The early cold weather experienced this year has made it even more important for producers to test their feed to determine quality and to keep close watch on the body condition score of their cows.
“Using average values for this year isn’t working,” said Barry Yaremcio, a beef and forage specialist with Alberta Agriculture.
“Some feed tests are showing that phosphorus levels are adequate and working well in meeting requirements, but the calcium levels are quite short in some cases.”
Feed taken from areas that experienced drought or sunny dry conditions last summer and early fall have good protein levels, but are generally overmature. This mature feed has lower energy levels, and grain may be needed.
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Feed taken from areas that were wet in August and September tend to have far less protein, and in some cases the protein deficiency restricts total voluntary feed intake, resulting in weight loss.
“If producers test their feed and find that calcium levels are deficient, they can use a two-to-one mineral,” Yaremcio said.
“This supplement has two parts of calcium to one part of phosphorus, and those are the first numbers on the tag. Mix the loose salt and mineral together to improve intake.”
In some situations, insufficient phosphorus in the greenfeed or swath grazing material may require a two-to-one mineral to correct the phosphorus deficiency, but additional calcium in the form of limestone may also be required. Up to an ounce and a half to two oz. of limestone may be needed to increase calcium to necessary levels.
“Limestone is chalky tasting, so to get livestock to eat sufficient amounts, mix the salt, mineral and limestone together,” he said.
“Adding dried molasses into the mix can induce greater intake. Producers can use dried molasses to regulate feed intake. Start by using five to six pounds of dried molasses in 100 lb. of the salt, mineral, limestone mixture. If cattle aren’t eating the required amount, increase the dried molasses to eight or nine lb. If they’re eating too much, back this sweetener down until the consumption is correct.”
This year’s early cold weather resulted in cows growing their insulating hair coat earlier than normal. They may look like they are in good condition, but producers need to condition score their animals. Under that full hair coat, the cows may not be in adequate condition.
When the weather becomes really cold, producers need to provide more energy in the ration. Adding more grain to the ration is recommended when temperatures drop below -20 C. If additional energy is not provided, the animals will lose weight.
“A lower body score can affect calving birth weights by five or six lb. If cows are thin, they won’t be able to produce as much milk as if they were in good condition, and colostrum quality will also be compromised. This may cause more health concerns with the calves,” Yaremcio said.
“When cows are in poor body condition, it has a detrimental effect on reproductive performance of the cow. It’s extremely hard to get cows to gain weight after calving, and if cows are thin for breeding season, first service conception rates can drop by 25 percent and it may take 30 to 60 days longer for the cows to start cycling.”
