ANS 402 Exam 2

Which producer most likely has a better herd health plan...

a. 20 head of cattle, 365 day breeding season, multiple bulls that were not caught and sold, sells calves at auction whenever need some extra cash

b. 40 head of cattle, 2 - 90 day breeding seasons in spring and fall, 1 herd bull shared with neighbor, sells steer calves and heifers to auction 2 times a year

c. 40 head of cattle, 60 day breeding season, 2 breed cross rotation using Artificial Insemination followed by live cover, selling calves in a Preconditioned sale.

C

Which information is accurate for killed vaccines?

a. Killed vaccines are stable and do not need to be mixed within 1 hour of vaccinating the animal

b. Killed vaccines contain an adjuvent to stimulate the immune system which can cause a reaction

c. Killed vaccines are very expensive and cost more per dose than other vaccines

d. Killed vaccines are safe for pregnant cattle

A, B, D

Killed vaccines are very affordable vaccines, typically being the cheapest per dose but may require more doses. They must contain an adjuvent and be given at a higher dose than a modified live vaccine.

What type of digestive system do cattle have?

Ruminant

4 compartments of the ruminant stomach and their functions

• Rumen → Largest compartment in mature ruminant, ideally near neutral pH, site of fermentation, site of VFA absorption through papillae

• Omasum → Site of mechanical digestion by breaking down feed particles between many layers, site of water absorption

• Reticulum → Honeycomb texture for trapping larger feed particles for prolonged fermentation or rumenation

• Abomasum → Acidic compartment of the stomach, involved in protein digestion, smooth lining

What is the most important nutrient for beef cattle?

water

Farm X contacted their veterinarian requesting assistance in suing a vaccine company for vaccine failure because 75% of the calves they vaccinated got sick. The veterinarian asked them questions about their procedure because it may not be a bad vaccine. Which questions could be helpful in determining if the vaccine truly failed?

What temperature was it outside when you vaccinated the cattle?, How many total vaccines/diseases did you vaccinate for on the same day?, How long of time did the vaccine sit between mixing and administration to the animals?, What other stressful activities were done on the same day (weaning, castration, dehorning, changing diets)?

Environmental temperature, calf stress, too long between mixing vaccine and dosing, inappropriate vaccines, too many vaccines at once, poor nutrition of animal, drug interactions, etc. can all reduce drug efficacy.

Which are advantages of using a modified live vaccine?

They do not require an adjuvent so create less tissue irritation

The are safest choice for pregnant cattle never been vaccinated before

They are very stable so 1 bottle can be used all day

Can use a smaller dose

Can use a smaller dose, They do not require an adjuvent so create less tissue irritation.

Modified live vaccines are a higher risk and more sensitive after mixing. The virus is capable of replicating in the animal thus it is not recommended for pregnant animals who have not been previously vaccinated but a smaller, less irritating dose can be administered.

What all constitutes a good herd health plan?

a. Nutritional management plan (beyond just pasture available)

b. Utilizing only purebred animals with EPD records

c. Vaccinations and parasite control (based on individual operation)

d. Keeping only heifers with the largest 10% ratio of pelvic area

e. Conducting an annual plan evaluation with a veterinarian

f. A defined production cycle (preferably 60-90 day calving season)

A, C, E, F

What are 3 advantages of microbial fermentation in cattle over simple non-ruminant digestion?

a. Ability to utilize fiber- cellulose and hemicellulose for energy

b. Microbial synthesis of vitamins - particularly the B vitamins and K

c. Conversion of CO2 and CH4 into usable energy forms- VFA's

d. Large increments of heat production during digestion

e. Utilization on non protein nitrogen sources- urea into all amino acids

A, B, E

How can we monitor cow nutrition from a distance?

Gut Fill, Fecal Material, Body Condition Score

Calling a veterinarian only for an absolute emergency situation is cheaper in the long run than establishing an annual veterinary farm visit to go over the herd health plan.

False

No, engaging a veterinarian in the herd health and preventative medicine system as a whole could save a farm a lot of  money in the long run. Vaccinating 20 calves for blackleg would cost about $15 add in the veterinary consult at $50 for a total of about $65 as compared to no veterinary consult or vacccines and losing 1 calf to blackleg valued at $750.

