Preg Test maiden heifers (12 to 16 weeks after start of joining). Make final heifer selection on preg test results. Give the replacement heifers their first shot of Lepto vaccine.
Remove bulls (if applicable)
Treat cattle for Pinkeye if necessary
Monitor cattle if placed on cyanogenic pastures e.g. Sorghum spp., native couch, Johnson Grass for cyanide poisoning
February
Heifer program for heifers as for January if not already done
Brand calves and second shot of 5 in 1 if not already done. With some calves it may not be practical to vaccinate them until branding time. In this case they would now receive their first shot.
Continue preg test if applicable
March
Preg Test cows to identify those just in calf and the empties
Decide on how how many to cull depending on the season conditions and the cost of supplementary feed during the winter and the number of replacement heifers
Second shot of lepto for the replacement heifers
April
Same as for march if not already done
If season is dry and the cows are losing condition consider:-
early weaning of cows
supplementing the weaners with a protein and energy replacer supplement
sell cull cows and any surplus stock
May
Wean calves and vaccinate with second 5 in 1 shot, worm and put into clean paddock if available
sell weaners or fatten
buy in steers if crop available or season is good
vaccinate all remaining breeders with annual Lepto booster
give breeders and older cattle a 5 in 1 booster if plenty of lush feed around and if uncertain about the vaccination history
Bull Soundness examination and vaccinate the bulls against Vibrio
June
If season has been good and the cows are over fat, leave weaning until June. Weaner will be heavier and in better condition
Monitor cattle for nitrate poisoning if on barley or oats pastures
July
Heifers will start to calve
monitor any vermin/pest control programmes
August
Heifers continue to calve. Remainder of the breeding herd will commence to calve
Bull Soundness examination and vaccinate the bulls against Vibrio
Supplement bulls with grain if condition score is 3
Three day sickness can be considered for the bulls
Monitor heavy pregnant cows for milk fever prior to calving
Test Bulls
September
Calving should finish this month to avoid the trouble with flys and the heat with scouring around Oct/Nov
First shot Vibrio for the maiden heifers if in a high risk area. If not in a high risk area then vaccination of the bulls will do
Test bulls and attend bull sale
supplement cows with protein source e.g. sorghum, barley, cottonseed if the season is dry
October
Second shot of Vibrio for the maiden bulls
Vaccinate for 3 day sickness any valuable animals especially the bulls and the fat cows and the forward heifers
November
Join breeders with the bulls
If in a low phosphorous area, put out addition phosphorous supplement for the cows if the season has been bad
monitor internal parasites from the stock by having faecal samples checked from suspect animal. Drench/worm if the parasites are a problem
December
Vaccinate 5 in 1 for calves if they are in the yard
continue with protein supplement if the season is dry