The effects of initial winter condition and level of winter feeding on beef cow and calf performance

Wide variations exist in the types of beef enterprises in Tennessee. In general, the livestock enterprises being conducted are the ones which make the most efficient use of existing feed resources. The efficiency of an operation is measured by the degree of maximum production obtained under ideal production cost conditions. Divergent opinions concerning the optimum level of winter feeding for the beef cow herd are evidenced by the many extremes in condition of beef cows that may be observed in individual cow herds within the state. Generally, the most economical gains are obtained with cattle grazing native pasture. Because of climatic conditions, year round grazing is not always available in Tennessee. Therefore, most of the commercial cow herds are wintered entirely on roughages. The winter season is the most expensive portion of the year for the beef cow calf producer. Productivity of the breeding herd is measured by the calf crop percentage and the average weaning weight and quality grades of the calves. Thus, varying factors that influence the reproductive and lactating abilities of the cow and the growth of her suckling calf are of concern. Inadequate nutrition, as well as overfeeding, may influence the reproductive and lactating ability of the cow and growth of her calf. When planning the winter management of the breeding herd, optimum production with maximum economy should be the principal thought. Production of feeder calves is conducted on a narrow margin of profit, and without careful management this profit can very easily be lost during the wintering season. Consequently, the cattleman should give major consideration to the best method of managing the cow herd during the winter months. The nutritional needs of each cow are affected by the age, weight, and condition of the cow at beginning of winter, time of calving, the quality and quantity of feed available, and the length of the wintering period. For the most economical feeding programs, it seems that the cow herd should be divided into various groups based on their nutritional requirements for the wintering period. The object of this study was to determine the performance of beef cows and calves as influenced by the level of winter feeding and condition of the cow at the beginning of the wintering period.