Match the phase(s) of production within the cow nutritional cycle with the relative amount of nutrients required.

Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3

• Stage 3 Weaning to Mid Gestation → Lowest nutrient requirements

• Stage 1 Calving to Breeding → Highest nutrient requirements

• Stage 2 Breeding to Weaning and Stage 4 Mid Gestation to Calving → Moderate nutrient requirements

BB: B-Vitamin Supplementation & Stress

Researchers at Iowa State University investigated whether B-vitamin diets could mitigate the $900 million annual loss caused by stress-induced illnesses during weaning and transport. The experiment tracked 200 steers over 56 days, comparing a standard market vitamin mix against a new developmental blend. Results showed that the market-available blend was significantly more effective, yielding a 42% reduction in treatment needs. Most benefits occurred within the first 28 days, highlighting that early intervention during the high-risk 14-day post-transport window is key to maintaining immune function and reducing production costs.

BB: Soil Health & Beef Nutrient Density

A study in npj Science of Food explored the link between regenerative soil management and the nutritional quality of grass-finished beef. By analyzing soil minerals and untargeted metabolomics, the team found that healthier soils with higher organic matter supported diverse forage systems with ten times the phytochemical diversity of grain diets. These bioactive compounds, rich in antioxidants, directly transferred to the cattle, resulting in beef with higher levels of vitamins A and E. This reinforces the idea that soil-level management decisions are the foundation for creating a high-value, nutrient-dense final product.

BB: Grazing Rates & Carcass Quality

This 2020–2022 study evaluated how stocking rates and plant diversity affect the stocker phase, specifically looking at steer performance and carcass traits. After harvesting steers at similar body compositions, researchers found that plant diversity had no significant impact on individual meat quality. However, pastures with higher stocking rates generated significantly more beef and higher economic returns per acre because they supported a higher volume of animals. The takeaway for producers is that increasing stocking density can maximize land-use efficiency and profit without compromising the quality of the carcasses produced.

BB: Bale Grazing & Winter Economics

Bale grazing was analyzed as a strategic winter feeding method where hay is placed in pastures and rationed using electric fencing to improve soil fertility and water-holding capacity. For a standard 25-cow herd, the study recommends a density of no more than 4 bales per acre to ensure even nutrient distribution while avoiding soil erosion. Beyond the biological benefits, the system offers major financial perks by reducing labor and fuel expenses. The "nutrient credit" from the hay provides roughly $18 of fertilizer value per bale, effectively lowering the daily feeding cost per cow by 36% to approximately $1.28.

BB: Essential Oils vs. Ionophores

Kansas State University conducted a 625-acre study comparing traditional ionophore antibiotics to a natural essential oil blend (garlic and botanicals). The goal was to see if natural alternatives could achieve the same increase in weight gain in 281 stocker steers. Over a three-month grazing period, the results showed no statistical difference in weight gain or mineral consumption between the two groups. Given that the essential oil treatment was cheaper ($13.09 vs. $14.34 per unit), it presents a cost-effective, antibiotic-free way to improve cattle proficiency and profit.

BB: Direct Marketing & Logistics

This overview explores the shift toward direct-to-consumer beef sales, which grants producers control over pricing and branding but requires intensive management of the supply chain. Success hinges on selecting the right feeding program (forage vs. grain) to meet specific consumer taste preferences and maintaining tight communication with USDA-inspected processors. While the model eliminates middlemen and builds long-term customer loyalty, it demands that producers develop strong marketing skills to educate buyers on meat cuts and processing.

BB: Automated Grazing Technology

The importance of rotational grazing for soil health is often hindered by the high labor costs of moving cattle daily; the PensAgro automated system addresses this by using programmable technology to move fences automatically. The system uses a timer-activated bell to cue cattle before raising a poly-wire, allowing the herd to move into fresh pasture. At a price point of $300 per unit, the technology aims to make high-intensity grazing accessible for operations that cannot afford the manual labor traditionally required, ensuring consistent forage recovery without a constant physical presence.

