Cows and bred heifers require 25 per cent more nutrients after calving than during late pregnancy. Milk production peaks eight weeks after calving. Feed intake increases until 12 weeks after calving. The increased feed intake is the result of the digestive system expanding to fill the space that was occupied by the fetus and reproductive […] Read more
Changing feeding programs after calving
Nutrition with Barry Yaremcio
Preparing cattle for the breeding season
Many factors influence the success of a breeding season. Bulls must be in good shape to perform. The body condition of pregnant and lactating animals greatly affects a cow or heifer’s ability to cycle and be receptive to a bull. It’s important to discuss vaccination and herd health programs, bull soundness and semen evaluation with […] Read more
Winter feeding management for cattle
Nutrition with Barry Yaremcio
Cattle are fed over winter using a variety of methods. The level of complexity and mechanization depends on the operation and management. The overall objective is to keep cows in good condition, healthy and productive. For any system to work, accurate animal and bale weights, along with a feed inventory of all feeds are needed. […] Read more
Unpacking an oat silage feed report
Understanding results and applying the information from a feed test is key to developing balanced rations
You’ve collected representative samples of feed and sent them for analysis. Interpreting the results and building a balanced ration is the next step. (see ‘Certificate of Analysis’ report example at bottom) Moisture and dry matter: Moisture represents the amount of water present in a feed sample. Dry matter is what remains after water is removed. Moisture […] Read more
Feeding cattle this winter
There are a number of 'first steps' you can take to develop a balanced ration
Feed supplies are deficient in many areas of the country. Stretching limited forage feed supply while keeping animals healthy, in good condition and maintaining a high level of production and reproduction will be the challenge. Forages such as hay, greenfeed, silage, straw and forage-seed aftermath are essential in a ruminant ration. Along with providing nutrients, […] Read more
Unpacking a water quality test
Learn how to read the results of a water quality test and what they mean for your herd
Water quality is often overlooked when developing cattle rations. For every kilogram of dry feed consumed, an animal drinks between three to five kg of water. Temperature and feed type can affect water intake. As well, lactating cows have a higher water intake compared to pregnant animals. A lack of water reduces feed intake and […] Read more
Cow body condition and animal performance
How much fat a cow is carrying through the winter affects everything from her ability to maintain her body temperature to the development of her unborn calf
Nutrients provided in the ration influence animal performance. Animals will either lose, maintain, or gain weight. The nutrition program not only affects the cow but also the unborn calf. Visual evaluation of animal condition can be misleading, especially with a winter haircoat. A more objective, hands-on method to evaluate how the cows are managing is […] Read more
Grazing over-mature forages
Fall grazing has many benefits, but make sure the cow and calf’s nutritional needs are being met
Grazing mature cattle on mature forages and crop aftermath late into fall are options that reduce overall feeding costs. Kaliel and Kotowich (2002) reported that 60 per cent of production costs in a cow-calf operation are associated with winter feeding. Extending the grazing season reduces costs but there are limitations on what can be done. […] Read more
Rebuilding or replacing forage stands
By evaluating current and past management practices, you can avoid repeat mistakes
Before attempting to rejuvenate or replace pasture, we must evaluate the pasture or hay field that is in poor condition. Start by determining the plant species that are present and the number of plants per square foot. Collect information from 10 different locations within the pasture to get a good overview of populations. Also, record […] Read more
FEEDING
This spring, there are regions around the country that are short of hay and forage. Other areas have surplus hay stacked in long rows in feedyards or at the sides of hayfields. Buyers may see this surplus as an option to fill their bale yards now instead of worrying about securing hay supplies later in […] Read more
Canadian Cattlemen Presents: Depth of Field
