Reduced forage intake caused by drought can have an adverse effect on reproductive efficiency, especially if cows are thin at calving.
Just like human babies, calves thrive better when their moms are in a positive nutritional state during pregnancy. Pregnant cows and heifers also need prenatal supplements such as trace minerals.
The key to giving calves a healthy start is the feeding of clean, high quality colostrum, which is the ideal method of transferring proper nutrients and antibodies into newborn calves. The antibodies a calf receives from its mother help ward off disease until its own “naïve” immune system matures and effectively develops its own immune response.
In order to be fully prepared for calving season, consider arming—or at least refreshing—yourself with some knowledge and basic skills for calving cows, while also having necessary supplies gathered and on hand.
Dr. Dan Tracy explores the relationship between mycotoxins, trace minerals and oxidative stress during an aflatoxin challenge and addresses how the dairy industry can respond.
John Paterson, PhD discusses the correlation of drought on trace mineral status and how the lack available forage influences cows ability to rebreed.
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