Feed & Nutrition

Cow-calf producers understand the importance of colostrum in calf health and performance, but the roles vitamin A and E play in colostrum quality are less known.

At its core, the beef cattle industry is tasked with one thing: producing pounds of beef. And while this sounds overly simplistic, we have to remember: The growth, improvement and profitability of the cattle industry depends on producing a quality food product as efficiently as possible.

Cow nutrition during pre-calving and the 100 days post-calving is the single-most important factor in producing a healthy calf.

Recently, renewed interest has been expressed regarding finding efficient beef cattle to fit a rangeland environment.

With the drought of 2012, beef cow numbers in the U.S. dipped to their lowest since the 1980s. Fewer mama cows meant fewer calves produced.

Whether we’re talking human or cattle nutrition, it’s easy to get caught up in buzzwords and fads. But the reality is: A renewed focus on one simple philosophy can help address many of our nutritional woes.