406: Fetal Programming: The Nutrition Decisions That Shape Your Calf’s Future with Justin Ramirez

Nutrition plays a much bigger role in cattle production than simply keeping cows in good condition. In this episode of Cattle USA Daily, Lauren sits down with Justin Ramirez to discuss fetal development, fetal programming, and how nutrition during pregnancy can influence a calf’s future. From the first trimester through calving, the cow’s nutritional status can affect muscle development, organ development, fat deposition, immunity and the calf’s ability to reach its genetic potential. Justin also breaks down how genetics and nutrition work together, why different stages of pregnancy require different nutritional strategies, and how producers can use tools like hay analysis, body condition scoring and close observation to make better decisions. The conversation highlights the importance of consistency, paying attention to the small details and building a trusted team around your operation.

Connect with Justin:

Email: howdy@primestocknutrition.com

Website: primestocknutrition.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-a-ramirez-msc-78aa1972/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinARamirezNutritionist

Links:

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways:

• Feed and nutrition can account for 65–70% of expenses in a beef cattle operation
• Fetal development begins long before a calf ever hits the ground
• Nutrition during pregnancy can influence how much of a calf’s genetic potential is expressed
• The first and last trimesters play particularly important roles in fetal development
• The last trimester is critical for calf growth, development and colostrum quality
• Maternal stress and poor nutrition can have consequences for calf health
• Genetics and nutrition have to work together to maximize cattle performance
• Breed differences should be considered when developing nutrition programs
• Hay testing can help producers understand whether forage is meeting cattle requirements

• Good nutrition and management ultimately come back to stewardship and taking care of the cattle

Chapters:

01:35 Why Nutrition Matters to the Bottom Line
04:10 Understanding Fetal Development
07:05 How Nutrition Influences Genetic Potential
10:00 Nutrition Through the Three Trimesters
13:20 The Importance of the Last Trimester
16:00 Maternal Stress & Calf Health
19:00 Genetics + Nutrition
22:00 Hay Testing & Understanding Forage Quality
25:15 Feeding the Rumen Microbes
28:00 Using Manure as a Nutritional Indicator
30:00 Body Condition & Nutritional Management
33:00 The Importance of Consistency
36:00 Small Details Create a Domino Effect
39:00 Knowing When to Ask for Help
42:00 Final Thoughts on Stewardship

cattle nutrition, beef cattle nutrition, cattle feed, cattle feeding, fetal development, fetal programming, fetal nutrition, calf development, calf health, calf performance, genetic potential, cattle genetics, genetics and nutrition, cow nutrition, pregnant cow nutrition, cow-calf nutrition, maternal nutrition, maternal stress, first trimester, second trimester, third trimester, last trimester, colostrum quality, calf immunity, muscle development