The pregnant cow carries the calf a total of 280-285 days. The two most important time periods are 60-90 days before she calves and after calving, when she begins to supply the calf with the nutrition needed to grow and develop. Sixty to 90 days before calving, her requirements increase dramatically for protein, energy and minerals. There is a virtual calf growth explosion going on inside the cow, as 65 percent to 75 percent of the calf’s growth occurs in the last 60-90 days before birth.

After calving, cow requirements continue to escalate, with a huge demand placed on the cow’s body. Why? Because milk production increases the demand for protein by 70 percent, energy by 15 percent, and phosphorus by 70 percent. If these demands for milk production are not met, the calf will not be able to express its full genetic potential for gain. In other words, weaning weight can suffer dramatically. She is also beginning to rebuild body stores in order to be able to breed once again in the next 40-85 days following calving. Of utmost importance before and after the cow gives birth are these body fat stores that we see as external fat covering the ribs, brisket and tailhead, or what we see as her overall physical appearance.