Livestock Management RANCHING
Those high calf prices should also provide an incentive for producers to test their forages for content.
grains like wheat and oats is ineffi ciently digested due to the high level of degradable protein, which is broken down in the rumen. There may be a better response if undegradable pro-
tein, which is absorbed in the small intestine, is included in the supplement. Hutcheson adds, “Supplementation of protein or energy should be accompanied by other nutrients that might be defi cient, and/or feed additives, to stimulate effi ciency.” To improve use of forage, the producer can also con-
sider feeding ionophores, which increase feed effi ciency and weight gain by altering rumen fermentation pat- terns. This is another way to ensure that the pastures are being put to maximum use and no more money than necessary is invested in feed supplements. “If you do start supplementation, you probably need
to consider continuing to supplement unless you get some good rains,” Hutcheson says. “You should try not
to supplement as long as you don’t need to. It’s a bit of a toss-up. But you have to consider what your goals are, particularly with our high-priced calves right now. If you can put a pound of gain on for $1, and you can get $2 per pound for the calf, that’s a pretty good trade-off in economics.” Those high calf prices should also provide an incentive
for producers to test their forages for content. Hutcheson recommends at least 1 test a month, or 2 after the sea- son starts. That’s one way to ensure those lush May and June grasses are indeed adequate for performance and, if you’re running stockers, how much additional supplementation may be required. Then, if it appears the condition of the grass is changing, another test 2 to 3 months in would be appropriate. “The thing that goes down most quickly is the protein
in the grasses,” he says. “Energy will go down, but as the grasses get drier with less protein, many times the cattle can eat enough energy.” Because the animal is continuing to get bigger, it will
need an increase in supplementation since the pastures are going downhill. Then, of course, in the winter, the producer should consider supplementation to hay or whatever system is being put to use.
56 The Cattleman August 2015
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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