Livestock Management RANCHING
so in very late January and into February and March we should be moving them into some good pastures, and then feeding them a supplement at calving time.” Chart 2 shows that in January the pasture will only
provide about 8 pounds of forage per animal per day, even if stocked properly. By February 5, it’s up to 20 pounds. At some point in November, availability drops back below 20 pounds in a monoculture, although the second grass will provide more. “You want them to have at least 20 pounds, and they still may need sup- plementation,” Hutcheson says. “Ryegrass and cereal grains are high in protein but they’re a little bit low in energy, so you’re looking at an energy supplement at that time that might be lower in protein.”
Vitamins and trace minerals The cows also need vitamins and trace minerals. The
supplement should contain vitamins A and E, as well as calcium, phosphorus and trace minerals. Distillers grain is high in phosphorus, so if using that, phos- phorus can be reduced. Producers can also use large blocks and tubs for nutrient supplementation. Although they can be somewhat expensive, they’re easy to store, highly palatable, require little labor and equipment, and consumption is self-limiting so the animals only get the nutrition that they need from them. To get the cow to breed back properly the body con-
dition has to be maintained between 5 and 6 through the fi nal trimester. Hutcheson says cows with a body condition score of less than 5 need to be separated from the herd and fed 20 to 30 percent more. “Most management systems don’t do this; it’s too late,” he notes. “If you haven’t got it by the last 60 to 90 days you’re not likely to increase it. But they do need more energy and protein.”
Climatologist report in The Cattleman News Update
Be sure to watch for semi-monthly reports and predictions on winter weather conditions from Evelyn Browning-Garriss,
historical climatologist, in The
Cattleman News Update. The daily emailed newsletter is delivered to the inboxes of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association (TSCRA) members who have provided us with their email address.
If you are a member, and would like to receive The Cattleman News Update, send an email to
ehbrisendine@tscra.org, and we’ll add your email address to your membership record.
60 The Cattleman January 2015
Read the label Always read product labels, expiration dates and
dosing instructions prior to processing, even if you have previously used the vaccine in your program. Manufacturers often change the dosage rate, approved route of administration or booster interval of their products. Some products recommend adjusted delivery or dosage when combined with additional medications,
thecattlemanmagazine.com
Proper Care, Handling and Record of Vaccines
A
SUCCESSFUL RANCHING OPERATION DEPENDS ON HEALTHY cattle, and healthy cattle benefi t from a sound
health management program. Save your dollars and protect herd health by paying attention to vaccines and the associated supplies. Make sure your herd is fully protected against disease and sickness by following the proper procedures when handling your vaccines and vaccinating equipment, before you start your spring health program. The Texas Beef Quality Producer (TBQP) p rogram
provides proper vaccination procedures and guidelines to ensure you are providing 100 percent protection to your herd. This free certifi cation program, which is available online and through in-person classes, edu- cates beef producers on the best practices in all facets of ranching. The mission of the TBQP program is to promote good management practices for cattle produc- ers to strengthen consumer confi dence in beef as a wholesome food product. More information on the program is available at
texasbeefquality.com or by calling 800-242-7820.
Keep it Cool To ensure your vaccine will perform to its full po-
tential, make sure that it was properly handled before it reaches your syringe. TBQP guidelines say a vaccine will be less than 100 percent effective if it has ever been stored at temperatures above or below recommended ranges, or exposed to sunlight or UV rays. After you’ve purchased your vaccine, transport it in
a closed, cool container such as an ice chest. Guidelines suggest using icepacks and keeping the vaccine out of UV rays like sunlight until it is ready to be administered to an animal. Sunlight kills vaccines, so be sure to also shield syringes fi lled with vaccine from sunlight and heat while working chute-side.
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