Although some parts of the country are still reeling from the woes created by one of the worst winters in national history, spring has definitely sprung in most areas of the U.S. Most of the ag-related press published during this time of year is focused on newborn calves, their health, and the upcoming breeding season — which is not very relevant for those of us managing fall-calving herds. Weaning calves as the temperatures rise and grass grows can pose both unique challenges and opportunities for cows and calves as we navigate through the spring and summer months. Seasonal market swings in the spring often have fall-calving producers licking their chops at their upcoming sale barn check, while others may choose to manage these weanlings through the summer months with the goal of achieving heavier pay weights.

At this point, as long as the cows have grass, water and shade, they are basically on cruise control. They’re good to go… right?

Let’s begin by addressing those fall-born calves. Typically, spring is a great time to capitalize on a premium weaned-calf market, with stocker operations looking to fill up rapidly flourishing acres of pasture with calves that are young, green, and ready to convert grass to pounds. Healthy calves hitting the pasture — with a strong emphasis on the word “healthy” — can easily gain two pounds a day on good grass with minimal supplementation. However, the variations in the weather that we experience in the spring can be just as detrimental to an animal’s health status as those we experience in the fall. Hot, humid days and muddy conditions can challenge every animal’s immune system, even those with the best genetics, so prevention is still the name of the game.

Ensuring that a calf’s immune system is operating at tip-top shape starts with giving them access to a quality trace mineral package while they are still at the cow’s side. Providing calves with organic trace minerals (OTM) in a highly palatable form is the best way to check this simple box off the list. Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® products — which contain 100% organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex^® — are an easy and effective option for ensuring that calves are consuming trace minerals in the most bioavailable form and that those minerals will be efficiently utilized. A university trial evaluating supplementation with organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex^® (Price et al., 2017) measured improvements in terms of several immune parameters. This improved immunity is correlated with healthier calves that grow better but also have a better vaccine response and, as a result, are better-equipped to handle disease challenges as well.    

When we move to the weaning pen, all bets are off. Here, calves are living without their mothers, are adjusting to a new social pecking order and, oh yes, are moving onto stored forages and away from grazing — at least for a while, in most cases. Weaning is often a turbulent time of transition, but the process can be simplified by utilizing self-fed stress products, such as Crystalyx^® Brigade or Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® Battalion. Brigade and Battalion combine the highly palatable, weatherproof advantages of Crystalyx^® in a formula that provides organic trace minerals in the form of Bioplex, as well as vitamins, electrolytes and yeast cultures in the form of Yea-Sacc, to combat mineral and vitamin deficiencies and to prevent dehydration and digestive imbalances. Calves that are adequately hydrated, consume proper levels of dry matter and possess a sufficient mineral status have been known to exhibit an improved vaccine response, setting the stage for success and ultimately resulting in fewer headaches for the producers managing the weaning pen. To put it simply, calves that are prepared for weaning and have access to a supplement that supports the vital elements of their health and nutrition will be sick less often, will grow faster and will help producers make more money — period.

Now that the calves are weaned, the cows are bred and the grass is green, can we finally say, “See you next fall, girls”? Not so fast! Preparing for next fall starts now, as the five to six months ahead can influence your calf crop not just next year but for years to come. There may be plenty in the pasture to help cows to survive all on their own, but those cows are growing next year’s paycheck in their bodies, and we all know the importance of maximizing a paycheck. The nutritional status of the dam during gestation can impact the developing fetus as well. Fetal or developmental programming refers to the idea that maternal imprinting during a critical period of fetal development can have a long-term impact on her offspring.

A cow’s trace mineral status has been proven to impact not only her calving rate and weaning weight but the reproductive efficiency of her offspring as well, highlighting the importance and long-term impact of trace mineral strategies on overall herd profitability — especially for future heifer development. University research has shown that heifers supplemented with organic trace minerals, such as those included in Bioplex^®, not only reached puberty earlier but were also confirmed pregnant eight days earlier in year one and 18 days earlier in year two, illustrating the importance of the trace mineral source in relation to fertility indicators (Price et al., 2017). Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® products provide a complete mineral package that allows cows to pass on their optimal genetic potential to future generations.

Highly available Bioplex^® organic trace minerals not only help enhance future calf performance but aid in boosting the pregnant cow’s immune system to combat the inevitable pinkeye and foot-rot outbreaks that are always on the horizon. Coupling Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® mineral products with Clarifly^® or another fly control option can set a pregnant cowherd up for success by fostering a peak performing immune system, reducing fly pressure, and helping get calves ready to hit the ground running in the fall.

Utilizing organic trace minerals in your cowherd is not just a seasonal Band-Aid anymore. In reality, the full benefits of offering organic trace minerals are only recognized when they are utilized in a year-round program for all facets of the herd. Crystalyx^® Blueprint^® products can help you maximize the genetic potential of your cows, their fetuses and weaned calves while also minimizing your labor inputs and maximizing your return on investment.