Beef Cow Gestation Calculator
Here is a comprehensive table detailing important information about beef cow gestation:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Gestation Period | 283 days (approximately 9 months) |
| Range of Gestation | 279 to 287 days |
| Signs of Pregnancy | Increased abdominal size, udder development, changes in behavior |
| Early Pregnancy Detection | Ultrasound (28-35 days), Rectal Palpation (35-45 days) |
| Nutritional Needs | Increased during late gestation; high-quality forage, balanced diet |
| Vaccination | Ensure cows are up-to-date before breeding and during pregnancy |
| Common Complications | Dystocia (difficult birth), Twin births, Retained placenta |
| Pre-Calving Management | Move to clean, dry calving area 2-3 weeks before expected calving |
| Calving Signs | Restlessness, isolation, swelling of vulva, leaking colostrum |
| Labor Stages | 1. Dilation (2-6 hours), 2. Expulsion of calf (30 min – 2 hours), 3. Expulsion of placenta (6-12 hours) |
| Post-Calving Care | Ensure calf nurses within 2 hours, monitor cow and calf health |
| Weaning Age | Typically 6-8 months |
| Breeding Post-Calving | Usually wait 60-90 days before rebreeding |
| Heat Cycle Resumption | 30-60 days post-calving |
| Body Condition Score (BCS) | Ideal BCS at calving: 5-6 on a 9-point scale |
| Heifer Gestation | Similar to cows, but monitor more closely due to smaller size |
If you need more specific details on any of these parameters or additional information, please let me know!
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