BB: Feeder Calf Marketing Options

Profitability is heavily influenced by how and when cattle are marketed, with options ranging from weaning-age sales to retained ownership. Traditional auction markets offer convenience but expose producers to price volatility and "shrinkage," whereas private treaty sales offer more price control at the cost of increased marketing effort. Modern tools like video auctions reach a wider buyer base but require high technological accuracy. To mitigate risk, producers should use forward contracts and futures to lock in prices, allowing them to navigate market fluctuations effectively.

BB: Methane Research & Sustainability

Colorado State University is leading efforts to measure and reduce methane produced by cattle burping (25% of annual emissions). Using high-tech hooded feed bunks, researchers tracked 250 steers over six months to see how various feed additives and the cattle microbiome interact during fermentation. The long-term objective is to identify rations and genetics that lower emissions while improving feed efficiency. Eventually, this data could lead to selecting for "low-methane" traits in the same way producers select for milk production or carcass quality.

BB: Holistic Herd Health & Stress

This review emphasizes that modern herd health must transition from basic vaccination to a preventative approach integrating nutrition and genetics. Researchers highlight how "stacked stressors"—such as weaning and transport occurring together—synergistically suppress immune function. Nutrition is the vital foundation, as a cow's body condition at calving dictates colostrum quality and the multi-year productivity of her offspring. By implementing low-stress handling and pain management, producers can work with veterinarians to customize a resilient operation.

BB: Pasture & Supplementation

Research by Philip Lancaster (KSU) emphasizes that forage is the most cost-effective feed source. The study highlights that while overgrazing weakens growth, rotational grazing significantly improves forage utilization. Furthermore, supplementation becomes a biological necessity when forage protein drops below 7%, at which point rumen microbes can no longer effectively digest fiber. By balancing stocking density with strategic energy supplements like distillers' grains, managers can ensure year-round pasture productivity and peak animal performance.

BB: Comprehensive Health Customization

This perspective argues that every ranch possesses unique climates and facilities, making a "one-size-fits-all" health protocol insufficient. It categorizes health challenges into pillars—metabolic issues, toxicities, and environmental stressors—and advocates for customized, cost-effective plans built with veterinary partnership. Prioritizing preventative nutrition and stress reduction creates a robust foundation for animal welfare that directly translates into higher operational profit and long-term sustainability.

Forage Quality & Nutritional Dynamics

This research underscores that forage nutritional value is highly dynamic; as plants mature, lignin increases while crude protein and digestibility drop. To counter this, the study advocates for intensive management, such as grazing between 8–10 and 3–4 inches to conserve soil fertility. By utilizing forage testing to identify specific deficits and employing strategies like stockpiling, producers can optimize microbial protein synthesis and meat yields while minimizing expensive, unnecessary feed purchases.

Nutritional Synchronization

A review of 89 studies analyzed the "synchronization" between nitrogen sources and carbohydrate fermentation speeds. Researchers discovered that pairing controlled-release urea (CRU) with slowly degrading carbohydrates boosted microbial protein production by 28% and slashed nitrogen waste by 24%. Conversely, conventional urea was only efficient when paired with fast-fermenting carbohydrates. Precision feeding tailored to the degradation rates of nutrients can significantly improve feed efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of nitrogen excretion.

Water Quality & Heat Stress

Research from the UT Institute of Agriculture identifies water as the most critical nutrient. During peak heat, water demands spike to 25–30 gallons per day, yet consumption drops if water exceeds 80°F, leading to reduced feed intake. The study emphasizes that quality is as vital as quantity; contaminants such as nitrates and algae act as deterrents. By shading water sources and maintaining cleanliness, producers ensure consistent intake, which is the physiological prerequisite for proper digestion and weight gain.

Direct Marketing & Education

This overview identifies relationship-building and education as the primary drivers of direct-marketing profitability. Success requires a feedback loop where consumer preferences inform management and a strong rapport with processors ensures expectations are met. Leveraging cooperative extensions and educating buyers on management practices or recipes (from reputable sources) adds value that turns "additional work" into a return on investment, particularly for health-conscious modern consumers.

