CATTLE CARE BASICS
Goal for breeding season: introduce bull May 1 through August 1 (more seasonally appropriate for breeding/calving); You can move the beginning of the season one month later each year to adjust. If your cows are too thin, they will not breed back, and they may suffer injuries due to mounting by the bulls. Additionally, you may lose bulls due to malnutrition if their body condition is not adequate to withstand the rigors of breeding.
At beginning of breeding season (May)
Calves 0 – 4 months: Covexin 8 (or other blackleg vaccine); Virashield 5 respiratory vaccine; Deworm (Cydectin); Dehorn, castrate, ear tags
Cows, Bulls 2 yrs +:Pyramid 10 vaccine; Covexin 8 (if under 2 yrs); Deworm (Cydectin), Fly Tags
Six months later (November)
Calves: Wean; Deworm (Cydectin); Pyramid 4 plus Presponce vaccine (respiratory); Covexin 8 (Blackleg);
Cows: Pyramid 10 Vaccine; Covexin 8 (2 and under); Pregnancy check, cull open cows
Deworm all cattle in herd at least three to four times yearly, more often if needed due to density on pasture.
Feed
Winter: 25# hay/cow/day
Growth, Breeding: 50#/cow/day + grain + minerals + protein
Links to other cattle information:
http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex6769?opendocument
http://www.lifestyleblock.co.nz/articles/cattle/32_bloat_in_cattle.htm
http://www.afac.ab.ca/animalcareinfo.htm#Beef