Many dairy heifer replacements come out of the calf barn in good shape. That’s because many were fed milk and calf-starter diets that supported exceptional growth. Ironically, some of these heifers are not fed well after weaning, and this nutrition gap makes them struggle throughout their first lactation. Such adverse nutrition can largely be avoided […] Read more
Vitti: Figure out proper rations for replacement dairy heifers
They need to keep growing, but you don’t want them too fat either
Drought conditions affect usual mineral recommendations
Formulations need to be tweaked to meet needs of gestating cows
Mineral (and vitamin) feeding programs for overwintering beef cows have remained pretty much the same, year after year on the Prairies. However, standard recommendations are likely to change this winter. Better mineral (and vitamin) choices should be fed this year in the wake of last summer’s severe drought. Dry conditions compromised good mineral/vitamin status of […] Read more
Play it safe with high nitrates
Proper management of drought-affected forages can reduce the risk to livestock
This year’s drought taught me many lessons about the dangers of high nitrates in beef cow forage. That is why I recommend that all cow-calf producers test all their harvested forages for nitrates, whatever field it came from. It’s going to be money well spent, whether tests are negative or positive. And if they are […] Read more
Dried distillers’ grains a viable feed option
DDGS is high in nutrients and pencils out well in a ration
Corn-dried distillers’ grains solubles (DDGS) have drawn a lot of attention among beef producers in Western Canada this year. That’s because a lack of good-quality forages caused by one of the worst droughts in years as well as high grain/protein-concentrate prices have created an easy choice for feeding this nutritious supplement to cattle. And it […] Read more
Balance “pineapple” corn silage into dairy diets
Corn with rolled leaves should definitely be tested for nitrates
I never noticed a “pineapple” cornfield until I ‘ve seen several of them in Manitoba this summer. As I have done, dairy producers should take them in stride as part of our ongoing drought. A pineapple cornfield is simply what happens to a corn plant after months of severe drought. (It is a term used […] Read more
Finding affordable cow feed to support body condition
Chances are that pastures have just run out, so what do you feed cattle heading into winter?
Quantity and quality of forage at the end of this summer for beef cows is short. So, where burnt pastures can no longer support the average beef cowherd, whatever forage is on hand with the right supplements might be turned into a sufficient autumn feeding program until winter. The goal of any good fall feeding […] Read more
Feed management affects proper mineral intake
Don't just dump a bag of mineral in a tub and walk away
It is easy to open a bag of loose cattle mineral and pour it into mineral feeders or a trough. Yet many beef producers don’t realize the importance of providing essential minerals and vitamins to their beef cow herd on a regular basis. That’s why I encourage people to choose a well-formulated cattle mineral and […] Read more
Udder edema puts dairy cows under pressure
Dairy Corner: If a chronic problem, a change in ration formulation may be needed
Udder edema is the swelling and visible accumulation of fluid in a cow’s udder at calving, or it may appear a couple of weeks ahead of time in the close-up pen. Fortunately, most distressed cows do not need any producer or vet intervention. That’s because most of these cases disappear on their own, usually after […] Read more
Bulls need lots of TLC during the post-breeding season
Check for any health problems and make sure they have proper feed, including minerals
As a beef nutritionist, I recommend that bulls during the post-breeding season be given lots of attention, namely a physical exam, a good summer/fall-feeding program (winter programs to follow) and implementing other timely considerations. This will help both mature bulls maintain and young ones achieve body condition and health, which will contribute to next year’s […] Read more
‘Extra’ water key to reducing heat stress in calves
Dairy Corner: Keeping them hydrated is part of proper management when temperatures rise
Heat stress starts to harm dairy calves even at about 22 C with a relative humidity of at least 60 per cent. At this humidex level, I have seen many calves become restless, reduce feed intake, and significantly increase water consumption. As temperatures rise (coupled with more humidity), most sooner or later breathe rapidly and […] Read more
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