January Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Closely monitor cattle for internal and external parasites. Parasite losses are
largely hidden, but very costly. 

 Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning can be a problem for cattle grazing lush forages. Use Hi-Mag mineral through spring green-up to prevent grass tetany. Cottonseed meal added to the mineral will help maintain consumption.

Isolate any new cattle arriving on the ranch and test for brucellosis after 60 days. If tests are negative, new cattle may be added to the herd.

NUTRITION

Dry cows require at least 7% protein for wintertime maintenance of the rumen function and feed intake. Cows nursing calves need at least 9% protein. 

 If hay fails to meet minimum protein requirements, additional feed will be needed. Your feed dealer, veterinarian or extension agent can offer
recommendations. 

 Two hours daily grazing on small grain pasture will satisfy winter protein requirements, but growing and lactating cattle need additional energy. It can be supplied with grains, quality hay or
other kinds of supplements.

FORAGES

Complete land preparation for sprigging coastal Bermuda and plan to finish sprigging by the end of February. 

 Test pasture and hay meadow soils to
determine fertilizer and lime
requirements for the spring growing season.

Top dress small grain and ryegrass pastures if moisture is available and additional forage is needed.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving
Move pregnant animals to calving pastures. Give heifers extra nutrition and maintain cows with a body
condition score of 6 or better. Immunize heifers to prevent disease in newborns. (See Reference 6)

Fall Calving
Rotate bulls every two to four weeks during the breeding season to improve
calving intervals. Tag, brand or tattoo cows for individual identification and record keeping.

 Implant, dehorn and tag new calves that have not been worked.

February Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Watch for signs of internal and external parasites. Parasitism is second only to poor nutrition as a leading cause of cattle losses in East
Texas.

 Grass tetany and nitrate poisoning continue to be potential problems.  Vitamin A injections may be  applicable.

Recurrences of foot cracks, poor hair coats, unthrifty calves, poor conception and nail problems may be due to imbalances of iron, copper, zinc, sulfur, manganese and
other micro minerals. Seek
veterinary advice if these problems are seen regularly.

NUTRITION

This is the most critical time of the year for supplemental feeding. Give special attention to young animals
and thin, older cows. The cow's body condition score is the best indicator that additional feed is needed.
(See Reference 4)

Loss of weight suggests that
more pounds of an energy type supplement is needed. Protein supplement can be decreased in proportion to an increase in energy supplement. If additional energy is indicated, consider using 4 pounds of a 20 percent protein ration instead
of 2 pounds of a 40 percent
supplement.

FORAGES

Sprig bermuda in February to
achieve best results. Withhold high rates of nitrogen until warmer
weather. 

 Topdress small grain pastures with nitrogen fertilizer to stimulate
growth as the weather warms. 

 Test warm season pastures to determine spring fertilizer and liming requirements. 

 Use controlled burning to eliminate weeds, small woody plants and thick mats of dead grass that could impede regrowth.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

February to April is the ideal period for spring calving. Watch for calving problems, especially among first-calf
heifers. Treat the navel of a newborn calf with a 2% or 7% iodine solution.

Fall Calving

Continue breeding for fall calves, generally using one bull for each 25 cows. Remove bulls after a 60-90 day breeding season. Take
steps to avoid the major causes of a poor conception rate. They are low body scores, insufficient energy
intake, mineral imbalance, disease and bull infertility.

March Cattle Management

HEALTH 

If cattle were not wormed following a freeze in November or December,
a heavy burden of internal parasites and lice will become evident this
month. Worming and parasite control are very likely needed. 

 Be alert for problems associated with bloat and grass tetany. If injections are required, follow label directions for dosage and type of injection. 

 All injections should be given in the neck region, not in the hind quarter where lesions will damage higher priced cuts of meat. The proper location for intramuscular injections
is three inches below the neckline and three inches forward of the shoulder blade.

NUTRITION

March is one of the most critical times in a cow's nutritional cycle. There is a tendency to suspend
supplemental feeding at the first signs of spring, but that can be costly.

