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Winter Health Checks for Beef Herds

Winter is the slow season for work but a busy one for planning. A thorough health check on your cows now lets you fix problems while there is still time before calving and spring grass.

Why winter is a good time to look closely

Cows are usually in the middle or late stage of pregnancy, and the herd is often in a smaller area, so it is easier to see every animal. Feed costs are high, which makes it a good time to find out which cows are carrying their weight and which are not.

A methodical check also gives you time to act. Condition can be improved, culls can be planned and the vet can be scheduled.

Consider making a winter check a yearly routine with a printed form, so the same points are covered every time and records can be compared year to year.

Body condition first

Body condition scoring on the 1 to 9 scale tells you whether cows are getting what they need. Score every cow, or at least a good sample, and note which ones are thin or fat. Sort groups if you can, so thin cows and first-calf heifers can be fed differently from fat ones.

Ask your extension specialist or vet what range to aim for at this point in gestation for your herd. Do not wait for calving to find out that half the herd is too thin.

Where you can, weigh or at least photograph thin cows so you can see changes over the next several weeks.

Head to hoof checklist

As you move through the herd, look at each animal's overall health and behavior. Take notes on any cow that stands out.

Mark animals needing follow-up and write the tag number so it does not depend on memory.

• Eyes: clear, no discharge or cloudiness
• Mouth and teeth: older cows may struggle to chew roughage
• Coat: dull, rough or patchy hair can signal parasites or poor nutrition
• Feet and legs: lameness, swelling or overgrown hooves
• Udder: lumps, damage or blind quarters, since a cow has four quarters and each matters
• Manure: consistency and color for the herd as a group
• Breathing and cough: signs of respiratory trouble

Parasites, feed and water

Ask your vet about parasite control in winter and what testing is worthwhile, such as fecal checks. Any treatment plan should be built by the vet using label directions, with withdrawal times followed exactly.

Test your forage for nutrient content and plan the winter ration with a nutritionist. Check that water is open, clean and plentiful, since poor water intake lowers feed intake and health.

Ask your vet which health conditions in your region show up in winter, such as respiratory trouble or lice, and what signs to watch for so you can report early.

Vaccination and biosecurity plan

Winter is a good time to review vaccination plans for the coming year. Ask your vet which products are needed before calving and before breeding, and which animals are due. Write the schedule down and keep records of what was given, when and by whom.

Review how you handle new additions. Purchased cattle, returning bulls and animals from shows or leases should be isolated and checked before joining the herd.

Pregnancy status and calving prep

If you did not pregnancy check cows after breeding, ask your vet when and how to do it. Knowing who is open or late-bred lets you plan feed and culling. Gestation is roughly nine months, about 283 days, so you can estimate calving timing from breeding dates if you kept records.

Prepare the calving area, supplies and a call list. Review the plan for hard calvings, chilled calves and colostrum with your vet before the first heifer calves.

Common mistakes

Do not skip scoring because the cows look fine from the truck, and do not forget to write down findings. Avoid waiting until calving to fix thin cows or lame feet. Put your vet visit on the calendar early, and take your notes along so the conversation stays specific.

Send your list of flagged animals to your vet ahead of the visit. A prepared list saves time and money on the day.

More in Herd Health & Cattle Care

• Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows
• Condition Scoring Heifers Before Breeding
• Cattle Handling and Low-Stress Stockmanship
• Emergency Cattle Handling
• Castration and Dehorning Best Practices
• Pain Management for Ranch Procedures