Читать книгу Hobby Farm Animals - Chris McLaughlin - Страница 28

A cow that is nurturing a fetus while also nursing a rapidly growing calf works hard and needs a good diet to keep her in condition. A heifer is still growing herself when she is bred for the first time, so she needs a good diet, too. A young cow with her first calf and pregnant with the next—and that is still growing itself—may be working hardest of all.

Fortunately, most beef cows are built to do all of these jobs on only good pasture and hay. Even a nursing and pregnant cow shouldn’t need any grain, although many producers will supplement their pregnant heifers with a small grain ration through the winter. With some large breeds in certain climates, it may be advisable to supplement grain; ask other producers in the area or contact your breed association. Whatever your feeding program, keep an eye on your cows’ condition through the winter. If they start getting thin, you’ll need to supplement their feed in order to ensure healthy calves the following spring.