For cattle producers, maintaining body condition during the grazing season is critical for reproductive performance, weaning weights and overall herd profitability. Selecting cattle that match the forage resources and environment of an operation is essential for long-term success. But how can producers identify and select animals that will maintain body condition throughout the grazing season? Here are some key factors to consider when making breeding and culling decisions.
Consider your forage conditions throughout the grazing season when making selection decisions. If forage quality is low during the grazing season, cattle that efficiently convert roughage into energy will have a clear advantage. Not all cattle perform equally on pasture. Some animals have a natural ability to convert forage into body condition efficiently, while others require more energy-dense feed to maintain weight. Selecting cattle with strong grazing efficiency starts with understanding their genetic background. Some breeds are better suited for certain environments than others. For instance, British breeds such as Angus and Hereford tend to perform well in temperate climates, while Bos indicus-influenced cattle, such as Brahman and Beefmaster, excel in hotter, more humid regions. Additionally, maternal traits, such as a cow’s milk production, have a large influence on how a cow maintains body condition while grazing. Cows with moderate milk production often maintain condition better than those with extreme milk production, which can demand excessive energy and lead to weight loss during lactation.
A cow’s size can also play a role in her ability to maintain body condition throughout the grazing season. Moderate-framed cattle generally have lower maintenance requirements than larger-framed animals. For example, a cow that is too large for her environment may struggle to maintain weight on available forage. However, the size of a cow’s ruminal volume in relation to its bodyweight can have a positive effect on her ability to utilize lower-quality forages while maintaining body condition. Cattle are typically generalist grazers and are adapted to high-fiber, low-quality forages due to their large ruminal capacity. Unlike selective grazers such as goats, which require higher-quality diets, cattle can thrive on forage that is abundant but lower in nutrient density as long as they have a large enough ruminal capacity for their weight and body size. Phenotypically speaking, this is typically characterized by the depth of body and the spring of ribs. Selecting for strong rumen function and adaptability to lower-quality forage can improve herd efficiency in grazing scenarios where forage resources don’t always meet cattle nutrient requirements.
Body condition score (BCS) is one of the best tools for monitoring cattle performance. A BCS scale from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (obese) helps track how well cattle maintain weight through different seasons. Ideally, cows should be at a BCS of 5 to 6 at calving to support reproductive success. Research has shown that the longevity and lifetime productivity of cows are influenced by their ability to maintain body condition efficiently. When evaluating body condition scores, some things to keep in mind are:
- How well do cows maintain or regain condition after calving?
- How well do cows maintain their condition on forage without excessive supplementation?
Thin cows might be producing more milk than the available forage can support, which may require additional feed. In drought years, these challenges are magnified, making it even more important to evaluate whether supplemental feeding is necessary for her to regain condition.
Keeping performance records and data-driven selection is one of the best ways to improve herd efficiency over time. Consider tracking the reproductive performance of cows within the herd. Cows that breed back quickly and calve consistently each year are typically more efficient at maintaining condition and a better fit for the environment of the operation. Tracking the weaning weights of calves can also be a useful tool; however, while heavier weaning weights are desirable, they should be balanced with the cow’s ability to maintain weight and condition without excessive inputs. One of the most effective ways to improve herd efficiency is to cull cattle that do not maintain condition well under typical pasture conditions. Some research has indicated that cows who maintain their condition well over multiple grazing seasons tend to have longer herd lifespans and greater overall productivity. Additionally, cows with higher lifetime productivity often come from older, more experienced dams, suggesting that selecting for maternal longevity and efficiency can improve herd productivity.
Evaluating your herd’s performance in a challenging year can be a game changer for your long-term operation. By focusing on genetics, body condition, size and environmental adaptability, producers can build a herd that thrives on available forage, even during difficult conditions. The most successful cows for your operation are those that breed back, raise high-quality calves and require fewer resources to maintain condition. By making thoughtful selection and culling decisions, you can position your operation for success in the years to come, ensuring sustainability, profitability and overall herd efficiency.
