The nutrient composition of the hays are shown in a footnote below the table. A forage analysis is inexpensive and the only accurate method to obtain a precise ration. One of the most important goals for a cow-calf producer is to have a calf every 12 months from each cow in the herd. Most have a gestation period of 280 to 290 days. Therefore, on the average, the cow has 80 days to recover from calving, cycle and conceive if a 12-month calving interval is maintained.
Proper management increases the likelihood of successful breeding after calving.
An important part of management involves meeting the cow's nutritional needs. Research shows that conception rate and time of conception are related to nutritional status before and after calving. Nutritional requirements increase greatly with calving, particularly in those cows with superior milk production ability. Dry cows are usually overfed and cows with calves underfed. Underfeeding lowers conception rates and delays conception.