Maxwell's Hardware
ATWOODS BLOG - HORSES
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Shelter & Care Basics for Cattle Borrowed from Nutrena’s Blog Shelter Requirements Cattle need only minimal shelter. During calving it is nice to have a place where the cow and newborn calf can get out of the elements for a day or two. It is good to have a place where they can find shade in hot weather and wind break from the cold. A corral or dry lot must be available to keep the animals in when irrigating and when the pasture needs a rest from grazing. Good fences are important to ensure safety and good relationships with neighbors. Electric fences are useful for managing your pasture and should be sufficiently strong, high, and tight to contain the herd. A four-and-a-half-foot fence made of wire is adequate. Troughs and feeders will be necessary as grazing should not be the only form of diet. It is a good idea to have a round bale feeder, 1 for every 10 cows, and a feed bunk. When cows are in early lactation it may be desirable to feed them some supplement to help maintain their body condition, so they are ready to breed back later in the year. Provide facilities that adhere to animal welfare as it is legislated in your state. These would include care for the animal such as proper feed, handling facilities, shelter and the removal of any conditions that may inflict stress on your animal. Importance of A Good Vet Program Cattle are susceptible to a variety of diseases. With good planning and adequate management, you can avoid most disease problems with the use of common vaccines and pharmaceuticals. Do your research and consult a veterinarian in your area who is certified in your state and specializes in cattle. Veterinarians can provide a variety of services that benefit beef cow operations. A herd health program based on your type of operation is imperative. This should include:
Remember, healthy herds generally have lower medication costs, less death loss, and are more productive and profitable. |
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Diet and Nutrition for Cattle Borrowed from Nutrena’s blog https://www.nutrenaworld.com/blog/diet-and-nutrition-for-cattle Cows eat grass and hay. On a dry matter basis a cow will eat 4 to 5 tons of forage per year. As long as there is pasture for the cows to eat, it is most economical to let them graze. When cattle are on grass, the amount of forage consumed will determine how well they will perform, usually expressed in average daily gain (ADG). Growing beef cattle will consume approximately 2.5 percent of their body weight each day depending on forage conditions. It requires approximately 8 to 10 pounds of roughage for every pound of gain. If possible, the hay should be 8% crude protein or higher. It is a good idea to test the protein value of your hay through local laboratories. Cows are ruminant, meaning they ferment their feed before digesting in the stomach and intestines. The rumen in a mature cow is a 42 gallon drum which has feed, water, and bacteria in it. The bacteria break down the fiber and help the cow get energy from the fiber. Bacteria will continually wash out of the rumen then become digested in the intestines. The bacteria will provide much of the protein the cow needs. There are billions of tiny bacteria in the rumen. When we feed a cow we are really feeding the bacteria so they can do their job. If cattle are confined, all nutrients required for growth and production must be supplied. Normally growing cattle over 700 pounds will need to receive rations relatively high in concentrates to gain faster. The concentrate should be processed for maximum benefit to the animal. Supplements containing vitamins, minerals, and protein (depending on what they are getting from the forage) are recommended. |
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