Feeding cattle can be expensive, but there are many ways to reduce the cost. One option is to use a Myers. This is a system that allows cattle to harvest feed themselves. The process is not only inexpensive but is also environmentally friendly. The Myers allows you to harvest feed from your own property and avoid the cost of transportation and disposal.
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Grazing
There are many reasons to graze cattle. For one, it is the cheapest way to feed cattle. Grazing is a great way to maximize the use of forage. By grazing multiple species at once, you can improve overall utilization of the pasture and reduce weed growth. You can also rotate the forages so that different forages are available for each species.
Before you begin grazing your cattle, you should design a grazing plan. This plan will include all the elements of your grazing system. This plan will be a guide for future management changes. A good plan will also enable you to make the most efficient use of your available resources and record your progress.
Hay
One of the cheapest ways to feed cattle is to use hay. However, there are some things to keep in mind. First, hay needs to be fed in small amounts in a feeder to avoid wasting food. Secondly, it needs to be fed in a well-drained area to minimize waste.
Hay can be an excellent source of nutrients. It is a good source of crude protein and total digestible nutrients, which help cattle thrive and avoid the need for additional feed. However, hay can also be expensive if it is not of high quality. Therefore, it is essential for cattle producers to test hay before using it.
Distiller’s grains
The cost of feed is a major issue for livestock producers, and distillers grains can be a cheaper alternative. These grains are available in several forms, including dry, modified, and wet. Depending on the moisture content, they have different nutritional properties. For example, a dry distillers grain has a lower protein content than a wet distillers grain. This can affect the animal’s performance.
Distiller’s grain can be used as a feed for cattle, but it is difficult to store. It typically comes in large truckload loads, and you should feed it to your cows within five to 12 days. It is also important to store it in air-tight silos or piles, excluding oxygen to prevent spoilage. However, dry distillers grain is easier to store and more convenient for smaller operations.
Exotic breeds
Exotic breeds can be expensive to purchase and maintain, but if you take care of them properly, they can be kept without any major issues. In fact, these pets are less likely to bite and cause harm than dogs. They are also a great way to supplement income from commercial properties.
In the southern U.S., cow-calf producers often choose to raise exotic breeds because they are heat-tolerant. However, these animals tend to produce tougher, less palatable cuts of meat. Exotic breeds are not suitable for all climates.
Fertility of bulls
A cattle farmer should consider the fertility of the bulls in his herd, because it affects the economy of the cow-calf system. The best bulls do not have to rebreed as often. However, not every breeding session results in sustained pregnancy. A good bull should be able to sustain pregnancy with seventy to eighty percent of the cows it mates. This is especially important because a subfertile bull can delay conception, extend calving season, and reduce the number of bred cows. These problems can impact not only the financial value of the herd, but also the welfare of the animals.
Moreover, fertile bulls pass on their genetics better than subfertile bulls. The daughters of a fertile bull have more daughters than their subfertile counterparts. This means that fertile bulls will have a greater impact on the herd as compared to their subfertile counterparts. Subfertile bulls will also cost more money as they leave less productive daughters and fewer calves to sell.
Separating cows based on nutrient needs
Feeding cows separately by nutrient needs is a practical way to improve feed efficiency. The nutrient requirements of individual cattle differ based on the time of year, age, and breed. Old, thin cows may benefit from an additional vitamin and mineral program, while yearling steers and bulls need different rations according to their size, backgrounding, and finishing stages. Different feeds are also needed for different classes of cattle, ranging from low-quality hay to high-quality feed. Using a Cowbytes analysis tool will help you determine how much feed is needed for each group.
Managing parasites
Managing parasites in cattle is important to the overall health of the herd. An effective control program involves several aspects, including anthelmintic drugs and environmental sanitation. The most common and effective approach is twice-weekly collection of manure. Other approaches, such as harrowing and dragging paddocks, have less impact on parasite prevalence. Manure should be composted to destroy parasite eggs and larvae, and should be kept away from the feed or water supply. If manure is not composted, it will increase the parasite load.
Coccidiosis is a particularly unpleasant ailment for cattle. It is an infection caused by a toxin produced by coccidian eggs, which affects the central nervous system. The toxin can result in the death of up to half of the cattle affected by the disease. Coccidia can be controlled with a coccidiostat included in the feed ration. It is important to consult with a veterinarian for the most effective parasite control protocols.
