The Effect of Postpartum Supplementation Strategy on Performance in May-Calving 2- and 3-yr-old Range Cows

Authors

Nicole M. Woita, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Selby L. Boerman, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
J. A. Musgrave, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Kacie L. McCathy, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
J. Travis Mulliniks, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

Reproductive performance in young 2- and 3-yr-old cows are often the lowest in the cow herd, which is due to their inability to consume enough energy and protein to meet their requirements for growth and lactation. A 3-yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of postpartum supplementation strategy on reproduction, cow body weight, and calf performance in lactating young 2- and 3-yr-old May-calving range cows. Supplementation was initiated 20 d prior to the start of the breeding season (45-d postpartum) and continued throughout the 45-d breeding season (125-d postpartum). Supplementation was provided daily with treatments being 1) mineral supplement alone, 2) mineral with an additional 0.5 lb/d of a high rumen undegradable protein source (porcine blood meal and hydrolyzed feather meal), or 3) dried distiller grains. Supplementation strategy did not influence changes in cow body weight or body condition score. However, reproductive performance in cows receiving either the mineral with RUP and the dried distiller grains cows were increased over the mineral alone, which demonstrates the need to increase metabolizable protein supply during the breeding season to positively impact reproduction in young, May calving cows.