Receiving Cattle Right: Strategies to Manage Risk and Improve Performance

The first 45 days after cattle arrive on feed influences everything that follows – from animal health and growth to cost of gain and final ROI. But for many operations this period remains most challenging, especially when working with high-risk or light-weight calves.

Veterinarian Dr. Erika Nagorske works with feedlots across southwest Minnesota where she focuses largely on cattle consulting and getting dairy-beef crosses started strong.

“This window is short, but it’s high stakes,” she says. “How you manage those calves in the first few weeks determines how well they perform later. It’s not about having a silver bullet, it’s about consistency, good nutrition, and watching the details.”

Start with risk assessment

Before the first bunk gets filled or the chute opens, Nagorske recommends starting with a risk evaluation for every incoming group. While information isn’t always complete or provided, any background helps shape the approach.

Key Questions to ask:

Is this a familiar or new source?
Were they vaccinated? With what and when?
Were they on a forage-based ration or a pellet/corn blend?
Are they coming from a system with known health challenges?

“Even if you don’t have all the answers, asking the questions helps you understand how aggressive or conservative you need to be with your receiving strategy,” she explains.

Nutrition sets the tone

While most producers call their vet for health concerns, Nagorske believes nutrition is often the more important factor during the receiving period.

“You can’t vaccinate or medicate your way out of a poor nutritional program,” Nagorske says.

Jumping too quickly into a finishing ration or abruptly changing feed can be disastrous. That’s where close collaboration with a nutritionist becomes essential. Ideally, Nagorske encourages a joint game plan between the vet, the feeder and the nutritionist before the first feed delivery even happens.

Watch for signs early and often

Nagorske typically visits a group within two weeks of arrival to visually assess them and review feeding and health records.

“Are they alert? Are they moving well? Is their manure soupy and splattering like it’s going through a screen door? Those are signs we’ve gone too hot, too fast,” she says.

Nagorske also reviews records and trends using tools like Performance Beef to monitor:

Dry matter intake trends
Delivery timing
Bunk management
Medication usage

“Producers will always say, ‘They’re eating great.’ But when I check the numbers, maybe they are eating well, then dropped off three days ago. Reviewing the data helps me make better decisions when I’m standing in front of the pen,” she explains.

RECEIVING CATTLE RIGHT:

The first few weeks are critical: not just for health, but for long-term performance and profitability

Start with risk assessment

Nutrition sets the tone

Watch for signs early and often

Use data to make informed adjustments

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