THE
Compartments
Of Overall Health Management
M
by Bruce Derksen
anaging the health of the herd is obviously more than
just treating sick animals. This may have been the case
decades ago, but at present it is understood that everything from
meat quality, birthing, milk production and auction value is
impacted by an animal’s health. The big picture can appear an
overwhelming task but broken down it can essentially be grouped
into compartments—basics of life including nutritional feed,
water and protection from the elements—stress free and low-
pressure handling—and humane and productive responsibilities
including vaccinations and timely castration.
The compartment of feed, hydration and overall nutrition
The compartment of feed, hydration and overall nutrition can
also be broken down into smaller units. Young, growing cattle will
need relatively higher levels of crude protein while pregnant cows
and heifers require higher energy and protein levels to reach optimal
growth and reproductive performance.
In the mature cow herd, feeding should be aimed at a calving time
body conditioning score (BCS) of five for cows and six in heifers. This
will allow the greatest opportunity to provide adequate colostrum,
repair the reproductive tract, initiate new heat cycles to allow timely
rebreeding and continue normal frame growth as required.
Ken Olson, South Dakota State University extension beef
specialist, stresses that protein supplementation should always be
considered, especially for spring calving herds that are using lower
quality forages such as winter range, crop residues or baled straw.
“The first limiting nutrient is protein, simply because the ruminant
needs protein to digest forage. If the cow doesn’t have enough
protein to create a proper environment for rumen microbes, she
can’t digest the fiber in low-quality forage to extract the energy value
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in it,” said Olson. “Research data indicates proper nutrition of the
fetus enhances the feedlot performance of the eventual calf, with
boosts shown in improved immunity and even improved carcass
composition.”
The compartment of water is equally important, as water and
fluids comprise an average of 60 percent of an animal’s total body
weight. Mature cows can consume between 20 and 50 gallons per day
thus a quality supply needs to be provided for instances of extreme
environmental heat, transportation, fluid loss from diarrhea or pyrexia
associated with disease.
Dr. Megan Van Emon, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at Montana
State University, explains that water is the most essential nutrient for
livestock production. “It is needed for numerous processes, such as
the regulation of body temperature, growth, digestion, reproduction,
metabolism, lubrication of joints, excretion, eyesight etc. Water is also
an excellent solvent for amino acids, minerals, glucose, vitamins and
metabolic waste.”
Working in tandem with water supplies, in areas of extreme
heat and humidity, it is essential that cattle are protected from the
radiation of the sun and strength of the wind by natural or man-made
shelter. Each animal must have enough space to viably repel weather
challenges, whether in the feedlot or pastures.
The compartment of stress free and low-pressure handling
In the compartment of stress-free and low-pressure handling, it is
vital to practice proper animal husbandry, not only in the public eye
of today’s inter-connected society, but as a staple of ranch and feedlot
work processes. It is fact that stress breeds disease and must be held to
• JANUARY 2020
continued on page 60