Market Dynamics & Vaccine Efficacy

This analysis links 2026 CattleFax forecasts (70% drought risk in the heartland) to the biological realities of livestock exchanges. "Forced marketings" during drought saturate the market and lower prices while creating high-stress environments that spike cortisol. These levels can suppress immune response, rendering post-sale vaccinations like 7-way less effective. Conversely, rainy weather shifts the supply curve toward a "price pop," yielding calves that are both more valuable and biologically better prepared for vaccine efficacy due to lower stress.

Success in the beef industry is often hard-fought and has to be earned. We need to balance what is good for…

Good for YOUR business

Good for OVERALL industry

Good for YOUR family

Good for someone else’s business

Good for other segment’s industry

Good for someone else’s family

*Good for the animals: most important. even if you dont see the output and it cost you more, need to do whats in best interest of the cattle

Objectives of herd health

Why is health management important?

Role of veterinarian in beef herd management

Herd health plan development

Selected issues around herd health

“One-size fits-all” approaches to beef herd management

do not exist!

Animal Health Costs

Costs associated with beef herd management

• Feed

• Fuel

• Fertilizer

• Health/veterinary

  • Ave less than 5% of total

  • Direct costs vs. indirect costs

While small, improvements in health costs can dramatically effect overall profitability, efficiency

• Managing through a disease outbreak is much more costly than preventing disease outbreak! (prevention cheaper than treatment)

Herd Health: diseases

Disease: any abnormal structure or function of a body tissue

• Non-infectious disease (not contagious)

  • Injury, Genetic Defect, Poisoning, Nutritional Disorder

• Infectious disease (contagious)

  • Virus, Bacteria, Protozoa, Fungi, Parasites

• Control of disease

  • Prevention and/or Treatment

Herd Health Plan

Components:

• Work with veterinarian

• Defined production cycle

  • Nutrition plan

• Genetic development (choose good animals to prevent certain diseases)

• Reproductive Preparation

• Preventative health measures

  • Biosecurity

  • Vaccinations

  • Parasite Control

• Records

  • Annual plan evaluation: year in review and year forward

Components of a good herd health plan

Planning with the Veterinarian

• Know the diseases and health problems of area

• Plan vaccination program

• Regular visits

• Personal training

• Records

Defined Production Calendars

Must have defined goals and expectations

• Beef herd = business

Most cost-effective and successful herd health plan manages animals as a GROUP rather than individuals

Breeding Soundness Evaluation

Cows/Heifers

• Growth (% mature weight)

• Pregnancy evaluation

• Assessment of pelvic structures

  • Ovaries, Uterus, Cervix, Lymph nodes

• Review of calving ability and maternal ability

• Review of suitability in herd

  • Production ability

• Health and welfare evaluation

Bulls

• Breeding soundness exam

  • Every year

  • Prior to breeding season

• Production evaluation

• Health and wellness evaluation

Basic Components of a Biosecurity Plan

Most overlooked component of most beef farms’ health plan.

1. Isolation (From outside herd and From within herd)

2. Traffic control

3. Sanitation

Components of a good herd health plan (facilities, etc)

Facilities

• Damage

• Overcrowding

Source of Livestock

• Purchasing Animals

• Isolate Animals

Limit access

Disease Surveillance

Know your herd’s risks!

Test and cull annually for production-limiting, economically important chronic diseases

• Trichomoniasis

• Johne’s

• Bovine Leukosis Virus

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea - can pass to calf life long

• Anaplasmosis (?) - tickborne infection. high risk in southeast. hot and humid

Herd Certification and Accreditation

USDA and NCDA work in conjunction to administer disease control programs for beef and dairy herds

• Brucellosis

• Tuberculosis (madantory for state lines)

• Johne’s

• Anaplasmosis

Voluntary programs: producer driven

Generally require testing every year or two, and immediate culling of positive animals

Value-addition for cattle traveling interstate

Beef Cattle Immunization

Goal of vaccine:

• Safe

• Creates immune response

• Prevents economically important disease

• Minimal harm to meat quality

INSURANCE ONLY

One piece of the immunization puzzle!

