Cow-Calf Corner: Missed Opportunities (cont'd)

I would rate this stage as the #1 most important area to address for the following reasons:

1.The developing fetus gains 2/3 of its mass in the last 60 days before birth. The demands on the late gestation cow increase dramatically.

2.Increasing Vit E and Selenium in the diet during this stage is proven to yield:

1. Cows that will produce a colostrum that is higher in immunoglobulins antibodies.
2. Calves that are born stronger, stand quicker to nurse to receive that ever so important colostrum for passive immunity. High quality colostrum intake is the 1^st and most important defense a calf needs in early life to survive.
3. Cows with improved immune and reproductive status.

3.Functions of energy, protein, minerals and vitamins in this stage will influence the following 60 days when rebreeding will be the focus of herd management.

Gestation : Moderate quality forages, Masterfeeds Beef Cow Mineral or Masterfeeds Beef Cow Premix with Rumensin.

60 Days Pre-calving : Moderate to better quality forage, Masterfeeds Beef Cow Calving Mineral, Crystalyx-Mineralyx or Crystal-Phos.

60 Days Post-Calving : Better quality forage for lactating cows, Masterfeeds Beef Cow Calving Mineral, Crystalyx-Mineralyx or Crystal-Phos. For preparation of rebreeding.