Calving and rebreeding are intrinsically linked and tied to the herd success. During this period, it is crucial for herd performance and profitability.

Here are 4 tips for beef cattle calving and rebreeding:

1) Maintaining BCS before beef cattle calving season

• Cow body condition score (BCS) at calving affects how quickly a cow returns to heat and helps prepare her for next calving season.

• Optimal BCS around 6 has shown to have rebreed with conception rates of 88% or higher.

• Cows bred early in the breeding season will have calves born early in calving season.

• Calf age will have the biggest impact on weaning weight.

• Calves born in the first 21 days of the season are more likely to be heavier at weaning.

• The cow's body condition score also impacts calf performance.

• Good BCS score will help support colostrum quality, cow's stamina during calving and calf vigor.

• The minimum BCS for first calf heifers is 6.

• Cattle supplementation can help maintain consistent body condition score.

2) Evaluate your cattle mineral program

• Mineral nutrition is one of the most commonly overlooked items during beef cattle calving and rebreeding.

• Make sure sufficient mineral is provided for the cattle year round rather than just at calving or before breeding.

• Minerals are especially important 60 - 90 days before calving since they affect colostrum quality, calf trace mineral status and calf health.

• Cattle mineral also plays a role in tissue repair, helping the cow's reproductive tract repair from calving and prepare for breeding.

• If the tract is not fully repaired, there may be difficulties for the cows being rebred.

• Cows must rebred within 85 days of calving to have one calf per year.

• Quality year round supplementation program will ensure the cows have sufficient nutrition to thrive.

• A balanced cattle mineral is the best choice leading up to calving season and through breeding.

3) Discuss cattle health with your vet

• If you do not have a proper herd health program, it is important to discuss with your veterinarian to develop a program.

• Once the program has been developed, it can be useful to re-evaluate and ensure the protocol still make sense.

• Ensure that cow and calf vaccinations are part of your calving and breeding plan for your herd.

• For operations with many employees, it is important that everyone is familiar with the cattle vaccination program before beef cattle calving begins.

4) Troubleshooting

• Beef cattle calving and rebreeding are two of the most important period that will affect your farm's profitability.

• When things go wrong or when challenges arises, troubleshoot and try to find out the cause and solution rather than making knee-jerk decision.

• Discuss with your nutritionist, veterinarian, employees and other key personnel to help solve the issue.