Proper nutrition and feeding management are essential for the well-being of a pregnant cow, both for her foetus. The development of the fetal organs, including the heart, lungs, immune system, and other body tissues, takes place at different points during pregnancy. Proper nutrition is also important for the development of muscle fibers and fat cells. The type of feed a pregnant cow is given has an impact on her carcass yield and marbling.
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Vitamin injections
The effects of vitamin injections on lactation in pregnant cows have not been fully characterized. Vitamin D has been shown to stimulate insulin secretion. Vitamin D also affects the intracellular calcium content of pancreatic b cells. Although the study was conducted on fresh cows, serum total and ionized calcium levels were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups. In addition, vitamin D has been found to increase glucose uptake, which may be beneficial for cows whose milk production is reduced.
The importance of vitamins to the newborn calf cannot be overemphasized. These nutrients are not transferred across the placenta at sufficient levels. Therefore, the newborn calf must obtain adequate levels through colostrum. Vitamin injections in feeding management of pregnant cows should focus on vitamin levels in the cows before calving. Providing adequate amounts of these nutrients to the colostrum may prevent adverse reactions to vaccines.
Drying of udders
During calving, the udders of pregnant cows fill with fluid. The vulva becomes swollen and ligaments loosen. The cow then calves. About ninety-five percent of cows calve in the calving pen. However, some die within the first 24 hours. If you’re planning to use the calving pen, be sure to plan accordingly.
As a rule, cows tend to be sensitive to the light level in the stall. They have a reflective layer at the back of their eyes, so they can see better in low light. However, they need more light to stimulate their biorhythm. The warmer the shed, the better, as cows’ bodies require more light to maintain a healthy biorhythm. A warm and humid summer helps the cows’ body temperature and milk production.
Colostrum
The use of colostrum in the feeding management of a pregnant cow can be beneficial to the baby. It contains more protein than milk and provides the baby with several important vitamins, such as vitamin A and D. The protein content of colostrum is seventeen to eighteen percent, compared to two to three percent for whole milk. Its vitamin content varies depending on the nutritional status of the cow. Colostrum contains antibodies that transfer passive immunity from the mother to the offspring. These antibodies are called immunoglobulins.
To prevent contamination of the colostrum, it is important to avoid pooling or feeding colostrum from known infected cows. Colostrum from sanitised cows should be kept in a separate labelled container. In addition, the udder should be cleaned before milking, as sanitized udders are more likely to contain colostrum. Using clean equipment and using a sanitized bucket for milking also reduces the risk of contamination.
Protein levels
The NRC recommends 7.9% crude protein and 54% total digestible nutrients for multiparous cows in their last trimester of pregnancy and during the winter. Supplementation may be helpful in the winter range forage. Crude protein is divided into two fractions – rumen degradable protein (RDP) and rumen undegradable protein (RDP). RDP contributes to the overall protein content of a cow’s diet. For a March-calving Nellore cow, 0.31 lb of supplemental RDP per day is sufficient.
Studies in cattle during late gestation have shown that maternal dietary energy and protein intake have a direct impact on calf growth. However, supplementation did not affect rebreeding rates of the dams. Furthermore, supplementation during late gestation did not affect calf birth weight (BW) or the dam’s rebreeding rate. Nonetheless, it may improve carcass performance and feedlot efficiency. In winter, the grazing system may affect the performance of steer and beef cow progeny.
Monitoring body condition before calving
A basic understanding of cow anatomy is needed for measuring a cow’s body condition before calving. Body condition scores have been around for more than fifty years, and are still considered an effective way to determine whether a cow is fertile. Several techniques are available for monitoring body condition, including using body condition scoring on a computer or smart phone app. In addition to determining whether a cow is fertile, BCS scores can be used to help determine if she is likely to calve.
Cattle producers should evaluate the cow’s body condition at least three times a year. Cows that are low in body condition before calving are unlikely to rebreed, and excessive losses of condition will reduce reproductive performance. Cows that calve in body condition score less than 5.5 may require extra nutrition in order to gain the condition necessary for parturition. The best way to predict whether a cow will be fertile again is to monitor her body condition at least 90 days prior to calving. This will allow producers to adjust her feeding program to improve her body condition and fertility.
Milk fever
Acute cases of milk fever in a pregnant cow can dramatically decrease the productive life of a cow. To ensure milk production at a level economically viable, the cow must be rehabilitated quickly. Cows that experience milk fever are more likely to contract secondary diseases as well. According to Curtis, they are more likely to develop ketosis during lactation. Fortunately, treatment can reverse milk fever in a pregnant cow.
There are several factors that contribute to the development of milk fever, including phosphorus and calcium intakes. Several studies have examined the effect of these nutrients on the incidence of milk fever in pregnant cows. For example, a high calcium intake during the last few weeks of pregnancy may be linked to a reduced milk production. Alternatively, low calcium intake is associated with a lower risk of milk fever. In addition, feeding rations low in calcium during the dry period may prevent milk fever.
