If you’re looking for information on how to raise feeder cattle, you’ve come to the right place. Listed below are some of the most important aspects of this type of livestock management: water troughs, Dry matter basis, Growth promotants, and Biosecurity practices. Hopefully, these tips will help you set up and run your own cattle operation in no time. And remember, there are no “right” ways to raise feeder cattle.
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Water troughs
Purchasing water troughs for feeding your cattle is an essential part of cattle ownership. Cattle are not fast-moving animals, so different weather conditions will affect troughs. Freezing temperatures and rainwater can increase the acidity of water, which can cause cracks. When purchasing a water trough, consider your climate, supply system, and budget. To learn more about troughs, contact GoToTanks.
When choosing the right water trough for your herd, you must determine how much water your cattle will drink during the day. For larger herds, a permanent waterer is justified. But for smaller paddocks, smaller portable troughs are more convenient. It is a good idea to purchase a water trough for every defined grazing paddock, and then empty it as needed.
During the winter, groundwater near a farmstead is naturally cool, and it is perfect for drinking cattle. If the water is cool, cattle will drink more and be more hydrated in the hotter months, which can increase market weight. In addition to this, keeping cattle out of streams can help maintain a better water quality, and keep the livestock healthier. A study in Oregon concluded that cattle spend 90 percent less time in streams during the winter than they do in summer.
Dry matter basis
To calculate the dry matter demand of a given animal, multiply its body weight by the percent dry matter. Divide the result by 1.6 to get the dry matter demand of a 500-lb beef replacement heifer. The same calculation can be applied to dairy cows. You can also calculate the dry matter demand of a particular animal by its average body weight. To use this formula, you should use the average body weight of a cow and the percent dry matter of her feed source.
For reference, wheat straw is only 2.7% dry matter but is a low-energy source. It contains only 4.0% crude protein and 40 percent TDN. Cows stop eating it once they have enough. This is due to the low digestibility of wheat straw. It takes extra time to pass through the rumen, and the daily consumption of wheat straw may range from 1.6% to 1.8% of body weight. For this reason, dry matter basis for raising feeder cattle is critical.
Growth promotants
The use of growth promotants is a highly advanced tool for beef producers. It allows them to produce more beef in less time, while still maintaining high standards for animal health, carcass quality, and food safety. There are several types of growth promoters available in the marketplace today, including ionophores, beta-agonists, growth implants, and other compounds. Beta-agonists, for example, improve feed efficiency and lower the incidence of diseases like coccidiosis, bloat, and acidosis.
Most growth promoters are orally active, meaning that they can be administered through feed or drinking water. Some are also administered as small implants into subcutaneous tissue of the ears. Some products release slow-release hormones that remain in the animal for weeks or months after treatment. These residues can lead to potential consumer side effects, such as dizziness, headaches, and nausea. As a result, accurate control rules are needed to assure the safety of these products.
Biosecurity practices
This study showed that biosecurity and emergency management were positively correlated with total welfare. However, the relationship between biosecurity and emergency management was not as strong. Although biosecurity and emergency management were associated with improved animal welfare, there was little correlation between these two factors and AMU. Biosecurity and emergency management may play a lesser role than welfare, but both have an important role in ensuring animal health and performance. Listed below are biosecurity practices that can help farmers ensure their operations are free from biosecurity problems.
Always keep your livestock isolated from wildlife and contaminated materials, and keep a health record of each animal. When purchasing animals, only buy from reputable sources and require a 24-48 hour waiting period before reintroducing them to the herd. Vaccines should be stored properly. Always consult your veterinarian before administering them to your livestock. And, as with any other treatment, use them only when recommended by a veterinarian.
