Choosing the right beef cow feed can be an important decision when you are raising cattle. Not only does the feed have to be high in protein, but it also has to be nutrient-rich. There are many things to consider when selecting a diet for your cows, including the amount of grain, mineral nutrition, and nonprotein nitrogen.
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Grain
During the winter, grain for beef cow feed can be an economical and effective supplement to high quality forage. However, be sure to exercise caution when feeding highly processed grain sources.
The grains that are most likely to contribute to the best overall performance are corn and oats. In general, oats have a lower energy value because of their high fiber content.
In terms of ruminant digestion, the best grain for cattle is oats. Oats contain more mucilage than other grains, which is thought to be a good thing for stomach microbes. Likewise, oats have more protein than corn, which is another reason to feed oats.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the right grain for your cows. In addition to the obvious nutritional benefits, you also need to consider the cost of the grain. Typically, corn is the cheapest and most commonly fed grain.
Nonprotein nitrogen
Increasing demand for beef, red meat, and processed meat is creating a strong need for high-quality beef cattle. As a result, the market for feed non protein nitrogen has grown at a rapid pace. The global market for feed non protein nitrogen is expected to grow at a 4.5% CAGR from 2015 to 2020. Several factors are influencing the growth of the market.
The most common source of non protein nitrogen is urea. This is a highly concentrated nitrogen source that can be metabolized by ruminants into proteins. It is also a relatively inexpensive protein source compared to natural protein sources. It can be a cost effective solution for producers who want to provide a high protein content to their ruminants.
Other sources of NPN include urea phosphate, dicyanodiamide, and biuret. They are more expensive and less readily available.
Mineral nutrition
Providing proper mineral nutrition for beef cows is an important part of beef production. Cattle have different requirements depending on their age, physiological state and dietary background.
Trace minerals are as important to the health of cattle as are major minerals. They include manganese, copper, cobalt, selenium, and iodine. The concentration of these minerals in the blood of an animal is frequently used to assess the nutritional status of the animal.
The concentration of these elements in the liver is the most accurate measurement. The invasive procedure is time consuming and costly.
There are several methods for monitoring the amount of trace minerals in the diet. Some producers use a free-choice mineral feeder. Others use commercial supplements. However, the easiest and most economical method of providing these minerals is through salt.
Weaning calves
Traditionally beef calves are weaned around six months of age. However, early weaning has become more common in recent years. The reasons for this include the ability to maximise the use of limited feed and to maintain calf condition. Often, early weaning also improves reproductive performance.
Weaning is a process of separation from the dam and requires a significant change in the spatial and social environment. Stressors can include the loss of the udder, the loss of nursing, social reorganization, the cessation of milk feeding and the need to find a new social partner. These stressors can have a negative effect on calf behaviour.
In addition, a calf’s feeding behaviour is influenced by its learning from peers and the presence of new social partners. If the calf is included in a familiar group, it may be more motivated to consume novel food.
Restricting feed intake
Choosing an appropriate feed for your beef cow is crucial, especially when you are trying to meet your nutrient requirements. If you are not sure what a particular feed is, take a look at the NRC’s (National Research Council) free-choice mineral specifications for lactating cows.
The most effective way to ensure your cattle consume the appropriate amounts of a particular nutrient is to measure their daily supplement intake. Several management strategies are available to make this possible.
Limiting the amount of grain you feed your cattle can help you meet their nutrient requirements. Similarly, reducing the frequency of feeding can also help. Using a self-feeder is a great option. However, these feeders must be calibrated and cleaned to reduce the risk of contamination.
