A good illustration for this column is a photo I recently took of a dried-out and brown cow pasture. And, if much of the southern Prairies doesn’t get rain soon, many good pastures will start to look like this, which may be detrimental to this year’s breeding season. To lessen its impact, producers should implement […] Read more
Lick tubs one way to supplement poorer pastures
It doesn't take much loss in body condition to affect conception rates
Creep feeding may be a necessity
With dry growing conditions, supplemental feed may be needed to make up for milk and grass shortfall
Bridging the nutrient gap between mothers’ milk and pastures has always been the traditional purpose for creep feeding spring calves on many commercial cow-calf operations. Some producers put creep feeders out during the late summer when pasture is mature and milk of the average cow can only meet 50 per cent of her growing calf’s […] Read more
Dairy Corner: Forage fibre the big driver in milk fat production
Put your TMR to the test to determine if it's the proper particle size
Maintaining good milk production with adequate milk fat is always the main source of good revenue on most dairy farms. Regardless of the actual feed ingredient formulation, it must work in tandem with the natural body functions of healthy cows. This is something we should keep in mind when reformulating current rations if restrictions are […] Read more
Cash in on beef cow mineral status in the spring
To avoid disease and promote rebreeding and maybe a dash of garlic for fly control
As the weather turns warm, many beef producers wish to refresh their cow mineral programs. It seems that most want to maintain the well-being of their cows coming into spring, whether cows are spring-calvers or calving is completely done and their cows are nursing new spring calves. In both cases, many producers also want to […] Read more
Canola meal as a dairy ration can be excellent soybean replacement
More research is showing improved milk production and quality
I use a lot of soybean meal in several of the lactating feeding programs I develop for high-milk-producing dairy cows. However, in recent months, the skyrocketing price of soybeans has caused me to reconsider. So, I have replaced a significant portion of soybean meal with canola meal, yet have retained the economics and production in […] Read more
Invest in a good feeding program after calving
It benefits in rebreeding and also fall-calf weaning weights
I give nursing beef cow diets a passing grade when they support beef cows to produce lots of milk for their newborn calves and promote growth in postpartum replacement heifers. These diets must also retain their precious body condition (BCS of 2.5 -3.0, on a 5-point scale) so females can get rebred and conceive within […] Read more
An approach to managing twin dairy calves
A multiple birth isn’t necessarily a cause for celebration
I used to think that when a dairy cow gave birth to a set of twins, it was a time to celebrate. However, when I talk dairy producers, most frown at the thought. That’s because twin calvings are not only hard on the freshening cow, but can also lead to many of her post-partum problems. […] Read more
Prep heifers for breeding and calving
Bred or unbred, these animals need energy to grow
Many producers are retaining more replacement heifers than in previous years. There are many good reasons to do so, but if so they should assure that unbred replacements are receiving adequate midwinter nutrition in order to be ready for breeding in the spring and ready to give birth to their first healthy calf. Given that […] Read more
Be careful not to step in it
Watching cows’ poop helps you learn about what they’re eating
Anytime that I walk through a dairy barn, I walk in front of the feed bunk and usually watch the cows defecate. Their fresh cow pies reflect on how well their milking diet is being consumed and digested. If something is out of line, manure consistency and content warn me almost immediately. So then I […] Read more
Proper rations for winter cattle feeding and calving
Cows need to maintain body condition and feed a fetus
There are several kilometres of Highway 59 in southern Manitoba which provide a snapshot of winter-feeding programs. Despite several feet of snow in the winter, I often see many cow herds being overwintered along this stretch of road, since in each one of the adjoining yards are rows of hay bales that I can see […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