Vaccination Practices

Only 74.5% of all US cow-calf farms surveyed vaccinated cattle*

vaccinated for something. we don’t know what.

Beef Cattle Immunization

Viral Pathogens

• Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR, Herpes virus) * #

• Parainfluenza 3 (PI3) * #

• Bovine Viral Diarrhea Type 1, Type 2 (BVD, Pestivirus) * #

• Bovine Respiratory Synctitial Virus (BRSV, Paramyxovirus) * #

• Bovine Papillomavirus (Warts)

• Rotavirus *

• Coronavirus *

• Rabies

Bacterial Pathogens

• Clostridial spp. (often killed) * #

• Mannheimia haemolytica #

• Pasturella multocida #

• Histophilus somnus #

• E. coli

• Salmonella

• Moraxella spp.(pinkeye) *

• Leptospira spp. *

• Campylobacter (Vibrio) *

• Fusobacterium necrophorum

• Brucella abortus

• Mycoplasma bovis #

• Anaplamosis *

Most common pathogens cows should regularly be vaccinated against *

calves #

(many vaccines prevent many of these, rather than one.)

Spectrum of Immunization Options

Modified Live: (2 bottles, have to mix)

• Viruses from wild-type pathogens and then attenuated in the lab so that no longer cause full disease

• Replicate and stimulate animal’s immune system better immunity?

  • Cell-mediated immunity

  • stimulates immune response. cant cause disease.

• No need for adjuvant

• Vaccine not very stable: requires mixing, refrigeration, throw away unused portions (only stable 1 hr)

• Risk of abortion in pregnant cattle

Killed:

• Inactivated virus particles or bacterial components

• Adjuvant added to stimulate immune system

  • Require second dose

  • higher dose

• Specific antibody response generated (IgG usually) resulting in Short-lived immunity

• Longer withdrawal period and potential tissue reactions/damage

• Safer?

• Cheaper

Secondary immune response

secondary exposure: booster

goal: antibody above line so they should be able to fight off

Reasons for immunization failure:

• Improper vaccine handling: improper refrigeration, exposure to light, exposure to chemicals, prolonged mixing-to-admin time

• Improper route of administration

• Inappropriate vaccine used

• Improper timing of vaccination

• Animal concerns: nutrition, stress

• Different strains in environment than those vaccinated for

• Drug interactions?

• Overwhelm immune system

• Too much disinfectant

Who gets the benefit of vaccinating calves?

• Calves get the benefit if immunizations are applied in appropriate fashion

• Marketing opportunities have to be sought and secured for cow-calf producers to get economic benefit of vaccination

  • Next operator wants calves vaccinated (risk mitigation)

    • NC BQA sales

    • Marketing alliance groups

    • Special preconditioned feeder calf sales

Key steps to treating sick cattle

Identify sick animals as quickly as possible

• Know signs of disease to catch early in disease process (101.5 normal temp)

Correctly identify disease and causative agents

• Work with a livestock veterinarian

Administer appropriate therapy

• Fluids, nutrients, antibiotics…

Monitor sick animals and continue therapy in timely manner

• Prevent spread throughout herd

Never let an animal leave the farm before withdraw period is up!

Components of a good herd health plan

Personnel Training

• Recognize illness or prevent

• Handling of animals

Strong VCPR (veterinarian, client, patient, relationship)

Ruminant Digestion (mouth, tongue, saliva)

Mouth

• Teeth

  • Only lower incisor teeth

  • Crushing molars

    • Critical for chewing

Tongue

• Used to grasp, tear, and draw food into mouth (less than 3 inches hard for cow to grab)

Saliva production (recycling water)

• ~50 gallons per day

• 98.7% water + 1.3% buffers (sodium bicarbonate)

Rumination

“chewing the cud”

Process where ruminant animal regurgitates a bolus of feed to be re-chewed and then re-swallowed

Buffering

Essential process

Ruminant stomach

Rumen

• Microbial fermentation

• VFA absorption

• pH ~6-6.5 (below 5= rumen acidosis)

