Strategically Feeding Protein and Energy During Wintering and Managing Cow Condition

Concepts of managing cow body condition score (BCS) during the fall and winter are discussed. A key time in the year-long management of spring calving cows is late summer and fall. If cows are thin at the beginning of winter grazing, they are likely to be thin in the spring at calving. Fall weaning date and protein supplements in the fall and/or winter are key tools for managing cow BCS. Applications of weaning and supplementation in different extended grazing systems are presented. Strategic weaning and supplementation can have significant effects on economic net returns of the ranch