A spring calving season synchronizes cow nutrient needs and cool season pasture production. Legumes should be included in the pasture for maximum cow gain, conception rate and calf performance. Fall calving can be done in better weather and weaning will coincide with periods of higher market prices in the spring. A higher quality feed in winter will be necessary to ensure rebreeding and adequate calf performance. Fall accumulated fescue is an excellent source of feed that the cow can harvest.
Fescue is higher in energy and digestibility during late fall than at any other time of year.
The detrimental effect of the fescue fungus on cow fertility and calf performance will still be present, but the magnitude will be greatly lessened because of cooler weather. Protein content of accumulated fescue will be adequate until late winter, since the dry cow's needs can be met with feed containing only 8 percent crude protein. Vitamin A may be deficient and should be supplemented. Crop residues which remain following grain harvest offer potentially useful and economic cow feeds. Crop residues should be considered as energy sources only and best fit the needs of the dry cow.