Tag: ranch plan (Page 6 of 12)

Grazing Systems: What Types are There?

grazing systems: what types are there?A grazing system, when done correctly, can assist rangeland managers in achieving management objectives. They can both boost production as well as reduce their overhead costs.

Selection of the proper type of system depends on understanding the unique combination of different aspects that go into range management. Things like the topography, soil type, the particular animal involved have to be balanced in order to get the best results.

Whether intended or not if you have animals grazing in a pasture then you already have a grazing system in place. If you are getting the most out of your pasture however is an entirely different story.

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Why do cows need salt?

why do cows need salt?Salt, along with other minerals, are necessary to sustain life in cows. Much like humans they are the essential building blocks for a living being to perform at best.

The interesting thing about salt is that cattle have a natural “urge” for it. This means that unlike the other minerals they will actually seek it out. If they can not find it then they will try to ingest it from other sources, such as tree bark, dirt, and even urine.

As I mentioned earlier salt is very important for the overall function of a cow. Along with aiding with milk production it will assist with other functions. These functions are things like reproduction, blood flow and even sweating, which I think that one should be obvious.

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6 Tips to Developing Treatment Protocols

6 tips for developing a treatment protocolTreatment protocols are often seen as something used only by feedyards and large stocker operations. People that deal with large numbers of animals at a time.

However, it can be a valuable tool for cow/calf producers of any size, really for anyone interested in looking for a type of traceability. This can include producers that are involved in the Beef Quality Assurance program to improve their marketability.

A treatment protocol is an easy thing to do, it will just take a little bit of effort. When completed it can take the guesswork or confusion out of their animal health problems. It will give them a standardized set of steps to follow, but you may be asking “Well how do I develop a treatment protocol?”. Well here are 6 tips that you can follow to do that.

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Creep Feeding: Is it worth it?

creep feeding: is it worth it?Creep feeding can be a very useful tool for producers with young calves. This will improve both your bottom line and your overall profitability.

It can help add a few more pounds on your calves which can translate into more dollars for you come sale time. Also it has been shown to make weaning a little bit less stressful for them.

But like with everything there are pros and cons to using it. It is up to each producer individually to decide if it is something that will work for them or not. Here are some things for you to consider:

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Cattle Systems: Finding the Cause

cattle systems: finding the causeAs anyone in the cattle production sector can tell you raising cattle can be a very complex system. There are many different factors that come into play and if there is one thing that goes wrong it can cause problems.

Say for example a disease breaks out in your herd. It will throw your whole system out of whack because you have to treat the animals and possibly quarantine them. Then there is the problem with lost production that will cause a problem with your profitability.

It is usual that when something goes wrong we simply fix the problem without fully understanding the “why?” it happened. With our lives busy enough finding the cause of the problem when something  goes wrong is often not on the top of our priority list. But by understanding he why we can save time and money as well as reducing the severity if a problem does occur.

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The Calving Nutrition Article of Your Dreams

the calving nutrition article of your dreamsNutrition management of your cow herd is very important during late pregnancy and early lactation. What happens during this time can not only affect your current calf crop but your future one as well. Having the cow’s nutrition needs met can reduce dystocia for the cow and improve the overall performance of the calf.

During this time you can have problems from 2 different directions. First off her nutritional requirements spike as compared to other times of the year. Second, the overall quality of your forage is lower because we have not got to the “spring green up” yet.

It is very critical that you get the nutrition right during this time because if she is lacking it will affect not only the health of the calf but the probability of her getting bred come breeding season.

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5 Steps to Controlling Mesquite

5 steps to controlling mesquiteMesquite trees, everyone’s favorite “trash” tree. It can provide us with some really good firewood but it does pose some problems for range managers.

Despite being viewed by some as a poor quality rangeland plant a mesquite does have some benefits. One such benefit is that it can provide both food and cover for wildlife and livestock. Also, since it is classified as a legume it has the ability to fix nitrogen back into the soil.

Despite it’s benefits if it is left unmanaged it can dominate a rangeland. This will choke out any grass that you may have in the pasture providing less for your animal to eat. With it also being a very thirsty plant it will also suck your place dry if you let it get out of hand.

The thing to remember is that complete eradication is not possible but getting them under control is. Here are 5 steps that you can follow to do this.

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Don’t Hold Back Your Soil Test

Don't Hold Back Your Soil TestDoing a soil test can be a very effective tool in a producer’s toolbox. It can tell you the kind of nutrients available as well as the amounts that are present.

I don’t have to tell you that knowing this information can be very helpful when it comes to choosing what type of fertilizer to use. If properly done soil sampling and testing can indicate the types and amounts of fertilizer and lime that you should put out.

Now you may be asking how it is that you can do a soil test properly. Well here are some points that you may want to consider:

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When to Assist in Calving

When to assist in calvingKnowing when to assist in calving can be a tricky matter. It requires a delicate balance between not reacting too quickly and not reacting too late. Finding this balance can require a lot of experience and maybe a little luck.

If you help too early there is a chance that you did not need to help at all. You also run the risk of injuring the calf as well as the cow.

Waiting too long can have very dire results. There is the certain possibility that you will lose both the calf and it’s momma at the same time.

So to help you find the right balance of when to take action or not I have provided some information to get you on the path to success.

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Introdution to Balancing a Ration

Introduction to balancing a rationBalancing a ration correctly is one of the most important tools in a producer’s toolbox. Because feed costs are the major cost  producing beef it can make or break an operation. Making the most efficient use of the feed put out is of utmost importance. It can make the difference between you being profitable or taking a loss,

When you balance a ration you are supplying the proper amount as well as proportions of nutrients that the animal will need. The thing to remember is that we are not just providing “feed”. We are supplying what is needed for growth, reproduction and body maintenance.

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