Cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc are trace minerals important to good cattle nutrition. Ranchers and feedlot operators need to know whether or not these minerals are available in their regions and supplement deficiencies accordingly. This TDN excerpts an article by Oklahoma State University animal nutritionist Fred Owens which identified the geographic availability [...]
Body condition scores (BCS) are an excellent means of monitoring the effectiveness of your beef-cow-nutrition program. Here are 10 management tips to help ensure your cows are at a target BCS of 6.0 by calving: Late summer-Evaluate your cows while still on grass. If they score thin to borderline moderate during this time and forage availability is still sufficient, provide a balanced protein [...]
Fall Cow-Calf Management Reminders October • Beginning in late October or November, provide supplemental feed for bulls on dry grass according to age and condition. • Evaluate cows’ body condition score (BCS) at weaning. Develop winter nutrition program to have cows at a BCS of six at calving to enhance rebreeding performance. November • Check with your Extension office for [...]
Looking to make your own hummingbird nectar? Here is a easy recipe. 1 Part Sugar 4 Parts Water Boil 1-2 Minutes Cool & Store In Refrigerator Never use honey or artificial sweeteners! Honey ferments easily, and can cause sores in a hummers mouth. Artificial sweeteners have no food value.
There are unfortunately many examples to draw upon from our history, especially during wartime, of maternal nutritional deprivation and the long term effects on the lives of their children, and their children’s children. The list includes: diabetes; hypertension; glucose intolerance; insulin resistance; renal failure; cardiovascular disease; and hyperlipidemia. The word “Epigenetics” has emerged as “the idea [...]
A calf’s diet and surroundings change dramatically at weaning and if you don’t closely manage this lifestage, the value of your calves can be reduced. Calves can become sick and won’t grow as they should. Here are four weaning management tips to ensure calves get a good, healthy start after they are weaned. 1. Reduce Stress. Perform [...]
Now is the perfect time for beef producers to make management decisions that will affect the health, productivity and profitability of the herd over the next production cycle. The following are tips and guidelines to consider. 1. Wean based on pasture quality and quantity: When pasture quality declines below that required to support calf growth, and/or quantity [...]
Now is the perfect time for beef producers to make management decisions that will affect the health, productivity and profitability of the herd over the next production cycle. The following are tips and guidelines to consider. 1. Wean based on pasture quality and quantity: When pasture quality declines below that required to support calf growth, and/or quantity [...]
Traditionally, grazed forages provide beef cows the majority of their nutrients during the spring and summer months. However, during droughts when forage production stops, alternative feeds and feeding programs need to be used utilized until forages are growing again. When deciding on and alternative feeding program there are several options to consider. The goal is [...]
Now is the time to map out your fly control program. Horn flies normally begin showing up in spring when average daily temperatures reach 65º F for a period of two weeks. They remain a nuisance until cool weather in late fall or early winter. Here are four quick tips to help you develop an [...]