Choosing the best supplement for pregnant cows isn’t hard if you know what you’re looking for. There are several different types that can be found, and you need to know which ones to look for. The three main types are fatty acids, trace minerals, and vitamins. The best supplements for pregnant cows should be loaded with these nutrients to ensure that your calf will be healthy and strong during the pregnancy.
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Trace minerals
Providing trace minerals to beef cattle can have a big impact on the health and reproduction of these animals. This is because trace minerals are known to play a role in fetal survival and overall reproduction of beef cattle. In addition, trace minerals are known to have a positive impact on milk production, hoof quality, and bone development.
Trace minerals can be provided in two ways: in an additive form or as part of a mixed ration. It is important to understand which form is best for your herd and the effects it will have on your cattle.
Trace minerals are important to cattle health and nutrition because they play a role in fetal survival, growth, and reproduction. There are two major types of minerals: macro minerals and micro minerals. Generally, macro minerals are more readily available to cattle than micro minerals.
The best way to provide trace minerals to beef cattle is to use a premixed formula. This is because it is more cost effective to feed a premixed formula than to offer the minerals free-choice. However, it is important to remember that these supplements are only effective if the cattle actually consume them.
Fatty acids
Several studies have shown that feeding fatty acids as a supplement for pregnant cows has positive effects on reproduction. The benefits are linked to better energy status, increased fertility and shortened intervals between calving and first estrus. However, little research has been conducted on dietary FA supplementation in beef cows during the postpartum period.
The effect of dietary FA supplementation on reproductive performance in beef cows has been inconsistent. One study reported poor results, while another study showed improved pregnancy rates. The two studies were conducted in tropical and subtropical regions.
Cows that were fed a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids tended to have fewer pregnancy losses. However, it was not clear whether this was due to FA supplementation or a difference in the amount of colostrum cows produced. Regardless, the diets did not affect the amount of IgG generated in colostrum.
The effects of FA supplementation on reproductive performance in dairy cows have been studied extensively. Research has shown that feeding a fat supplement with 60% PA and 30% OA can positively impact transition cows.
Vitamins
During pregnancy, cattle need a balanced diet to support their health. This diet should contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals to help the mother and calf stay healthy.
Vitamin A is essential for the development of bones. It also plays a key role in maintaining the health of the eye and lungs. Vitamin D is also important for calcium absorption. It can also help the body to respond to immune response.
Vitamins A, D, and E are commonly added to feed supplements and are also added to mineral mixes. These three vitamins are essential for healthy cattle. The concentration of these vitamins should be adjusted to account for the age, health, and environment of the cattle.
Vitamin E is important in maintaining the metabolic processes in the fetus’s body. It also plays a role in the elasticity of uterus walls. It is usually added to cows’ food a month before mating.
Selenium
Among the many trace minerals that affect animal health and performance, selenium is one of the most important. It has been shown to reduce early calf mortality and decrease claw problems. It also helps to improve immune function in dairy cattle.
In the current study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal Se supplementation on calf performance. A prospective clinical trial was conducted with beef cows at Oregon State University Soap Creek Ranch. In this study, Se yeast boluses were given once weekly during different trimesters of pregnancy. The dosage was five times the upper limit recommended by the National Research Council for Se supplementation.
Se supplementation during pregnancy did not affect yield grade or hot carcass weight. However, we found that the amount of Se in the blood of the cows was increased in the last trimester of pregnancy. Se supplementation during pregnancy also increased WB-Se concentrations in calves.
