nutrition
When the quality drops, cattle need to
consume more forage to meet their nutrition
requirements. Paying attention to stocking rates
is particularly important during this time.
“It is also a good time to think about adding
some supplemental protein to help them
meet their nutrition requirements,” Henry said.
“Usually, protein supplementation on lower
quality grass will help improve forage intake.
“
He explained the energy to protein ratio
during this time is offset. The rumen bacteria
usually need more nitrogen. Supplementing
protein stimulates the rumen to utilize the
energy better. The cattle then will go out
and graze more, which is an increase in forage
intake to meet overall nutrient requirements.
From bulls and yearlings, to cows and heifers,
the objective is forage consumption. Whether
the goal is to maintain body conditioning for
reproduction or gain weight for more pounds
to sale, forage consumption is important. The
challenge producers are faced with during
the summer is ensuring the quality of forage
is there to help their herd meet their goals.
Just because nature
provided summer grass
in the pasture, doesn’t
mean it is getting the
job done nutritionally
throughout the summer.
“It all works the
same, whether you
are trying to produce
milk or produce
muscle,” Hilscher said.
For example, if it
is a spring calving
herd the cows
will need to meet peak lactation requirements
through forage consumption. If the goal is
a heavier weaning weight, producers can
help their cows with lactation by offering
supplemental protein to up their forage
”
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