It also makes it much easier to feed and meet the nutritional requirements of the new mother. Her protein and energy needs are greatly increased after calving. The newly calved cow needs to milk well, regain her weight and return to estrus prior to the breeding season. The goal of the cow-calf producer should be to wean a good, healthy calf from each cow. Each calf lost reduces pounds of calf weaned and pounds of calf to sell.
Top management is the key to weaning a good calf from every cow.
Kenneth R. Bolen, Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.