Winter feed expenses account for approximately one-third of the annual cost of production for a beef cow. Since hay makes up the largest portion of winter feed, minimizing feeding losses is the most efficient way to control feed costs.

Continuing with the theme of nutrition at calving, we’ll now shift focus to how it relates to colostrum production along with management for the calf. Born essentially without immunity, calves don’t yet have the necessary antibodies to shield them from disease, which is why they have to rely on their mother for the immunoglobulin-rich nourishment of colostrum through passive immunity.