Early lactation is an important time on farm, encompassing both calving and mating. Balancing feed demand with supply and ensuring cows get adequate energy to produce well and get back in calf can have its challenges. Use the checklist below to help stay on track.

Monitor BCS Loss

• Know your targets
• Cows will lose BCS post-calving and this is normal. The key is to keep this loss to a less than 1 BCS

Allocate Spring Pastures appropriately

• Spring is a balancing act between managing pasture residuals and quality, while also trying to match feed demand
• A spring rotation planner will help you to best manage your pasture supply and quality

Calculate cow demand

• Know what your feed demand is during calving and early lactation.

Identify the gap

• If there is a gap between pasture available and cow demand, use cost effective supplements.
• Determine what nutrient is limiting production
• Identify a reliable, cost effective & sustainable source of that nutrient