Calving activities are now underway in parts of Saskatchewan, and those producers who haven't yet started are making their preparations, including making sure the pregnant cows have the adequate feed they need.

Colby Elford, Regional Livestock Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture, says producers need to remember that in the late stages of pregnancy, the cow's nutrient requirements increase because they need to feed the calf inside the womb as well.

"The quality of the feed that they're supplying has to be better than it it would say in late fall and secondly that calf is taking up a lot of room inside the animal so there is less space for digestion to take place so an energy dense nutrient source is usually required."

Elford adds most producers do a good job to help keep their animals in good condition, and making sure they have extra feed available for the cold spells in winter. There is options to also make sure the feed is adequate.

"One of the things they can do to ensure that they remain in condition is to get a feed test done and have the actual nutrients evaluated so that they know if they need to supplement with grain or pellets or something of that sort."

He continues to say with unpredictable winter weather always a possibility producers continue calving so they should ensure the animals get more nutrients as well when any cold snaps roll in.