Early Weaning Benefits First-Calf Cows, Calves
Robert Wells, Ph.D.
Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation
The southern Plains summer heat can be hard on pastures, cows and calves, especially first-calf cows. These cows are in a special class as they are still trying to maintain body condition, actively grow, support reproduction by gestating with her second calf, and lactating. Lactation is one of the most nutritionally intensive production stages a cow goes through on an annual basis.