 Lush spring growth supplies protein, but the energy content of early growth is not sufficient to meet the requirements of cattle.

FORAGES

Complete sprigging of Bermuda grass early this month. Delay often leads to unsatisfactory stand
development. Continue cleaning up summer pastures in preparation for spring regrowth.  

 Remove cattle from small grain pastures if the crop is to be harvested
for grain or used for  reseeding of pastures.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving
Check cows at least daily for calving problems. Treat a newbom calfs navel with iodine solution, castrate
bull calves not intended for breeding and match the cow and calf with eartags.

Fall Calving
Palpate cows after bulls are removed. Cull open cows.

Begin developing a marketing plan for fall calves. Give serious consideration to increasing the value of calves through alternative
marketing opportunities or various forms of retained ownership.

April Cattle Management

HEALTH 

With the coming of lush grass, the possibility of legume bloat photo- sensitization is increased. Get specialized help for prevention and treatment. 

Be alert to oak bud toxicity if cows have access to leaf buds opening in early April.

 April is normally too early for strategic deworming or application of fly tags, and many spring calves are still too young to be worked for the first time. These spring- time chores can be delayed for another month.

NUTRITION

Supplemental feeding can usually be stopped in April, but don't neglect mineral and salt troughs.  

With the onset of spring growth, mineral supplementation is essential. The small cost involved
will more than pay for itself with better growth and improved health.

FORAGES

Avoid the temptation to fertilize warm season grasses too early.  You may be fertilizing weeds instead of grass. Night time temperatures need to be above 60 degrees for a week before Bermuda will show consistent growth. 

Where crimson clover is found, withhold grazing for 30 to 45 days for reseeding.

Spray warm season pastures if young weeds are abundant. When using any pesticide, follow label
directions and properly dispose of chemicals and containers. Improper
handling can result in injury or even death.                    (See Appendix A)

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

Prepare now for spring breeding. Check bulls for breeding soundness
and correct foot and leg problems before returning them to service. 

Place bulls with heifers one heat cycle (about 45 days) ahead of older cows. Replacement heifers should be 14-15 months of age and weigh at least 65 percent of their projected mature weight. Light heifers have a low probability of conception and should be culled.

Fall Calving
April is a slack period in the fall calving cycle -- a good time to clean up pastures during nice weather.

May Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Treat for stomach worms and
external parasites during May.  Plenty of grazing is available and cattle can be moved to a clean pasture
after worming. Fly tags applied in May should last until fall. 

Spring calves can be worked when they are two-to-four months of age. By four months old, calves should be dehorned, castrated, wormed, implanted and have their initial vaccinations.  (See Reference 2) 

 This is also a good time to work fall calves that have reached six months of age. In addition to worming, they need pre-weaning vaccinations for
blackleg and the BRD complex respiratory diseases.

NUTRITION

Good quality pasture in May
provides all the nutrition cattle need. Salt and minerals are probably the only nutritional supplements
required. A balanced 12-12 calcium-phosphorus mineral should be available on a free choice basis.

FORAGES

Fertilize hay meadows after night time temperatures remain above 60 degrees for at least seven consecutive days. Use fertilizer rates recommended in your soil
test reports.                        (See Reference 5) 

 For effective utilization of rapidly growing warm season grasses, use
high stocking rates and frequent rotation to keep forage young and leafy.

Withhold grazing for 30 days on pastures where you want arrowleaf clover and vetch to reseed. Fescue toxicity may become a problem where fungus infested stands are found.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving
Place bulls with mature cows for a 60-75 day breeding season.  Consider the use of estrus synchronization products for breeding cows by A.I..

Fall Calving
Pregnancy test cows scheduled to calve in October and November.
Cull open cows and heifers and sell them as soon as market conditions permit. Because of good grazing
conditions, they should be near maximum weight and will bring the highest dollar return.

June Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Finish working spring-born calves before the weather gets too hot.  

Complete pre-weaning vaccinations of fall born calves and plan to wean them at least 45-days before the anticipated sale date. 

