IOWA LIMOUSIN
Beef Expo Sale
DES MOINES, IOWA
WED. FEB. 12, 2020 • NOON
SELLING PUREBRED & LIM-FLEX
Bulls • Bred Females
Open Heifers (Lady Limi Classic Heifers)
2019 IBE Top-Selling Limousin Bull
Bred by: Crazy Woman Creek Limousin, MN
Purchased by: Ludens Family Limousin, SD
• 2019 American Royal Grand Champion Bull
continued from page 50
temperature (LCT)—or the point at which cattle start to be affected
by cold stress—is a bit variable due to body condition, hair length
and acclimation to cold temperatures, but likely starts around 15-
20 degrees Fahrenheit. Research from Colorado State indicates
that first-calf heifers calving at a body condition score of 4 or less
produce colostrum with reduced antibody levels. Calves from these
undernourished heifers were more likely to become sick than calves
from well-fed heifers.
Low-quality forage challenges
Cattle are very good at adjusting their intake to meet their need
for extra energy, but there are times when poor hay quality prevents
them from doing so. Due to the extremely wet spring experienced
by many parts of the country this year, late-cut hay significantly
reduced both hay quality and quantity. With late-cut hay, fiber
levels go up, which therefore reduces digestibility or available
energy for maintenance and lactation. High fiber leads to “gut fill,”
meaning cows can often not eat enough to meet their demands for
energy in late gestation and while nursing. Supplementation with
extra protein can improve digestibility of the forage and allow the
cow to satisfy her demands without pulling the extra weight off
her body and losing condition. If you have not tested your hay this
year to know the levels of energy and protein, it is strongly advised
that you do so.
In a recent conversation with two North Carolina producers,
one recognized the challenge he was facing with poor quality hay,
having started feeding earlier than normal due to abnormally dry
conditions this summer and fall. The second producer, while having
good grazing on some fall ryegrass pasture, had purchased a group
of first-calf heifers in less than ideal body condition. Each cattleman
recognized his cattle were in danger of losing body condition, so
both chose to add a protein block to their feeding regimen. While
temperatures in this location are still moderate—ranging from 30-
60 degrees Fahrenheit—animals in more northern latitudes that
are being fed low-quality forages are likely already adjusting their
energy intake as cold, wet and windy weather sets in.
Which self-fed supplement product is right for you?
www.iowalimousin.org
For a Catalog or More Information, Contact:
ANN VORTHMANN (402) 981-1093
52
No matter your feeding situation, Crystalyx® Brand Supplements
has a product that fits. One of their newer products called CrystalBlox™
is a hybrid combination of a low-moisture and compressed block
that allows for a higher intake of nutrients when needs are greater.
We see this situation more often during early lactation, but if forage
quality is too poor for a group of cattle to maintain body condition,
CrystalBlox is an excellent choice for improving forage digestibility
and overall nutrient supplementation.
If your herd is already in good body condition and the primary
need is for maintenance during late gestation, consider other protein
supplements such as BGF-20™, BGF-30™ or HP-40™.
For more information on products that will fit your needs this
fall and winter, check out www.crystalyx.com or visit with your
local dealer.
• JANUARY 2020