Livestock Management RANCHING
tremendous variations in protein, energy and all min- erals. Growing forage should be sampled to determine proper supplementation for the growth of the fetus. “I would say that a lot of people probably do not
test their forage, but testing the forage quality can actually prevent problems with body condition,” Hutcheson says. “It can also tell you how to supple- ment. How the cows perform will tell you what they need to some degree, but if you don’t know what’s in the forage you are just guessing, and you’re probably overfeeding. I like to test it in the spring, sometime after it’s up a little bit and growing, and again in the fall after it enters the dormancy stage or if it’s a dif- ferent forage.” Using 2 forage systems can resolve some of the prob-
lems. So will adequate fertilization, although Hutcheson says, “Some of the ranges out in West Texas will not be fertilized, and we pretty well know what those for- ages will be. They won’t have the volume that comes with a lot of rain. “I always say you can either feed the protein, or
you can fertilize and let the cow pick it up,” he says. Bermudagrass will start growing strong in May, just as the seeded winter grasses like ryegrass are declining. If you’re only using a single forage like bermudagrass,
62 The Cattleman April 2015
there will be a period during pregnancy and lactation where the cow will need supplementation for about 30 days or so, until the grass is enough to meet her needs.
Water, minerals and dewormers Water is also very important, particularly during
the lactation phase. After all, milk is 85 percent water. Calves simply can’t get enough water from forages, even when the forages are fast growing and have high moisture. Minerals are also very important during this time,
and it would be best to use a complete trace mineral product, with calcium and phosphorus in it as well. Among the other minerals crucial to the needs of both the cow and calf are zinc, copper, cobalt and selenium. Vitamin E is also very important during this time period because it, and the trace minerals, help the immune system stay functional. Finally, make sure the cow is up to date on her health
regimen. A vaccination protocol should be established at the start of the season. And as Hutcheson also points out, “When you are moving into spring grazing, that is the time you’re going to see parasites come back in, so use a good dewormer. It can be administered either by injection or added to the feed.”
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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