Cattle producers top 10 list for nutrition assistance

AGRIMART

Working with a beef nutritionist may be in livestock producers interest this year

Given the dry year, lower hay yields but better chances of a quality crop indicates possible need to determine beef nutrition needs, says Naomi Paley, regional livestock specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

To that end she has drafted a top 10 list showing a possible need for consulting a beef nutritionist.

1 - Stretching feed supplies with straw or buying hay. Feed tests for energy, protein and minerals are suggested. 2 - If the digestible energy of your forage is less than 55 per cent, the amount needed for a cow in good condition to maintain itself over winter.

3 - If your cow’s body score is 2.5 or less, it will need extra nutrition.

4 - If your calf crop is less than 85 per cent, nutrition may be impacting the birth rate.

5 - If your calving season is six months long, some cows deficient in nutrition may be calving late.

6 - Poor water quality or water high in sulphates can affect the herd from weight gain to reproduction.

7 - If all the available mineral options confuse you, consult with a nutritionist.

8 - If mycotoxins or ergot are possi- ble in feed, have it tested.

9 - If you plan to background calves, setting rations can control costs and assist weight gain.

10 - If you plan to custom feed cows or calves, determining ration needs can assist the bottom line.

Producers with questions should call the Ag Knowledge Centre at 1-866457-2377.

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