Following is a brief summary of key management strategies he presented (Hall, J.B. 2005. Proc. Applied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle, Nov. 1-2, 2005, Lexington, KY).

1. Ensure sufficient energy is available to support reproduction.
2. Body condition score (BCS) females and achieve BCS 5 in cows and BCS 6 in heifers by calving time (latest) or 60 days before calving (preferred).
3. Maintain body condition from calving through breeding for cows in proper body condition, and increase body condition in cows that are below optimal BCS at calving.
4. Feed thin cows and first-calf heifers in separate group(s) from the main herd.
5. Provide energy supplementation from the most economical local source in order to minimize costs.

1. Provide optimum level of dietary protein.
2. Rather than balancing diets on crude protein (CP), balance diets on metabolizable protein (MP), if possible, which is a measure of the protein reaching and absorbed by the small intestine.
3. Provide sufficient digestible intake protein (DIP) for adequate rumen function, especially in females on medium to low quality forages.
4. Avoid over-supplementation of protein, which may reduce pregnancy rates.
5. Inclusion of by-pass or undegradable intake protein (UIP) may not prove to be effective.

1. If possible, include ionophores (e.g., Rumensin® or Bovatec®) in the diet, which can help decrease postpartum intervals in mature cows and first-calf heifers.
2. Base mineral supplementation on forage mineral content and local mineral deficiencies.
3. Supplement phosphorus only when needed.
4. Pay attention to trace mineral levels, especially copper, selenium, manganese, and zinc.