by Lisa Moser, Kansas State University

While a young person who turns 10 is considered an adolescent, cows at that age are considered old, according to the experts at the Kansas State University’s (K-State’s) Beef Cattle Institute.

Speaking on a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State Veterinarian Brian Lubbers and Beef Cattle Nutritionist Phillip Lancaster offered management tips for caring for older cows and factors that should be considered in making a culling decision.

“At some point, a cow’s reproductive ability will wane, and at 10 years of age I’m going to be really critical if she does not have a calf every year and get bred on time,” Lubbers says.

As cattlemen seek to expand their cow numbers, retaining cows longer may be more appealing. However, cattlemen should be prepared to handle those older cows with a little more attention.

“In that case, you’d be better off just letting her produce a calf with a lower weaning weight and then feed the calf more once it is weaned.” — Phillip Lancaster

“Just because she is 10 years old or older, it doesn’t mean she can’t be a productive cow,” Lubbers says.

A cow’s metabolism changes as they age, Lancaster says. “Cows that are 10 years or older have trouble keeping their body condition, and their milking ability tends to drop off, so they typically will wean a smaller calf than they have in the past.” 

He adds that older cows often require more supplementation.

“Giving them extra feed to maintain body condition isn’t a big expense, but if you are feeding them more to help with their lactation now, you are feeding the cow to feed the calf and that isn’t efficient. In that case, you’d be better off just letting her produce a calf with a lower weaning weight and then feed the calf more once it is weaned,” Lancaster says.

As cows age, it is important to check their mouths, Lubbers advises. “It is important to check their teeth as they age because an older cow with no teeth is going to require a lot more care to keep her body condition.”

To hear the full discussion, listen to Cattle Chat on your preferred streaming platform.

Editor’s note: Lisa Moser is instructor of ag and natural resources communication at K-State, as well as serving as communication coordinator for the K-State Beef Cattle Institute and a news writer for K-State Research and Extension. [Lead photo by Shauna Hermel.]

Angus Beef Bulletin EXTRA, Vol. 17, No. 1-B