Grazing often represents an efficient usage of land that may be unsuitable for cultivated crops, because it is too steep for example. In such areas, the usual goal is for calves to be born late in the winter or early in the spring to take advantage of the pasture throughout the growing season. Cows convert forage nutrients into milk for the calves for the first few months after parturition, as the calves consume increasing amounts of forage as they develop the ability to digest forage - usually complete by 2 to 3 months of age. Unfortunately, suckling and lactation may delay the onset of estrous cycles after calving and thereby delay the next pregnancy. In turn, this often results in calving intervals well over 12 months, and sometimes forces culling cows that are not pregnant in time to calve during the spring.

Cow nursing a calf

Credit: Prahlad Singh

Digital Credit: Prahlad Singh

Publisher: None

Rights: Name must appear as a credit whenever the image is used -

Description: Grazing often represents an efficient usage of land that may be unsuitable for cultivated crops, because it is too steep for example. In such areas, the usual goal is for calves to be born late in the winter or early in the spring to take advantage of the pasture throughout the growing season. Cows convert forage nutrients into milk for the calves for the first few months after parturition, as the calves consume increasing amounts of forage as they develop the ability to digest forage - usually complete by 2 to 3 months of age. Unfortunately, suckling and lactation may delay the onset of estrous cycles after calving and thereby delay the next pregnancy. In turn, this often results in calving intervals well over 12 months, and sometimes forces culling cows that are not pregnant in time to calve during the spring.

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Cow nursing a calf

Credit: Prahlad Singh

Digital Credit: Prahlad Singh

Publisher: None