Written with contributions by Madison Kovarna, former SDSU Extension Beef Nutrition Field Specialist.
If you own a herd of cattle, you more than likely have some type of pocketbook you use (or should be using). There is a plethora of books available from various universities and extension offices, farm stores, nutrition and genetic companies, and breed associations. One of the most vital components of these books is the section for calving records. Other information in these books includes body condition scores, udder scores, feet scores, gestation length, and pasture conditions and usage to name a few. While each of these books varies slightly in how they present information, the key is to find the model that works best for you to keep track of your herd’s information.
IRM – NCBA Redbook
The Integrated Resource Management (abbreviated as IRM) Redbook pocketbook is provided for beef producers by the National Cattleman’s Beef Association (abbreviated as NCBA). While it has seen some changes since its inception in 1985, the book's premise still holds value. Some of the information it contains includes basic herd metrics, such as international year/ letter designations for identification, gestation length table, calving ease score, body condition scores, timing of when to body condition score cows, herd inventory, herd health and treatments, calving records and activity, breeding records, cattle sales records, and death losses. It also contains information for biosecurity measures, beef quality assurance practices, pasture supplementation records, annual precipitation, and a generic calendar. Thus, it can be a great source for providing information throughout multiple phases of production for beef producers.
K-State Cow/Calf Record Book
This is a pocketbook developed by Kansas State University Research and Extension. This book is similar in its concept to the IRM Redbook, but in a condensed version.
It includes basic herd metrics, such as international year/ letter designations for identification, gestation length table, calving ease score, body condition scores, timing of when to body condition score cows, herd inventory, herd health and treatments, calving records and activity, breeding records, cattle sales records, and death losses.
Additionally, there is information for biosecurity measures, beef quality assurance practices, and pasture supplementation records. This is another great source to provide beef producers with information throughout multiple phases of production.
Rite in the Rain™ Record Book
As the title states, these record books pose an environmentally friendly option for producers to use.
This book is unique, as it is equipped with weather-proof pages, which can be particularly helpful for producers when they are calving in the rain, snow, or mud.
The book is primarily geared towards calving, as it has a place for recording calf birth details, weaning information and descriptions, a gestation length table, and a section for recording other pertinent production notes.
These books can sometimes be purchased in hardware and farm/ranch supply stores, but they are more commonly found on online retailers.
Other Record Books
There are a variety of generic cow/calf record books available from multiple companies and businesses. There are also certain websites that offer custom calving book designs and features depending on your operation. These are typically meant for the calving season and commonly contain a gestation length table and plenty of writing room for calving information and health.
Summary
At the end of the day, you need to decide what option is going to work best for you to streamline records for your operation. If you have other forms of keeping records throughout the year (mobile apps, excel documents, notebook, or others) perhaps an option that is focused specifically on calving is the best option for you to include in your data management system. Still, considering an option that best suits your operation and employees will aid in keeping accurate and consistent records. Remember, it is always good to back up your calving records in some shape or format in case of misplacing or damaging your pocketbook.
