With fall and cooler weather right around the corner, it is important to give your cows their best chance going into winter. Good winter management practices contribute to healthy and productive cattle. It also plays a part in keeping feed costs reasonable.
As with other seasons, a cow’s nutrient requirements are different during this time of year. Of course, what the requirements depend on what production cycle you have them on. If you are on a spring calving timeframe then they will need requirements met in order to grow the calf inside her. This is on top of her normal needs as well as keeping her body warm during the colder times of the year.
But fear not, this article is here to help. There are some things that you can use to get your cattle on the best foot going to winter. Here are some things that you can do to help your cows going into the later part of the year:
Hard to believe that we are almost to September. which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures are going to be getting cooler (somewhat) and the days are getting shorter. This is certainly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to be thinking about what supplements to provide for your cattle.
Though the weather may not feel like it, still in the high 90s here, the fall season is upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a new need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Growing your own feed despite the cost of time and equipment can have many benefits. Having an inventory on hand can reduce some risks of short supplies. It can also help protect you from any seasonal price volatility. Both energy and protein production can better match your herd’s requirements for simple feed use.
Weaning is one of the most important times for a cattle producer. It is a time for all of their hard work begins to pay off with a nice large calf crop. Though it may be of benefit to the producer it doesn’t come without its problems.
A protein tub is a very good way to provide extra nutrition when needed. One benefit is that once you have placed it in the pasture you don’t need to check it every day. This is helpful for those that may have a job back in town.
Drought can be a very devastating thing to deal with. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make it. All in all, drought can make things seem pretty bleak while going through it.
Sulfur for cattle tends to be a bit of a dividing subject for most producers. When it comes to this subject it generates a love/hate relationship with cattlemen. There are ones who love them as well as swear by them, then there are others who feel they are a waste of money.
Destocking is a very common practice during a drought. They are rarely easy to make and will still cost you most of the time. However, because drought is a common consequence of ranching it will still need to be made. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are never caught unprepared.
Having calves weaned early is often something that occurs during periods of low forage quality. This typically happens during extremely dry periods, such as what is currently happening in many western states. But what exactly does it mean to wean early?
