Hi, I have a first time heifer on my hands, the first cow I've personally had to watch by myself, and we're planning on using mom and baby for show cattle. She calves in September-October, and I was wondering if there's anything you guys think would be best to feed her. I currently feed her beet pulp and peanut oil along with typical sweet feed and pasture. Do you guys think I should feed her anything in order to keep her full of nutrients and energy?
Pregnant First Time Heifer
- Thread starter hj.380
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fish94
Active member
Grass and mineral.... don't let her get to fat on you or you will have fun calving her out.
Bulldaddy
Well-known member
Sounds like she is in good condition. Do what fish94 says. Grass/hay and minerals until she calves. Then give a supplement with some protein. If she gets extra protein before calving, it will go to the calf and add birth weight which you do not want with a heifer.
Simmgal
Well-known member
fish94 said:
I agree. Don't want a heifer too over-conditioned before calving. If you're wanting to feed her good, roll it to her after she calves.
Do you have CE and BW EPD's for the bull you used? Has he been used on heifers before? From your comment, it sounds like you have used him on mature cows. Either way she's already bred to him now, so just don't let her get too much feed before calving and watch her closely.
We use the body condition score guide published by North Dakota St. Extension as our feeding guide. ( it is on the internet) This guide is for cows but it will also work for heifers. You need to evaluate the amount of fat on the back, ribs and tail head. If your animal is to fat you will have to decrease the energy in the ration and make sure she get adequate excercise. If your animal is to thin you need to increase the amount of energy in the ration. Keep in mind when the ration is changed you still have balance protien,minerals, and vitamines. I suggest you consult your feed supplier or nutrionest. In Iowa the cheapest way to add fiber is grass hay and or beat pulp. The cheapest way to increase energy is corn. Some judges like heifers with to much fat on them in my opinion,so you are going to have to decide if you want more cover on your animal to do well in the show or risk a calving problem with an over fat animal later on.
