegrass is the dominant winter annual during this period. Begin moving animals to nonoverseeded areas as the winter annual growth declines.

10 JUNE Fall Calving Obtain 205-day weights and hip heights. Make initial heifer replacement selections. Maintain condition on cows and heifers. Evaluate bulls based on calf performance. Decide which to cull. Pregnancy check cows and heifers; sell open females. Apply tags for fly control. For cows to be culled because of age and/or performance, wean calves and sell cull cows. Leave calves with the herd. Beef Management Practices Spring Calving End breeding season for cows. Sell stocker steers. Both Fall and Spring Calving Provide shade, water and com- (( plete mineral supplement (no MgO). Watch for bloat on clover pastures. Start creep grazing calves on highest quality forage and allow cows to clean up excess forage. Maintain condition on cows and heifers. ln purebred herds separate bull and heifer calves. Provide shade, water and complete mineral mix. JULY AUGUST Maintain condition on cows; graze cows on lower quality pasture or crop residues if calves are creep grazed or creep fed. Cows and bred heifers should graze pastures other than pure fescue. Fungus-infested fescue may be related to decreased milk production at calving. Re-implant steer calves if Ralgro was used. Pregnancy check cows and sell open cows before prices break wean calves and feed grain (1 1/2% of bodyweight) or leave with cow herd if creep feeding or creep grazing. If fly control tags are no longer effective, apply dust or residual spray. Continue creep grazing calves, allowing cows to harvest excess forage. Provide shade. water and complete mineral mix. 10

11 Fescue-Ladino Clover 1/4 Acre/Cow-Calt Pair Begin to move cattle to bermuda pastures as growth permits. Do not graze these pastures unless unusually wet weather allows excess growth to accumulate. Forage Management Practices Coastal Plain System Hybrid Bermudagrass ( lbs N/A) 3/4 to 1 Acre/Cow-Calt Pair Concentrate animals so that forage is maintained between 11/2-4 inches. Allow 1 or more pastures to produce hay cuttings as extra growth accumulates during the summer % of Bermuda Acreage Overseeded with Rye or Ryegrass ( lbs N/A) Concentrate animals so that forage is maintained between 11/2-4 inches. Allow 1 or more pastures to produce hay cuttings as extra growth accumulates during the summer. Concentrate animals on the acreage to be overseeded to reduce stubble height below 2 inches by early September. 11

12 (Continued from cover) 5. Systems are based on maximum use of grazing. Cross-fencing should be installed to force the animal group to graze an individual pasture about two weeks before rotating to another pasture (during peak growth). For example, ladino-fescue growth in April may support three to four cows per acre, and bermudagrass growth in June may support four to six cows per acre. A minimum of three pastures is desirable for each type of forage. Cattle Fall and spring calving systems outlined in this bulletin match the forage systems for particular areas of the state. The following assumptions apply: 1. Calving seasons Fall: 0 Cows calve in November to December (GO-day calving season). 0 Heifers calve in October to November (GO-day calving season). 0 Sell calves the following fall steers at 550 lbs and heifers at 500 lbs. Spring: 0 Cows calve in February to March (60- day calving season). - Heifers calve in January to February (BO-day calving season). 0 Sell heavy steers (>500 lbs) the following fall. 0 Light steers, and heifers not used for replacements, are backgrounded and sold the following spring 750 lb steers sold April through June and 650-lb heifers sold in April. 2. Calving percentage Fall 86%, except in Sandhills (92%) Spring 92%, except in Sandhills (86%) Calculated by: calves weaned x 100 cows exposed to bulls 3. Selection of replacement heifers 0 Select 50% of heifer calves as possible replacements. 0 Fifteen per cent of the original herd number will return with second calf. 0 Heifers should reach 60% of mature weight at breeding and 80% of mature weight by calving time. 4. Culling cows 0 Cows without calves should be culled as soon as possible after lactation stops. Cull all open cows by September. 0 Avoid selling cull cows between September 1 and January 1 due to low prices. The beef cattle-forage management programs in this publication are designed to aid cattlemen in timely use of appropriate production practices. The guidelines are given on a monthly basis, which should make them relatively simple to use. Even though these specific guidelines may vary slightly among farms with respect to timing, producers and agents should be able to use this material to improve management and productivity of their herds. Suggested Readings For budgeting purposes, refer to Regional Budgets for Cow-Calf Producers, Extension Economics Fact Sheet, North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service (updated annually). For further information on specific topics, see the Beef Cow-Calf Handbook cross-references. The use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by North Carolina State University of the product named or criticism of similar ones not mentioned. Roger G. Crickenberger and J. Hayes Gregory Extension Animal Husbandry Specialists J. Paul Mueller and James T. Green Extension Crop Science Specialists James E. Standaert Extension Economist (Livestock/Forages),2. 5a. Published by THE NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICE North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University at Greensboro, and the U. S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperating. State University Station, Raleigh, N. 0., Chester D. Black, Director. Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, The North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, or national origin, and is an equal opportunity employer. 11/84/2M AG-342-1