Cows should be in moderate to good body condition at calving for high conception rates early in the breeding season. If cows lose weight and condition before and after calving, both calf weaning weights and conception rates will be reduced. To meet essential nutrient requirements of cows, a producer should analyze the major roughages for nutrient content and then add supplements to provide a balanced ration. Both underfeeding and overfeeding supplements can be expensive. Detailed information on nutrition can be found in NebGuide G80-489 .
Producers can monitor the body condition of cows and adjust feed levels accordingly.
A visual scoring system can be used to determine if feed levels need adjustment. Very thin to emaciated, ribs and backbone visible, notable lack of muscling. Thin, with ribs and backbone visible but fair muscling over hindquarters. Moderate, last ribs visible, fair muscling but no evidence of fat. Good, smooth appearance, some fat in brisket and over ribs and back.