Breeding Season Tips for Fall Calving Herds

Oct 31, 2025

By Travis Meteer

Fall calving herds are approaching breeding season. While general breeding practices are similar to spring calving herds, breeding fall calving cows can pose some unique challenges.

Tips for a successful breeding season

Maintain cows in a body condition score of 5 or 6.
Avoid negative planes of nutrition. Cows losing weight at the time of breeding generally do not breed well.
Conduct bull soundness exams prior to breeding season to ensure bull productivity
Invest in a good mineral program.
Use low-stress animal handling. Avoid transportation of cows 4 to 45 days post-breeding.
Consider synchronization and timed-AI to front-load the calving season

Nutrition and environmental differences between spring and fall calving herds are important to understand and manage. Depending on location, heat and cold stress can both be factors in the fall breeding season. If farther south, heat stress at the beginning of the season can still be a concern. So, ensuring shade, good water availability, and good ventilation is important.

In contrast, winter weather can be a challenge late in the fall breeding season. Cold stress can be mitigated with windbreak, bedding, and shelter. Cold weather, freezing conditions, and icy terrain can make breeding more difficult and dangerous for both the cow and the bull. Keeping cattle on solid ground and away from rough terrain can reduce injury risk. If housing cows in lots, pen conditions and stocking rate can greatly impact expression of estrus and safety of a natural breeding scenario.

As winter sets in, grazing opportunities decrease, and rations shift to harvested feeds. Thus, stored forages and feedstuffs need to be evaluated. Test forages for nutrient analysis. This will aid in least-cost ration balancing and ensure adequate nutrients are being delivered in the ration. If growing conditions were adverse, testing for nitrates, mycotoxins, and bacteria could be necessary. Feed contaminants could interfere with hormones and cause health challenges leading to breeding failure.

Source : illinois.edu

Video: Five Confirmed New World Screwworm Cases Raise Alarm for Livestock and Pet Owners

Pat Hoffmann, Swine Technical Consultant at Elanco Animal Health tells us about the impact of New World Screwworm. The emergence of New World screwworm in the U.S. creates a threat for veterinarians, livestock producers and pet owners that has not been seen north of the Florida Keys since the fly was eradicated from the United States more than 50 years ago. New World screwworm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) larvae feed on living tissue and can affect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock, companion animals, wildlife, and even humans.
“New World screwworm could have a devastating impact on animal health, welfare, and producer livelihoods,” said Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health. “We want to thank the FDA, EPA and USDA, for all their work to prepare for this threat. We’re committed to supporting our customers during this challenging time by delivering innovation, scientific expertise, and available resources to help treat New World screwworm and support the health and well-being of animals.”
Elanco is working alongside the U.S. animal health industry to help them fight against this parasite, offering a portfolio of options for pets and livestock that can help treat New World screwworm larvae infestations.