Excessive heat does not provide optimum conditions for cow observation, but effective late-summer management of the body condition of spring-calving cows can help manage winter feed expenses.

As late summer progresses, University of Missouri livestock specialist Gene Schmitz says it's the ideal time to start planning for winter-feeding programs for beef cows.

“Winter feed costs are dictated by two important factors,” he adds, “forage quality and cow body condition score.”

Cow protein diet needs

Consider this winter-feeding scenario based on hay with 7.8% protein and 55% total digestible nutrients.

Schmitz says this marginal-quality hay can support cows at maintenance levels or those needing additional body condition scores. It takes about 80 pounds of liveweight gain to increase body condition score one point.

A quick energy diet reference to increase a cow's body condition score:

Quarter-point per month. Requires 14% more energy (e.g. 2.5 pounds of corn, dry distillers grains, or energy supplement.)

Half-point per month. Requires 31% more energy (e.g. 4 pounds of corn and 2 pounds of dry distillers grains, total 6 pounds of supplement, or energy source.)

Forage considerations

Given that forage quality and availability might be uncertain in September, Schmitz says it’s wise to begin monitoring forage depletion, pasture regrowth and cow body condition in August.

If forage becomes limited, consider early weaning of calves to prevent significant loss in cow body condition, which could require high-energy grain supplements or reliance on fall stockpiled forage.

“Be sure to factor in the time necessary for preweaning management when determining a target weaning date,” Schmitz says. “After weaning, supplements can be fed to weaned calves to add weight to a saleable product.”

Assess cow condition

A body condition score describes the relative fatness or body condition of a cow herd through the use of a nine-point scale.

A body condition score five (BCS 5) cow is in average flesh and represents a logical target for most cow herds. A BCS 1 cow is extremely thin, while a BCS 9 cow is obese.

To assess cattle for body condition, cattle producers must know the location of muscle and fat on the animal, along with the skeletal makeup of a cow.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension offers a quick and simple look at the cow's skeletal structure to give producer a starting point.

Examine these six areas when using BCS:

To ensure cows achieve optimal body condition before calving and breeding seasons, start the process well in advance. Schmitz adds, an effective strategy is to avoid depleting body condition in the first place.

The timing of weaning can significantly affect the need for body condition supplementation and overall winter feed costs.

For more detailed guidance on hay testing, ration formulation or producing stockpiled tall fescue, email [email protected] or call 660-827-0591.