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Nutrition

It’s important to realize that an animal does not require “protein” per se. Rather, it requires amino acids, the building blocks of the various proteins.
Livestock, Nutrition

The basics of protein nutrition for improved cattle performance

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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Meeting the protein requirements of your cattle is a cornerstone of a well-balanced nutrition program. Not only is protein one of the most expensive nutrients to supplement, but it is also one of the most important from a performance perspective. Consider, for example, that protein requirements increase during the latter stages of pregnancy and with […] Read more
For you to understand livestock nutrition, it’s important to have a firm grasp on basic math concepts as they relate to cattle feeding.
Livestock, Nutrition

Math 101 for beef producers

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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When I discuss various aspects of nutrition with producers, I often sense confusion when it comes to “as fed” versus “dry matter” (DM) conversions. Such conversions have a profound effect on our ability to predict feed intake and on our understanding of ration nutrient concentration, feed costs and on cost of gain calculations. If one […] Read more
How well do you mix your cattle feed?
Livestock, Nutrition

How well do you mix your cattle feed?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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When it comes to putting quality feed in front of cattle, there are about as many ways to accomplish this task as there are cattle operations. In most finishing operations, we see total mixed rations (TMR) delivered via mixer wagons, while in cow-calf operations we see everything from pail-feeding grain and ad libitum bale feeding […] Read more
How can you ensure your cows get an adequate supply of fat-soluble vitamins, particularly during late pregnancy and early lactation?
Livestock, Nutrition

Vitamins to consider when cattle feeding

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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Over the years, I have had the opportunity to discuss winter feeding programs with numerous cow-calf producers across the country. One positive trend that I have noticed from these discussions is the widespread acceptance of mineral feeding. However, when it comes to vitamins, there seems to be confusion or in some cases skepticism about the […] Read more
There are a number of steps producers can take to ensure that cattle maintain relatively high levels of feed intake while on high-grain rations.
Livestock, Nutrition

Feed bunk management key to a sound feeding program

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last two columns, we have looked at issues with starting cattle on feed, as well as providing insight into the design of backgrounding and finishing programs. In this column, the focus will be on management of the feeding program, particularly feed bunk management. At its most basic level, feed bunk management is the […] Read more
Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design
Cow-Calf, Livestock, Nutrition

Some thoughts on cattle feeding program design

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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In my last column, I discussed some of the issues cattle feeders — particularly those new to feeding — face when starting calves on feed. The basic message was that with feed intake, these animals need to get off to a fast start to minimize issues associated with weaning stress and the various disease challenges […] Read more
Tips for starting calves on feed
Livestock, Nutrition

Tips for starting calves on feed

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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Retained ownership is a marketing strategy that is used to manage market risk. As opposed to selling weaned calves into a potentially depressed market, retaining ownership and selling at a later stage of production (i.e. as short or long yearlings, or even finished animals) offers the possibility to sell into a more favourable market, as […] Read more
Producers should score cattle at least twice a year, once in the fall coming off pasture and at calving.
Livestock, Nutrition

McKinnon: Interested in feeding your cattle more efficiently this winter?

Nutrition with John McKinnon

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As we move into fall, one of your “to-do” tasks will be to book a herd health visit with your veterinarian. This will include administering any needed vaccinations, structural soundness evaluations as well as pregnancy checking bred cows and heifers. One management tool that may not be included is body condition scoring. If this is […] Read more
McKinnon: It’s silage season again
Nutrition

McKinnon: It’s silage season again

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For many readers, as this article comes to press, silage season is either just starting or about to start. Putting up high-quality silage is both an art and a science. With this article I will review some of the key aspects of silage fermentation management that relate to putting up high-quality silage. Before we focus […] Read more

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