 Anaplasmosis could be a concern if your herd has known carriers. Seek
veterinary assistance to determine the best treatment.

NUTRITION

Good grazing through June provides all the nutrition needed by adult cattle. Fresh supplies of salt and a
balanced mineral remain necessary. 

Adjust stocking rates and rotation pastures to keep pastures in a leafy, new growth stage. Old, rank growth loses much of its nutritional value. 

 Consider a high protein supplement for nursing calves. It will increase calf weights, prepare them for weaning and reduce milking demands on the mothers.

FORAGES

June will likely produce the first hay cutting of the year. If covered storage is not available, stack hay on a well-drained site to minimize
spoilage. (See Reference 5)

Hay harvesting significantly
depletes the soil's supply of
nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Refertilize after each hay cutting, using soil tests as guidance for the type and amount of fertilizer.

Fertilize pastures when forage becomes pale or yellowed, but before the onset of dry weather in July and August. If pastures are growing faster than cattle can use the forage, bale the excess for hay.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

Plan to end spring breeding when bulls have been with cows 60-to-90 days. Fertility and conception rates decline as the weather gets hotter.

Fall Calving

Continue pre-weaning procedures for conditioning fall-born calves. Follow Tex-Vac program recommendations.             (See Reference 2) 

 Cows and bulls usually need deworming and some form of fly control in late June or July.  Many producers find it a  convenient time to also give adult cattle annual
booster vaccinations for vibrio-lepto and the BRD respiratory complex.

July Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Anaplasmosis, leptospirosis, red water and other warm weather infectious diseases may show up at this time of year. If a problem is suspected, contact a veterinarian for diagnosis and prevention. 

 Treat cows, calves and bulls for worms and grubs if it was not done in June. Keep a close watch for problems caused by flies, ticks and other external parasites.

NUTRITION

Coastal Bermuda declines in
nutritional value during hot, dry weather. A high protein supplement at the rate of one pound per head per day for cows and summer stockers
will help stimulate intake and
digestibility of low quality grass.  Suitable supplements include range meals, syrup blocks, protein blocks and liquid feeds.  

Nursing calves will benefit from a high protein creep feed such as cottonseed meal fed at the rate of one pound per head per day. 

 Water is the most important nutrient during hot weather. Check water sources frequently and keep supplies free of algae and other foreign matter.

FORAGES

If moisture is available, hay
meadows and pastures can be fertilized and problem weeds sprayed with broadleaf weed killer.

 When spraying, carefully follow herbicide label directions, calibrate sprayers and avoid herbicide drift that could damage desirable plants. (See Appendix A) 

 Have each hay cutting tested for protein content to determine its value for winter feed.

HERD MANAGEMENT

If cattle need to be worked, do it during the coolest part of the day to minimize stress and overheating of cattle.

If drought conditions exist and forage is in short supply, it may be necessary to wean calves early to reduce strain on mother cows.  After breeding, bulls need
supplemental feed to restore body condition. Use feeds to promote growth, not fattening.  

Ample room for exercise is important for the bulls. They generally fare better when two or more bulls are run together or with
pregnant cows.

August Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Anaplasmosis poses its greatest threat for the next 60-to-90 days. Prussic poisoning also can be a
problem in drought conditions. Check cattle regularly.

 When treatment is required, be certain all injections are given in the neck muscle to avoid damaging valuable cuts of meat. 

 Fall weaning places calves under heavy stress. To minimize illness and weight loss, calves should be
Tex-Vac preconditioned before removal from their mothers. Major health-related elements of the Tex-Vac program include vaccinations
for the major respiratory diseases, IBR-BVD-BRSV-PI3, and for
blackleg.

NUTRITION

Cows scheduled to calve in October and November need to be on a rising nutritional plane. Supplements are
needed if high quality forage is not available. 

Check the adequacy of hay supplies to carry cattle through winter. It may be necessary to buy more hay or put in extra winter pasture.

 Contracting now for winter feed can save you money and headaches later on. Prices usually rise as feeding time gets closer.

