In a normal year, spring-calving cows with an adequate body condition score (BCS) at calving will be turned out to grass within four weeks of calving and will require no supplementation.
Where turnout is going to be delayed due to the ground and weather conditions, it is vital that you keep a close eye on cow BCS. Usually a BCS drop of 0.5 units, from 2.5 to 2.0 (25kg to 35kg) is permissible for a mature suckler cow, but where the BCS drops by more than this in this period, fertility can be affected during the breeding season. The cows running the greatest risk of this are early calving cows or first-calving heifers.
Where silage quality is poor or where cows are losing condition rapidly after calving, supplementation may be required if turnout is delayed. Supplement thin cows or first-calving heifers on average quality silage with 1kg to 2kg of a high-energy ration until turnout or cows are back in calf.
Silage stocks: are you prepared for the worst?