It’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.
Weaning is one of the most critical times for cattle producers. It is a period when all their hard work begins to pay off with an excellent large calf crop. This challenging yet promising time assures long-term benefits and a thriving herd, instilling a sense of optimism and motivation in cattle producers.
Introducing 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.
Drought can be devastating. Forages stop producing, making it difficult for ranchers to make food. Drought can make things seem bleak.
Every cow/calf producer aspires for calves to gain weight efficiently. Some producers have discovered that a creep system, particularly creep grazing, is a promising way to achieve this goal. Creep grazing, in particular, has the potential to significantly increase calf weight gain, offering a ray of hope for producers. It’s important to note that both methods, creep grazing and creep feeding a concentrate supplement, have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Hence, it’s crucial for the producer to research and choose the method that best suits their needs.
Destocking is a prevalent practice during a drought. It is rarely easy and will still cost you most of the time. However, drought is a common consequence of ranching, so it will still need to be done. It is important to include plans for when droughts occur so producers are always prepared.
The breeding season places significant demands on our cows, who play a crucial role in this process. They are not just animals in our operation but critical contributors to our success. During this time, they are expected to provide adequate nutrition for their calf and allow their bodies to recover from giving birth. Then, they are expected to return to estrus just before they are bred again. All of this is likely to occur within 90 days after calving to maintain a yearly calving interval. This cycle is essential for our operation’s success.
Water, a fundamental element of life, plays a pivotal role in the daily existence of cattle. It is indispensable for growth, fetal development, lactation, and overall production. Despite its significance, water can often be overlooked by producers.
