END GATE RANCH
CATTLE MANAGEMENT
EUNICE GERLOFF 972-842-3697
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PURCHASED COWS Two months before calving C&D Toxoid in 7way Blackleg+H.Somnus vaccine 2 shots, 2 weeks apart -IBR-BVD-PI3-BRSV killed vaccine (Cattlemaster4 or Vira Shield) -5way Lepto-Vibrio -Pasteurella hemolytica -Ivomec+ by injection CALVES One day to two weeks Tag Tattoo Dehorn Castrate Ivomec+ by injection 7way Blackleg+H.Somnus Again at six weeks WEANLINGS Two weeks before weaning (anything skipped at newborn) -Ivomec+ -7way Blackleg+H.Somnus -IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV killed vaccine (Cattlemaster4 or Vira Shield) -5way Lepto -Pasteurella hemolytica WEANING -7way Blackleg+H.Somnus -IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV killed vaccine (Cattlemaster4 or Vira Shield) -5way Lepto -Pasteurella hemolytica BRUCELLOSIS (BY THE VET), heifers only between 4-12 months After vaccinations place in a secure pen for two weeks, then in separate pasture at least two fences away from dams. 12-14 MONTHS -7way Blackleg+H.Somnus -IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV killed vaccine (Cattlemaster4 or Vira Shield) -5way Lepto (Vibrio if with a bull) -Pasteurella hemolytica -Ivomec+ by injection COWS---(J-J PROGRAM)> -7way Blackleg+H.Somnus--annual -IBR-PI3-BVD-BRSV (Cattlemaster4 or Vira Shield)---annual -Pasteurella hemolytica--annual -5way Lepto--biannual (JANUARY AND JULY) -Ivomec+ by injection (January and July) ScourGuard 3-K+C--One month before calving and again two weeks before calving
GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE
Provide good forage, clean water, adequate feed, trace mineral salt blocks, and a container of free-choice loose mineral (12-12 calcium-phosphorus ratio)freshened weekly.
BREEDING
Sixty days before breeding, check the nutrition supply and the condition of the cows and correct any vitamin A, phosphorus, or copper deficiencies.Give annual copper bolus and change to container of free-choice high phosphorus loose mineral (7-14 calcium-phosphorus ratio) freshened weekly.
The body condition of the breeding herd should be a score of five or six.
If feed does not contain minerals, daily topdress or mix feed for each cow with two ounces of mixed Vigortone 32 S Plus with powdered Vigortone Vitamin E (1.5 lbs powdered Vitamin E to 50 lb. Bag of Vigortone 32 S Plus,approx. 1 ounce Vitamin E to 1 lb. of Vigortone 32 S Plus)
HEAT DETECTION
Observe cows for 20-30 minutes early in the morning and late in the evening.Make one person responsible for heat detection. The method that works best is to move around in the pen for 10 to 15 minutes or more while gently moving the cows around and chasing up those that are lying down. Cows are less likely to display standing heat while eating. Detection cannot be done properly while sitting on the fence although this may be an initial step. Those cows in heat will stand still when mounted by others. Suspicious signs include ruffled rump hair, restlessness, bawling, walking the fence, nudging, mounting, sniffing,tail raising, clear mucous from the vulva and a pink swollen vulva.
Contact an A.I. Technician when standing heat is observed. Inseminate cows approximately 14 to 18 hoursafter the beginning of standing heat.
If a cow is selected as a recipient for an embryo, instead of breeding the cow, make a note of heat time and arrange for embryo transfer seven days later.
CALVING
Two months before calving, springers (cows due to calve soon) should be placed in a separate lot with no grain, no calcium products and only low protein well cured hay. This will help reduce the size of the calf. A clean water source is preferable to pond access. Treat cows with ScourGuard 3-K+C if calves are expected during lush spring pastures.
Occasional mucous discharge may be observed a week before calving.The udder should become full and firm. The teats will generally become tight and strutted just before calving. Between the pin bones and tailhead are ligaments that will relax, form a dip in that area soon before calving. A rope of orange colored mucous may appear about four hours before calving causing the cow to hold her tail away from her body. The cow may become restless and kick at her sides. She may repeatedly lie down and after getting up will sniff the ground which may contain the mucous discharged. A water bag may appear 30 minutes to an hour before calving. Make note of the time that the feet of the calf appear and if the calf is not delivered within an hour or two prepare to pull the calf or make arrangements to take her to the vet. At the time of delivery be prepared with an OB strap in case the cow needs slight assistance and a small container of iodine to apply liberally to the umbilical cord of the calf. The calf will probably nurse within an hour. If it has not nursed in four to six hours, give it dried colostrum or electrolyte mixed with water. Do not milk out the cow. She will replace the milk quickly.Do not give the cow grain for three days. Then gradually include grain in the ration.