Dryness in an area may have producers facing difficult decisions like feeding more hay and supplements than normal or culling animals. Drought and subsequent liquidation of cows can make late-gestation nutrition all the more important so the next generation of the cowherd can be set up for success.

Cow nutrition for the latter half of the year influences everything from calving ease, calf vigor at birth, long-term calf performance and next season’s breeding success for the cow.

Know short-, long-term impacts of cow nutrition for calf

Initial investments in quality nutrition have the benefit of positively affecting performance at calving and later in the calf’s life, benefiting a producer’s overall profitability. Insufficient nutrition in the final trimester has significant ramifications.

Cows channel 30 percent of their energy to support fetal growth and development during the third trimester. The fetus needs more nutrients from its dam than the previous two trimesters to fuel the final calf development of its organs, skeleton, lungs and immune system.

If calf development requirements aren’t met in-utero, it can prove negative results.

• Reduced birth weight and impaired growth
• Lower likelihood for the calf to reach its genetic potential
• Compromised immune system with a lifelong impact
• Long-term negative effects on fertility
• Setbacks to the dam’s reproductive efficiency

The third trimester offers a unique opportunity to proactively invest in the future of the calf crop and replacement heifers. Cutting corners on nutrition to save money upfront has an impact on performance, and subsequently the pocketbook. Fetal nutrition studies in Oklahoma and Nebraska demonstrate that calves born to cows with adequate levels of protein and energy in the diet during the third trimester have improved average daily gain and overall health.

The Nebraska study compared the reproductive performance of heifers born to supplemented and non-supplemented cows while grazing corn stalks. Supplemented cows produced heifers with greater overall breeding season pregnancy rates – 93 percent — compared to heifers from non-supplemented cows – 80 percent.

The bottom line is whether the calves are destined for the feedlot or the cowherd, adequate cow nutrition is paramount for their future performance.

Meet third-trimester requirements

Calving is the main athletic event a cow fuels her body for. Prepare the cow and her growing fetus for a successful calving by focusing on the essentials – protein, energy, minerals and vitamins. And don’t forget to factor in changing weather. The colder it becomes, the more energy cows need to maintain core body temperature, diverting energy away from the growing calf.

Feed a cowherd with supplements that deliver additional energy and protein in a palatable package. Some supplements are designed to complement existing forage resources, so cows only consume supplement when they need it.

Year-round mineral supplementation is another great strategy to help meet third trimester requirements. Constant access to quality mineral helps cows build up mineral and vitamin reserves. Cows can pull from those reserves during critical times, including the third trimester, to support nutrient needs without depleting their stores.

The third trimester serves as the final sprint to the finish line – a time to dial in cowherd nutrition and not hold back, ultimately helping performance and the bottom line. Visit www.purinamills.com for more information.