• Papilla

Reticulum (metal can get trapped here = hardware disease)

• Honeycomb texture (catch large particles)

• Site of “hardware disease”

Omasum

• Many plies

• Water absorption

• Mechanical digestion

Abomasum

• Acidic compartment

• (microbes die here. protein digestion of microbes. kills pathogens ie. E coli)

Ruminant Digestion: microbes

Bacteria: highest volume , billions

Protozoa: same mass as bacteria

Fungi

Ruminant Digestion: GI tract other than stomach

Small intestine

• Nutrient absorption

• Liver

  • Contributes salts for fat digestion

• Pancreas

  • Enzyme production

Large intestine (don’t want a lot of fermentation here)

• Water absorption

• Fecal formation

Rumen (Microbial) Fermentation: Adv. vs Disadvantage.

Advantages

• Fiber utilization

  • Forages

  • High fiber by-products

• Utilization of Non- Protein Nitrogen (microbes convert things to beneficial amino acids)

• Conversion of low quality protein into high

• Vitamin synthesis (by microbes)

Disadvantages

• Excess gas production

  • CO2, Methane (more cellulose = more CH4)

• Inefficient nitrogen use

• Heat production (more calories in, less calories out)

• Digestive problems (ex: bloat, acidosis)

Ruminant digestion: Fermentation

Carbohydrate fermentation

• Most energy sources are fermented into volatile fatty acids (VFA’s)

  • Acetate

  • Propionate

  • Butyrate

• Byproducts of fermentation

  • Methane gas and CO2 (more acetate = more CH4)

  • Expelled via eructation

Ruminant digestion

Microbes are substrate specific

• Cellulolytic

• Hemicellulolytic

• Amylolytic

• Proteolytic

• Sugar utilizing

• Acid utilizing

• Ammonia producers

• Vitamin synthesizers

• Methane producers

Microbes are…

• Impacted by animal diet

  • Lag time to adapt

  • Need to provide diet that meets microbial needs

• Compete with each other for substrate

Young ruminant digestion

• Abomasum is important for digestion

• Esophageal Groove aka Ventricular Groove

• Takes time to develop rumen capable to digesting forages to meet animal’s nutrient requirements

Renin in abomasum for milk digestion

*suckling contracts to bypass rumen, reticulum, omasum

Nutrient Requirements

Water, Energy (not nutrient, Carb/lipid are nutrients), Protein, Minerals, Vitamins

Dry Matter (DM) – Water

• Animals tend to eat to satisfy a dry matter intake level

  • Nutrient requirements are stated on DM basis (DMB)

• Feedstuffs should be priced on DMB

Factors that Affect Nutrient Requirements

Class or sex

Size or age

Breed or Breed Type

Growth or gain rate

• Body condition score

Stress Level/weather

Health

Presence of Antagonists

Growth Promotants

Water

• Stage of production (intake varies)

• Ambient temperature

• Dry matter intake (pasture 70% water, hay 10% water)

• Salt consumption (salt inc= water inc)

• Breed (indicus: hotter climates, need less water. taurus: more water)

• Amount of physical activity

(moving nutrients, removing waste)

an increase in BW= inc. water intake

hotter = inc. intake

lactating v. non-lactating

Energy

• Defined as the ability to do work.

• Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN)

  • Percentage of the diet

  • Assumed level of intake

• Net Energy System

  • NEm– net energy maintenance

• NEg– net energy gain

Either system can be used to balance beef cattle diets

Energy Sources

Carbohydrates: sugar, starch, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin

• Grains: corn, oats, barley

• Forages: grass, pasture, hay, silage, etc.

• Co-products: soy hulls, corn gluten, wheat middlings, corn screenings, whole cottonseed, etc.

