Winter cattle tips

• Pregnant cows need building up in body condition before calving to be at BCS 5.

• Beef & Lamb NZ has a free condition scoring handbook with practical tips for beef cattle. Go to www.beeflambnz. com and search for ‘Condition scoring for beef cows’.

• Give young stock priority feed to keep them growing. Aim for 0.5kg/day.

• Ask for vet advice on the mineral status of cattle not thriving during winter.

• Do not drench any cattle not thriving until FEC levels are checked and then make sure to use the appropriate product.

• Prevent pasture pugging at all costs. Build a sheltered stand-off pad with approved effluent control for wet spells.

• Cull bulls not needed for next season - they are a major hazard.

• Watch for lice on young cattle, especially calves and yearlings.

• Be prepared for early unexpected abortions. Check with your vet for urgent advice.

• Have the treatments ready for metabolic problems (milk fever, staggers and acidosis) as some may appear in winter.

• Decide what you are going to do about rearing calves next spring - book them with dairy farmers, which is the best option.