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One of the greatest challenges cattle producers often experience during weaning is getting newly weaned calves to consume feed in bunk. Unfortunately, successfully addressing this challenge is essential to success. Simply stated, “Cattle that don’t eat don’t perform.” Preparing calves, understanding how much dry feed calves will likely consume and developing a feeding strategy or plan is one of the best ways to ensure success in the weaning pen. Feeding both cows and calves a small amount of the supplement or weaning ration prior to weaning...
Forage Analysis: What Numbers Do I Need? By Blaire Todd Post Rock District Livestock Production Agent One of the more common questions regarding analytical testing of forages and other feedstuffs is “I have the sample, now what do I test for or what analysis package should I select?” The basic components that nutritionists need to evaluate a feedstuff or develop a ration are dry matter or moisture, crude protein, an estimate of the energy content of the feedstuff (Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN), Net Energy for Maintenance (NEm), Net Ene...
Post Rock Extension District Livestock Production Agent Drought conditions are a common occurrence and livestock producers consequently plan for the worst and hope for the best. Complicating matters this year is the extent to which drought is impacting areas of the U.S., the dramatic increase in feed cost and transportation cost for purchased feed. How does a producer adapt to the current situation without affecting cowherd productivity, while also keeping feed costs from breaking the bank? First, conduct a forage inventory and calculate...
The Kansas State Research and Extension Calving School will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 19, at Mankato. To help prepare for the upcoming calving season, the program will outline overall calving management that includes stages of the normal calving process as well as tips to handle difficult calving situations. A.J. Tarpoff, K-State extension beef veterinarian, who will be the featured speaker. The goals of the program are to increase knowledge, practical skills, and to increase the number of live calves born. The calving school will also...