FORAGES

Make preparations for winter
pastures, beginning with soil tests to determine fertilizer requirements for small grains and ryegrass. 

 Decide what varieties of cool season grasses to use and order the seed. Begin land preparation this month if winter pastures are to be established on prepared seed beds. 

Clean up pastures that have been neglected during the hay season.  August moisture conditions are usually not suitable for spraying, but pastures choked with weeds and old-growth Bermuda can be mowed. Removal of stale forage permits higher quality grass to grow when fall rains arrive.  

Scout pastures and hay meadows for army worms. Treat when infestations are apparent.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

Begin early weaning the calves of first calf heifers so the mothers can gain weight before cold weather.

Vaccination programs should be underway for calves to be held as stockers, permanently retained or
sold in preconditioned calf sales.

Fall Calving

Develop a marketing plan for fall calves carried through the summer on grass. Special Tex-Vac sales are an increasingly profitable outlet for small and medium operators.  Alternative markets to consider for
truck load lots include video sales, direct sale to stocker operators or retained ownership in a feedlot.

September Cattle Management

HEALTH 

September is primetime for
anaplasmosis. Be alert for signs of the illness.

Continue Tex-Vac weaning
procedures for calves to be sold this fall.                       (See Reference 2)  

Heifer calves expected to become replacement cows should be vaccinated for brucellosis and
leptospirosis.

NUTRITION

Put breeding herd on good pasture and supplement if necessary to build body condition before frost. Heifers scheduled to calve this fall need to be on an increasing plane of nutrition to prepare for calving and rebreeding.  

Plan a winter feeding program while there is time to make adjustments. If hay is to be the basic winter forage, get it tested for nutritional value. Build the rest of the program to cover deficiencies.

Use of supplemental feeds should be based on the adequacy of available
forage and requirements of your specific herd. There is no "one-size-fits-all" feeding program.

FORAGES

Topdress coastal and other warm season grasses with 50 pounds nitrogen in early September to encourage quality regrowth until frost. Watch for armyworms' as
rainfall increases.

 Small grains can be planted on prepared seedbeds beginning about Sept. 15. Apply fertilizer as indicated
by soil tests. Sodseeding of small grains and ryegrass should be delayed until
October. 

Continue to monitor for army worms.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

If consigning spring calves to a preconditioned calf sale in mid-November, they need to be weaned before the end of September.                     (See Reference 2)

Lighter calves can be carried through the winter on cool season pastures. The spring market for calves and yearlings is typically higher than the fall market.

Fall Calving

The fall calving herd can be moved to a calving pasture. Give first calf heifers priority on pastures offering the best nutrition. Vaccinate heifers
to stimulate antibody production before calving.

October Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Calves to be sold this fall should be immunized and weaned for 45 days before delivery to market. Non-
vaccinated calves run a high risk of developing shipping fever after they leave the ranch. Follow Tex-Vac
guidelines.                          (See References 2) 

 Heifer calves between four and twelve months of age, not previously treated,
should receive a brucellosis
vaccination. 

To prevent  permanent kidney damage, prevent cattle from eating acorns that begin falling this month. Cattle which have been grazing droughty, late
summer-fall pastures may need a Vitamin A injection.

NUTRITION

Arrange for delivery of winter feed. In most cases, feeding need not begin
before November, but weather and pasture conditions could dictate an early start. 

 Continue monitoring body conditions as winter approaches and begin supplemental feeding if necessary to avoid weight losses. Weight gain is
difficult and much more expensive during the winter feeding period.

FORAGES

Finish planting small grain pastures on prepared seedbeds by mid-October.
Topdress with nitrogen after plants are established if the application rate at planting was low. 

 Sodseeding of small grains, ryegrass and clover can usually begin in the first half of October. Mow or short graze warm season grasses to reduce competition with cool season seedlings. 