• Digestible Fiber vs Roughage

  • Rate and extent of digestion

Lipids: fats and oils (<5% of diet. ruminant microbes inhibited by free fats)

Protein

Protein, composed of chains of amino acids, is the major building blocks of the body. (rumen microbes make amino acids)

• Crude protein - % nitrogen x 6.25

• Amino acid nitrogen = true protein /natural protein

• Other nitrogen = non-protein nitrogen

  • Urea

  • Biuret

• Site of Digestion

  • Degradable Intake Protein (DIP) (broken down by rumen microbes)

  • Undegradable Intake Protein (UIP) (microbes can’t digest, go to abomasum as whole)

Protein Sources

High protein (40% CP+/-)

• Soybean meal, cottonseed meal, commercial supplements (32%-40% CP), etc.

Medium protein (18-22% CP +/-)

• Alfalfa hay/pellets, distillers grains, brewers grains, corn gluten, whole cottonseed, etc.

Minerals

Macro-minerals

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Magnesium (K can limit intake. important during spring breeding)

• Sulfur

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Chlorine

Micro-Minerals

• Copper

• Zinc

• Selenium (NC deficient state)

• Cobalt

• Manganese

• Iodine

• Iron

Vitamins

Supplied Daily (fat soluble. get from diet)

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin D

• Vitamin E

Rumen Synthesis

• Vitamin B

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

Cow nutrition

Cow feeding

• $400-800 per cow per year (based on 1000 lb BW)

• Challenge

  • Decrease costs

  • Increase performance

  • Increasing feed costs

  • Feed resources changes

Objectives of Cattle Nutrition

• Meet the cow’s nutritional needs at the lowest possible cost.

  • Maintenance, Growth, Lactation, Reproduction, Reserves

• Allow the cow to harvest the feed she needs (grazing).

• Use harvested forages as needed.

• Supplement nutritional deficiencies in her diet.

  • Minerals and vitamins

  • Energy

  • Protein

Annual Cow Production Cycle

Phase 1 (0-82 d) : Parturition, Post-Partum Interval, Lactation

• highest nutrient demand

Phase 2: (83-205 d) : Conception, Early Gestation, Lactation

• longest phase. medium nutrient reqs.

Phase 3: (206-315 d): Mid gestation, Lowest Nutrient Requirements

• dry. lots of flexibility

Phase 4: (316-365 d) : Late Gestation, Pre-Partum

• lots of fetal growth occuring

• medium nutrient requirements

Factors driving feed intake in beef cattle

Stage of production

• Gestation vs. Lactation

• Growth

  • Increasing total DMI but at a decreasing % of BW

Feedstuff

• Nutrient density (denser= don’t need as much)

• Moisture content

Environmental conditions

• hotter = reduced intake. need energy dense

• colder= need energy dense so she can produce heat

Factors driving nutritional requirements in beef cattle

Stage of production

• Gestation vs. Lactation

• Growth

  • Increasing total nutrient needed but at a decreasing % of DMI

• Environmental conditions

  • Temperature, moisture

• Cow Characteristics

  • Age, Weight, BCS, Milk production

• Physical activity

Brood Cow Intake

DM intake 1.5-3%

can’t consume as much of the low quality feeds which thye need. This is a challenge.

Growing Cattle Intake

as BW inc. total DM inc.

% of DM intake as % of BW decreases

slight adjustments = big oucomes in ADG

Cow Nutrient Needs based on Production Cycle

1= high nutrient requirements, 2 = medium nutrient requirements, 3 = low nutrient requirements, 4= medium nutrient requirements

Stage 1 (day 1-82 post-calving) Calving to Breeding

4 basic functions for cow

• Lactation, Uterine involution, Ovulation, Conceive

  • Nutrition → Reproduction → Profit

Highest nutritional requirements

• Increase nutrient requirements by 30-40%

Cost of feed is critical

• 30% increase in forage intake

  • Try to time this with best pasture growth

Stage 2 (day 83-205 post-calving) Breeding to Weaning

3 basic functions for cow

• Lactation, Maintain pregnancy, Put on body weight

Forage use maximized

Several alternatives when forage is limiting

• Feed concentrates to cows

• Early wean calves

• Creep feed calves

• Sell cows

Stage 3 (day 206-315 post-calving) Weaning to Mid Gestation

2 basic functions for cow

• Maintain herself, Maintain pregnancy

Lowest nutritional demand

• Great time to add weight if needed

Maximize forage utilization

• Feed poorest quality hay

Great time to increase weight/BCS if needed

Stage 4 (day 316-365 post-calving)

