Controlled Calving
Season
A controlled calving season is a 60-90 day period when all calves are born. It allows improved nutrient, health, and marketing management due to animal similarity all year.
Winter Calving
Calves born late December to early March
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Cows bred mid March to mid May; calves weaned September/early October
Advantages:
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Calves older at traditional time of sale
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Older, bigger bulls to sell for purebred operations
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Avoids breeding during hottest part of year
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Little problem with mud at calving
Disadvantages:
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Calving in coldest part of the year--longer time from calving to pasture
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High cow costs due to more need for stored feed
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Cows take longer to recycle
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Calves grazed during summer forage slump
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Commercial calves marketed when prices are low
Spring Calving
Calves born March-May-65-75% of herds in Virginia
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Cows bred in June and July; calves weaned from October to December
Advantages:
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Favorable weather for calving
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Lactating cows fed primarily on pasture-costs lower (dry cows over winter)
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Calves marketed before winter begins
Disadvantages:
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Can be muddy at calving
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Calves grazed through the summer forage slump
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Calbes sold when prices are low
Fall Calving
Calves born September to earl November-20-30% of herds
Cows bred in December and January; calves weaned late spring/early summer
Advantages:
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Weather favorable for calving
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Cows usually dry during summer forage slump
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Cows cycle back quickly after calving
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Avoid breeding during hottest part of the year
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Calves marketed during year's highest prices
Disadvantages:
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Lactating cows and calves fed during winter--cow costs are increased
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Calf health may suffer in western Virginia
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Breeding during shortest days of the year
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If weaned early spring, calf weight might be light
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Need to keep calves longer to make up for winter