Cows are remarkable ruminants with the remarkable capacity to transform plant cellulose into milk or meat. They graze on grass, hay, silage and occasionally by-product feeds like corn gluten feed or cotton seeds.
They consume their food by quickly chewing it before swallowing, which helps them digest it more effectively.
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Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for cows to stay healthy. It aids with muscle and bone development, growth, reproduction and milk production. A lack of protein can result in decreased appetite, weight loss and poor performance.
Protein deficiency can result in decreased reproductive performance and reduced milk yield. Therefore, beef cattle nutritionists must understand that protein is a complex nutrient and should only be supplemented when necessary, rather than being oversupplied.
Protein intake in a cow’s diet depends on the rumen microbes that break down forage and how easily they digest fiber. When forages aren’t providing all of a cow’s nutrient needs for crude protein, supplementation can help boost intake and enhance digestion.
Protein supplementation is most often administered via a “lick tub,” or protein bucket that can be moved around the pasture and filled with cow food as needed. These convenient supplements are easy to use and allow cows to eat wherever they please.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for cattle’s health and can help to prevent disease. Not only are they anti-inflammatory, but they may also improve calcium deposit and bone strength.
They also have beneficial effects on immune function, reproduction and overall health. Furthermore, they can enhance calf growth rate and performance.
The n-3 family of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is essential for dairy cattle. Studies have demonstrated that supplementing cow diets with n-3 FA from flaxseed or fish oil can have positive effects on milk yield and quality, as well as reproductive system functioning in cows and bulls, including unborn calves.
Vitamins
Vitamins are water and fat-soluble compounds found in animals that support proper body functioning. These can be added to feed rations or given as liquid protein supplements or intramuscular injections.
Five major vitamins are A, D, E, K and Cobalamin (B12). Cattle have bacteria in their rumen that can synthesize some B complex vitamins and vitamin K; however they still require supplemental amounts of A, D and E for optimal health.
Vitamin A deficiencies in cattle may manifest as night blindness, decreased appetite and slow growth rates. When left untreated, cattle may develop rickets – a condition characterized by soft and porous bones – from these deficiencies.
Cattle require an average daily intake of 50,000 to 200,000 international units of vitamin A in order to thrive and grow. They require even more of this vital nutrient during times of stress such as weaning, calving or climate changes.
Minerals
Beef cattle require a range of minerals in their diet for optimal health, growth and reproduction. These may be major or trace minerals.
Beef cattle require several essential macrominerals, such as sodium, chlorine, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur. Furthermore, microminerals like chromium, cobalt, copper iodine iron manganese molybdenum nickel selenium zinc must also be provided.
Commercial mineral supplements and custom mineral blends are available, designed to deliver a comprehensive spectrum of often deficient mineral elements.
Minerals can be provided in a number of forms, such as fortified pellets or added to food rations as part of the daily nutrient mix. Make sure the quantity provided meets all mineral needs for the animals being fed.
