When feeding fodder to beef cattle, you should consider several factors. Among these are health, fertility and cost. This article will also discuss preconditioning. Depending on your situation, you may be feeding grass, hay or a mix of both. Whether you choose grass or hay depends on the type of cattle. A pastured animal is usually fed grass. While cattle raised in a feedlot are given hay supplemented with grain or soy.
Contents
Fertility
Feed efficiency is one of the most important factors for beef cattle production, and it is also a key determinant of profitability. Feed efficiency is closely related to successful reproduction, and breeding a high fertility bull may lead to higher calf production. Thus, the beef cattle industry is actively selecting for bulls with better fertility and feed efficiency.
This trait is moderately heritable, with genetics originating from the dam and sire. As such, it is not expected to increase significantly every year. However, if you’re concerned about the health of your herd’s fertility, you’ll want to consider the dietary factors that affect this trait.
Health
Feeding cattle fodder is a great way to improve their health and the quality of their meat and dairy. It is also an excellent way to reduce parasite problems. High-quality fodder is a high-energy food that is easily digested by cattle. It also contains vitamins and minerals that help improve the health of the cattle’s hooves.
A balance of minerals is essential for beef cattle. Almost 98% of calcium is needed for the structural components of bones, while only 2% is used in teeth. The rest of calcium is needed for vital functions, such as blood clotting, membrane permeability, muscle contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, and cardiac regulation. Compared to cereal hays, which are low in calcium, nonlegume roughages contain sufficient amounts of calcium to supply beef cattle with the nutrients they need.
Cost
The cost of feeding cattle with fodder is one of the biggest operational expenses of cow-calf producers. This expense is growing rapidly as feed costs increase. Grain and by-product prices have increased significantly in the past year, as have protein, fat and vitamin and mineral prices. Milk prices are also projected to remain above long-term averages. Although feed costs continue to rise, there are some practices that can reduce costs and maintain quality of animal health.
One effective way to reduce feed costs is to grind forages for the cattle before the cattle arrive at the feeder. This will minimize sorting and reduce waste. However, the initial cost of this equipment may be prohibitive for smaller and medium-sized operations. On average, cows can consume three to four percent of their dry body weight in six hours, depending on forage quality and quantity. Additionally, the use of a hay shed can reduce waste and minimize expenses, especially during dry years.
Preconditioning
Preconditioning beef cattle when feeding foddar can be an effective strategy for improving cattle condition, weight gain, and health. Preconditioning increases the immune system, making the animals healthier. However, preconditioning does have a downside. It can decrease cow weight and condition if the cattle are headed for lower-quality feed.
Feeder calves that are preconditioned have a higher value at sale. This is due to a decreased loss in body weight. A preconditioned calf will shrink less than an unconditioned calf by about 5 percent.
Grain sources
Cereal grains are an important part of the beef industry. They provide concentrated and highly digestible energy to beef cattle. They are also an economical feed source for wintering cattle, especially when forage is scarce or too expensive. Grain is also important for providing protein, a vital nutrient for growing cattle.
While corn is the most popular feed grain in the United States, barley is also widely grown in the Pacific Northwest and Northern Great Plains. These two grains are well-adapted to growing conditions in these regions. In fact, barley accounts for 20 percent of the U.S. cattle inventory.
Estimating daily intake
Estimating daily intake of beef cattle fodden is an important step in beef cattle nutrition. This step is critical during drought conditions and can maximize profitability. The nutritional value of forages varies widely depending on species, growing conditions, and management practices. To make the most accurate feed estimation, estimate the dry matter requirements of your cow herd and then add the necessary supplements based on this information.
The primary method of feeding beef cows is through large round bales of hay. However, this method is not always the best way to meet the daily nutrient needs of a cow. During dry conditions, harvested forages are at a premium. To avoid overfeeding, calculate the amount of forage your cattle need each day.
Controlling parasites
Controlling parasites in beef cattle is an important part of good cattle management. Many different types of internal and external parasites can affect cattle. These include tapeworms, flukes, protozoans, and flies. Cattle with these parasites often exhibit reduced weight gain and may also act as vectors of disease.
Infection rates of internal parasites in beef cattle depend on the parasite species, age, and location of infection. Most internal parasites in cattle occur more frequently in calves and bulls, but they are not evenly distributed among animals. Studies have shown that as many as 80% of cattle harbor infections from one or more of the parasite species. Differences in immune status and genetic factors are responsible for the variation in parasite rates in herds. Maturity also plays a role in parasite incidence. Typically, mature cows will develop immunity to most internal parasites by the time they reach the age of four. However, older cows may still harbor parasites and shed their eggs.
