No matter what type of operation you are, whether cow/calf or stocker, utilizing your pasture as efficiently as possible is critical. Correct pasture management is necessary to ensure that pounds produced will overcome your costs. One way to boast grazing efficiency is to achieve better grazing distribution.
Grazing Problem
It is common to see overgrazed areas in the pasture near water troughs or where forage is fed. Another common sight is underutilized areas with plenty of forage not being eaten. The reason for this is because cattle typically don’t travel too far from water and feed sources.
Fencing and additional water sources can be used to combat this but they require a considerable investment from the producer.
An alternative option is to use supplements such as a tub to draw them to these other areas. Cows crave protein and minerals so they will seek them out. Offering mineral and protein sources away from delivery areas can draw them from overgrazed areas.
Tips to use
If your cattle have never had liquid feed or block type supplements before, place them near water and loafing areas so they will be in contact with them. Once they have gotten adjusted to them gradually move further away towards the areas you want them to go to.
After they have been moved to new areas visually monitor intake over the next few weeks. This is to ensure proper intake of the supplement. To know if they are eating what you put out you can click here. If you know the weight of the tubs, the number of cattle in the pasture, and the amount of days the tub has been out you can easily calculate how much of it they are eating. Also observe the ground around the tub to see if there is any walking. Or if there is any cow manure in the immediate area.
If intake is high then you should move the tub further out and if intake is too low then you will have to move it closer to the water source. Once they have utilized that area you can repeat the process as needed to other areas.
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