Spring-calving herds

• Consider downloading the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Cowculator ration evaluation software to determine if your nutritional program is cost-effective and in line with protein, energy and mineral requirements. This Excel®-based decision tool is free and user-friendly. 
• A 1,200-pound (lb.) Angus cow with body condition score (BCS) of 5 requires at least 12.3 and 1.9 lb. of TDN (total digestible nutrients) and protein, respectively, assuming she will have a 78-lb. calf. During the last 90 days, the fetus plus placental tissue will grow at the rate of just more than 1 lb. per day.  
• A 1,500-lb. Angus cow expected to have an 83-lb. calf requires approximately 14.4 lb. of TDN and 2.2 lb. of protein. The larger fetus plus placental tissue will average about 1.25 lb. of gain during the last trimester.   
• The diet should contain a minimum of 54% TDN and 8% protein during this period to maintain body condition and meet nutritional needs for fetal growth. 
• Prepare calving facilities and equipment. Purchase and organize calving supplies such as tags, navel dip, tattoo equipment and ink, calf scales, etc.
  Visit with your veterinarian to develop a written protocol before the calving season starts. This should include what to do, when to do it, who to call (if someone besides your veterinarian is to be called), phone numbers, how to know when the veterinarian should be called, etc.
• Feed during evening hours to encourage daytime calving.

Fall-calving herds

• Remove bulls toward the end of January to maintain a controlled breeding season of 60 days. 
• Small-grain winter pasture is an excellent protein and energy supplement for fall-calving cows. About nine to 12 hours per week of access to small-grain pasture (three to four hours per day, three days per week) should meet supplemental protein and energy needs in most situations.  
• Calves can be given free-choice access to the small-grain winter pasture.
• A mineral supplement with elevated concentrations of calcium and magnesium should be provided to lactating cows and their calves grazing small-grain forage.

General recommendations

• Distribute hay feeding as much as possible to minimize perennial grass stand damage and to evenly distribute nutrients from manure and wasted hay.
• Remove and discard plastic net wrap and twine from hay prior to feeding.
• Test soil to determine phosphorus, potassium and lime needs for spring legumes, such as lespedeza, sweet clover, red clover and white clover.