 Phosphorous and potassium can be applied when sodseeding, but avoid
high rates of nitrogen at seeding.  Nitrogen will stimulate warm season
perennials, creating  competition for the cool season annuals.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Pregnancy test  spring-calving cows
and vaccinate as needed. Cull cows which are open, unsound, too old or have a history of poor performance.
(See Reference 3)

Continue weaning and post-weaning conditioning of calves to be sold before year-end. Forage conditions permitting, calves to be carried through winter on cool season pastures can
remain with cows for a few more weeks for Tex-Vac preconditioning.  

Fall Calving

Check cows daily for calving
problems. Treat navels of new calves with iodine solution.

November Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Acorns are plentiful in November. Keep cattle away from them. 

After the first hard freeze, treat cows, calves and bulls for internal and external parasites.

First and second calf heifers
scheduled to calve in late winter or early spring should be vaccinated to build immunity against newborn
diseases. 

If breeding in mid-winter for fall calving, vaccinate bulls and replacement heifers for Vibrio and Lepto at least 30-to-60 days before the start of breeding.

NUTRITION

Expect to begin feeding hay after the first killing frost; sooner if standing forage is poor. Use supplemental
feeds, if needed, to maintain good body condition.

 Provide extra feed for  pregnant heifers and open replacement heifers. Bulls also need extra feed to build
body condition before breeding starts.

 Dry cows normally don't need energy
supplementation to maintain body condition, but may need a protein supplement if hay quality is marginal. Don't neglect salt and balanced minerals just because cool weather has arrived. Make them available
year round.

FORAGES

Topdress sodseeded winter
annuals with nitrogen after summer grasses are dormant. Withhold grazing until the forage is well established and at least six inches in height.

 Small grains planted on prepared seed beds can be top dressed if more forage is needed.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

Complete weaning of spring calves to reduce the cow's nutritional requirements. Place dry cows on lower quality forages, sufficient to
maintain good body condition. 

Select replacement heifers from among weaned calves based on conformation, weaning weight, temperament and the dam's record.

Fall Calving

Continue monitoring for calving problems and separate cows with
calves. Feed supplements if needed to maintain body condition before calving and provide for nursing
requirements after calving.

December Cattle Management

HEALTH 

Watch young calves for coughing, passiveness or lack of appetite -- the
major indicators of illness.

Calf scours can be a problem anytime during the winter. Causes are numerous and the illness is often infectious and contagious. If a problem persists, get expert advice
for treatment and prevention.

Cattle not wormed since a hard freeze should be treated for internal and external parasites. Lice and ticks, which persist through cold
weather, can be controlled with pourons, dustbags, back rubbers, sprays,
injectables or feed additives.

NUTRITION

Sodseeded pastures may be ready for grazing this month. If pasture is limited, grazing two hours a day or two-to-three days a week usually satisfies protein requirements. 

Give growing animals first priority on winter annuals, followed by lactating cows, then dry cows. 

An average-sized lactating cow has a daily requirement of about 20 pounds of roughage and the equivalent of 4 pounds of 20% range cubes. A dry pregnant cow needs 20% less forage and only one-fourth as much
supplement. 

To prevent overeating or urea poisoning, be certain cows are full of hay before offering supplements.

FORAGES

Expect growth of winter pastures to be slow during the coldest part of the winter. Hay supplementation may be needed. 

While annual ryegrass produces more total forage between planting and dormancy, rye and wheat normally outperform ryegrass in December and January. 

When feeding round-baled hay, use hay rings to reduce waste. Remove baling twine and feed bags from pastures to prevent injury to cattle and damage to equipment.

 Begin land preparation now if planning to sprig Bermuda in February or March.

HERD MANAGEMENT

Spring Calving

Use supplements to keep first-calf heifers on a solid growth curve before calving. Supplement other cows as needed to maintain a body
condition score of 6 or better. 

Fall Calving

Make final preparations for winter breeding. Give bulls a fertility test and a thorough examination for physical firmness. 

Place bulls with heifers one heat cycle earlier than mature cows.  Remove bulls after 45-to-60 days to ensure heifers adequate rest between calving and rebreeding.

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