Fall calving herds need more consideration for the quality of the available nutrients. Under a normal fall grazing system, the vegetative portion of cool season grasses are available. Managing your grazing systems to consume a high portion of available forages definitely adds to the profit side of the feed expense budget. Fall calving cows tend to have a higher body condition score compared to a spring calving herd. This is largely due to the high quality forages available throughout the summer grazing season.
Cows calve in better environmental conditions including dry, clean, spacious pastures.
There is less dystocia and the calves seem to require less assistance. Reduced death losses result from fewer problems with scours and pneumonia. This does not mean that eliminating the immunization program will be beneficial. Calves tend to wean easier due to the fact they are accustomed to people and dry feed. The issue of feed requirements and increased cost is always a point for discussion.