The effects of drought conditions on the cow herd can extend beyond the cow to the newborn calves, especially if they’re born into wet conditions, said Jess Hinrichs, DVM, with Zoetis beef technical services, and based in Sutton, Nebraska.
“It comes down to cows with poor body condition scores. It’s well documented that cows with poor body condition will have poor-quality colostrum, and that we get less colostral transfer to those calves,” Dr. Hinrichs said. “After a drought, these cows have been impacted and haven’t gained any body condition. Their calves are going to get less…
