Rural Roots Winter 2019 | Page 6

6 cannot eat as much as dry or newly pregnant cows. Cold stress may increase dry matter intake because it increases rate of passage. Wasted Feed The type of feed and the way it is delivered can affect how much feed is wasted. Certain methods to reduce the length of feed can waste the higher quality, high protein portions. Hay and greenfeed have an estimated feeding waste of 15 to 30 percent and pellets have an estimated 5 percent waste factor. Mineral Imbalances If feeding strictly annual cereal crops such as greenfeed, silages and straw, it is a Best Management Practice to supplement with extra minerals. Extra calcium and magnesium supplements can offset the effects of high potassium in annual cereal feed. Test for Nitrates If feed is from frosted greenfeed, heavily fertilized or manured annual cereal crops or heated greenfeed bales, it is a good idea to test for nitrates. Should they heat, greenfeed bales that are low in nitrates can be dangerously high in nitritest. Nitrate conversion to nitrite can be deadly. Heated Bales If they test low for nitrates, heated bales should be fed early. This type of feed has less protein available, and as the gestation of the cattle proceeds, the protein requirements increase. Moulds that can develop on bales that sit can be harmful when both eaten and inhaled. Salt Sources It is recommended to have one source of salt fed free choice. Interested in Learning More? Gain a more in-depth understanding of the MD’s recent ASB workshop by visitng mdlsr.ca/Agriculture. Delicious Recipes Into Your Kitchen Courtesy of our ASB Team Members Submit your favourite recipe to the MD’s Sub-office in Flatbush for your chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of Rural Roots! Raspberry Almond Shortbread Cookies Step 1. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and white sugar until smooth (about 30 seconds). Mix in ½ teaspoon almond extract. Mix in flour until dough comes together. Cover and chill dough in fridge (about 1 hour). INGREDIENTS 1 cup butter, softened 2/3 cup granulated sugar 1/2 teaspoon almond extract 2 cups all purpose flour 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam Sugar for sprinkling 1 cup confectioners’ sugar Step 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Shape dough into 1 inch balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheets (about 2 inches apart). Using your thumb, make a small indentation in the centre of each ball and fill the indentation with jam (about ½ teaspoon). Sprinkle with white sugar. Step 3. Bake for about 10 minutes in preheated oven, or until lightly browned. Let cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. Step 4. In a medium bowl, combine powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon water and 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract. Mix until smooth. If necessary, add more water (a drop at a time) until a thin, pourable consistency is reached. Drizzle icing lightly over warm cookies. 3 to 4 teaspoons of water Ready in: 1 hour and 30 mins 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract Cook time: 10 minutes Makes: 36 cookies