Though just one part, minerals are important to your cattle. The proper balance of protein, energy, and minerals is needed for your livestock to perform at their best. Putting out a lot of mineral will not do you any good if the other areas are lacking. Selecting the right mineral program is essential for the production of your cattle.
Finding the right balance is a combination of art and science. It takes knowing what your pasture is providing as well as what your animals’ needs are. It also requires some trial and error to find out what will work and what will not. Here are 4 things to consider when planning out your mineral program.
The mesquite tree is one of the toughest and most invasive species of brush there is. It has come to populate several million acres in Texas alone. As any rancher will tell you, if left unchecked it will quickly take over a pasture. Though it is a bit of a nuisance, it does have some value to both livestock and wildlife. Here are some ways that you can use to control the mesquite that is in your pasture.
Do you know what your stocking rate is? Let me rephrase that: Do you know what your real stocking rate is? Many people follow just a general rule of thumb that was developed years ago. The truth is that cattle will not always graze on every acre that is available. You could have the scenario where certain areas are being overgrazed while others are not being used at all. This is where determining your grazeable acreage will help.
Beef calf producers are always on the look for ways that they can improve their operation and their bottom line. They are always searching for ways to both improve their calf crop’s well being as well as their revenue. Creep feeding their calves to increase weaning weight is one strategy that has been used.
Cedars are a very aggressive and destructive woody plant here in Texas. They are known to take over a pasture quickly. Along with taking forage space they are a very thirsty plant. A large infestation of cedars will completely suck dry a spring or other pasture water source.
Typically when it comes to selling a cull most producers don’t give it much thought. They just take it to the auction barn or packing house and get whatever price they get. If you are wanting to increase the revenue from your ranch then how you sell your culls can not be overlooked.
A well planned out preventative health plan is important for any operation. It prepares weaned calves for the next stage of the production cycle. When it is running correctly they receive a leg up and perform better than those from a less than effective one. Keeping vaccines effective is a very important part of any animal health plan.
In order to produce beef efficiently cattle producers know it is important what you feed your cows. A nutritionally balanced diet will allow the cattle to perform at their best. Sometimes forages alone are not gonna meet the demands of your herd, sometimes you will need to feed a supplement.
As with most of the country we had a fairly wet winter here in Texas. The grass has begun to grow better than it has for a few years. It may be tempting to turn the cows out on what looks like a lush green field. Though that may not be the smart thing to do. With a rapidly growing forage the chance of grass tetany is also very high.
Calving season can be a very stressful time, for both you and the cow. Addressing the nutritional needs of your cow is very important after she has had her calf. There are many nutrient demands that she must take care of before she will be able to be rebred.
