Tag: cattle nutrition

How to actually prepare your herd’s nutrition for winter

How to actually prepare your herd's nutrition for winterNutrition significantly affects your herd’s health during the cold winter months. Producers should plan ahead for their fall and winter forages to meet this need. There are many factors to consider when figuring out how much hay will be needed.

Primary inputs like grain, fertilizer, and even fuel can become terribly expensive. What’s even scarier is that these prices only appear to be going down for a while.

While looking at using a hay bale, many people tend to look at the upfront cost. While this may be good initially, it is not always best to be the only way. You will want to examine how much that particular will cost per unit of energy or protein.

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Announcing the best reasons to supplement cattle this fall

Announcing the best reasons to supplement cattle this fallIt’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (somewhat), and the days are getting shorter. Fall is undoubtedly a time of year when a lot of transitioning will be going on. Now is also the time to consider what supplements to provide for your cattle.

Most people are focused on weaning their calves at this time of year. They are also looking to get their cows rebred for next year’s calf crop. With all of these changes, there is also a change that is going on with your cattle’s nutritional requirements.

Because of these increases in your herd’s nutrition needs, it is essential for you to have a supplement program in place during this time of year. As you may have noticed, your forages are changing as well. With these changes, they may not provide all the nutrition you need. There are various types of supplements, such as protein, mineral, and energy supplements, each serving different nutritional needs. Here are some reasons for you to feed supplements this fall.

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How to actually maximize feed efficiency: hay sampling tips

How to actually maximize feed efficiency: hay sampling tipsThough the weather may not feel like it,  temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here; the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?

During this time of year, many producers are hauling hay to their storage lots to use for winter. On top of this, they are also pricing and buying any additional hay that they may need. It seems everyone has it figured out, though they may not be aware of problems lying just below the surface.

One of the significant challenges for producers is the wide variation in hay quality due to several conditions. However, accurate hay sampling and testing can provide a clear understanding of its nutritional value, offering a promising solution to this issue and ensuring the quality of your feed.

It would be best if you did not guess at the nutritional value. Using values from previous years or a “book value” can be costly since a producer may incorrectly develop a ration using values that aren’t even present. Here are some tips to follow in order to get an accurate hay sampling.

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5 simple steps before actually buying protein tubs exposed

5 simple steps before actually buying protein tubs exposedIntroducing protein tubs into your pasture is a convenient way to provide additional nutrition. Once it’s in place, you don’t need to check it daily, which is particularly beneficial for those with other commitments, such as a job in town, who can’t be on the ranch daily.

A benefit it can provide for both the full-time and ‘part-time‘ rancher is that a protein tub can improve the overall grazing in a pasture. You can move them into areas where the cattle don’t usually graze, which we refer to as ‘underutilized areas ‘, to encourage cattle to move to those areas.

Doing your homework before making any decision is prudent when making any investment. So, before you run off to the local feed store, I have five things you can look at before you buy your first protein tub.

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Hay bale mastery: how to actually preserve premium feed

Hay bale mastery: how to actually preserve premium feedHay bale storage, a vital aspect of cattle production, takes center stage, particularly in winter when natural forages are scarce. The staggering 4.6 million acres of hay harvested in Texas in 2023 underscore the pivotal role of hay production in sustaining livestock operations. However, when drought conditions worsen, the challenge of acquiring sufficient hay bales intensifies, making it crucial for producers to optimize their hay storage practices. This ensures the longevity and nutritional value of their hay supply, a key factor in maintaining a reliable source of supplemental nutrition for their livestock.

As a cattle producer, your role in hay bale storage is pivotal. It’s not just about creating the perfect hay bale but also about how you store it. This can significantly impact its quality and longevity, ensuring it remains a valuable resource through the winter months. The good news is that proper hay storage is not a complex task; it’s about implementing five simple yet effective rules to keep your bales dry and protected from the elements.

In this blog post, we will delve into the essential strategies for proper hay bale storage, offering practical insights and expert tips. By following these straightforward guidelines, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence needed to safeguard your hay investment and ensure a reliable source of supplemental nutrition for your livestock when they need it most. We will start by discussing the importance of packing your bales tightly, then move on to the benefits of storing them indoors, and finally, we’ll cover the significance of keeping your bales off the ground and in the right location. Remember, proper hay storage is not a complex task; it’s about implementing five simple yet effective rules.

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