Identify Cows and Maintain Records Individual cow and calf identification is needed for efficient management. Identification is beneficial for pairing up, treating sickness, and recording physical problems. Individual identification and calf weaning weights are useful in determining cow productivity and for culling and selection decisions. A simple, workable record-keeping system is important. Use records to determine pregnancy rate, length of calving season, culling rates and calf mortality percentages.
Records are necessary to assess performance and determine changes needed.
Provide Proper Nutrition Nutrition is one of the most important factors influencing reproductive performance. Adequate levels of protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins are needed to meet nutrient requirements of cows during various periods of production. The cow is at peak milk production, is recovering from stress of calving and is expected to cycle and conceive by the end of this period or shortly thereafter. The cow only has to maintain body condition and supply nutrients for fetal development. However, thin cows at weaning should be separated and fed to gain weight and body condition by calving.