Thin Cows Still To Calve
26 April 2018If cows are thin (condition score 1-2) right now at calving, take action to prevent calf and or/cow losses. If you are concerned about the condition/feeding of your cows please seek advice from your adviser, vet or nutritionist before it is too late – we are here to help.
It is vital to keep these very lean cows on a rising plane of nutrition:
Good grazing grass is obviously ideal but if grass is below 5 cm cows will not receive enough energy in late pregnancy and additional good forage/concentrates need to be fed.
- If forage is not available and concentrates are the alternative, feeds like draff or sugar beet pulp are safe fibrous and high energy feeds. For example for cows that need it, 2 kg of sugar beet pulp in the morning and 2 kg at night will supply half of a cows energy requirements.
- Tatties/roots can also offer energy (if available locally) and fed on the ground.
- Feed 100 – 150 g of a good high mag mineral
- If cows go down before calving get the vet out to examine and come up with a plan for the cow and the unborn calf.
Karen Stewart, Nutritionist
If you found this article useful then we also have articles on Thin Cows and Calves at Grass and Emergency Feeding of Hill Ewes
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