Improving cow-calf nutrition
Proper feeding practices increase efficiency and body condition score.
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The U.S. cow-calf herd is at a 60-year
low, attributed to droughts in the Midwest
and South, high grain prices resulting
in conversion of pasture to row crops,
low feedlot margins and
the retirement of elderly
ranchers. Consequently,
the beef industry is set
for record profits over the
next five years. This will be
a welcome relief from the
previous five years, which
have been some
of the most difficult ever for the
beef industry.
Dr. Ki Fanning
Reproductive efficiency is a
major determinant of the profitability of a ranch and is represented by the proportion of
cows becoming pregnant at the
least cost. Factors that affect
reproductive efficiency include
weather, age, semen quality, and
nutrition. The plane of nutrition
and body condition score (BCS)
affect the post-partum anestrous
interval.
After a 285-day gestation period, the cow has approximately
80 days during which to re-breed
to remain in a 365-day reproductive cycle. Cows attaining a
BCS 5. 5 or greater at calving in
positive energy balance and are
likely to have a short postpartum
interval. Cows at a BCS of 4. 5
or less at calving are unlikely to
become pregnant and conform
to the 365 cycle than a BCS 5. 5
cow due to loss of condition prior
to breeding. A cow at a BCS of
5. 5 at calving maintaining her
BCS through breeding, is more
likely to conceive in the first 21
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days out of the breeding season.
days later and $1,225 over calves born
42 days later.
Economical nutrition
The question is: “How do you keep cows
at a BCS of 5. 5 or better without breaking
the bank?” In the Midwest, feedlots have
fed distillers’ grains or gluten feed for many
years. This approach is relatively new to the
cow-calf industry. Distillers’ grains or gluten
feed are good sources of energy, protein
and phosphorus for beef cows. These co-
