Feed & Nutrition

Trace mineral supplementation is imperative for profitable cattle production. Unfortunately, this single aspect of production is complicated by the overwhelming variety of mineral sources, product offerings and formulation strategies available, so livestock research has produced conflicting results.

Why do cows need the right nutrition at the right time? This question was addressed by Dr. Lee Dickerson of Purina during last year’s Cattle Industry Convention in Nashville. This article is taken from Dickerson’s presentation.

As we continue into the winter feeding months, cow-calf producers have additional opportunities to impact their bottom line. Winter feeding costs represent the single largest cost to cattlemen, typically representing 55 to 80 percent of total costs for their cow herd.

Many beef producers may need a plan B when it comes to winter forages due to dry conditions, says Dr. Jason Banta, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service beef cattle specialist, Overton.

Nitrates in forages can sometimes be a problem for cattle, says Rachel Endecott, extension beef cattle specialist, Montana State University. All plants contain nitrates, but they utilize it during normal metabolism and growth.

Where I come from, most people feed hay during the winter. Lots and lots of hay. Feeding hay requires harvesting it or buying and increasing feed costs to the point of loss of profitability in many cases.