Mid Gestation to Calving

3 basic functions for cow

• Fetal nourishment, Prepare for parturition, Prepare for lactation (highest fetal growth, colostrum development)

Affects of limited nutrients

• Decreased

  • Birth weight, Calf survival %, Immune system function, % calf crop weaned, Conception rate, Milk production, Weaning calf weight

• Increased

  • Dystocia, Post partum interval

Creep Feeding

Only calves access feed

• Adequate energy and protein

• Benefits and Downfalls

  • Management

  • Feed and equipment costs

    • need higher quality feed since stomach not fully developed

  • Cow does not benefit

  • Not good for all calves

    • ex: going to feedlot. don’t want too fat.

Heifer Management

Feed separately from cows for first 2 years

• Target gain first year of 1.0-1.5 lbs/d

  • 65% of mature BW at Breeding

• Target gain second year of 0.5-1.0 lbs/d

  • 85% mature BW at Calving

Why is BCS Important?

Well managed beef herds need to maintain a 365 day calving interval.

Cow Gestation = 283 days

This leaves 82 days to rebred

*we want her to recycle by 55 d to stay in breeding season

Effect of Postpartum Condition Score

Change on Pregnancy Rate

BCS Status relation to pregancy

Thin (<5) & increasing CS: 100%

Fleshy (>5) & increasing CS: 75%

Thin (<5) & decreasing CS: 69%

Fleshy (>5) & decreasing CS: 94%

Moderate (4.5-5.5) & maintaining: 100

EFFECT OF PREPARTUM ENERGY LEVELS ON CALVING DIFFICULTY AND CALF SURVIVAL

low energy = great decrease in heifer wt change prepartum (100 d)

decrease in heifers cycling by breeding season and slight decrease in calves alive at birth

When should you BCS?

• At weaning

• 45 days after weaning (“bounce back”)

• 60-90 days before calving

  • Adjust nutrition program

  • Separate cows based on BCS

• At calving

  • May have “false” results due to heavy lactation

  • Could underestimate the actual body condition of your cow

• Beginning of the breeding season

  • Adjust nutrition program

  • Separate cows based on BCS

Effect of Days to Calving on Proportions of Feedstuffs Necessary to Achieve Desired Daily Gain for an 1100 lb...... Pregnant Cow

How can we evaluate nutrition from a distance? Feeding behavior

75% Quantity/Availability (stocking rate, grazing managment)

25% Quality (grazing management, species selection)

Beef Cattle Nutrition Goals

Nutrition goals

• Maintain healthy animals

• Feed to achieve desired production goals

• Least cost rations as possible

Brood Cow Feed Economics (Pasture)

Cost/acre = $100-$240/acre??????

• $160/acre for example

  • Land lease/taxes

  • Fertilizer and lime

  • Fence and water maintenance

Tall fescue pastures in NC average 3-5 ton yield annually.

• 8,000 lbs forage DM @ 60% utilization

  • 8,000 x 60% = 4,800 lbs/acre (carrying capacity)

1,200 lb. brood cow needs (stocking rate) @ 2.8% BW DMI

• 1,200 lbs x 0.028 x 365 days = 12,264 lbs/year

  • 12,264 lbs/ 4800 lbs = 2.6 acres/cow (eating over 10x her BW each year!)

2.6 acres * $160/acre = $416/cow/year for pasture

• ($1.14 /hd/day) - only pasture. no grain or other cost.

Brood Cow Feed Economics (Hay)

Hay cost

• $120-240/ton @ 85-88% DM

• Most producers feed 150 days/year

Buying hay considerations

• Round bale variation

  • Dimensions (4x4; 4x5; 5x6)

  • Weights (450-1500lbs, 500-900lbs most common)

  • Storage conditions

• Determine the price/ton (As fed)

  • 4x5 bales @ $60/bale @ 750 lbs = 160/ton

  • 5x6 bales @ $90.00/bale @ 1200 lbs = 150/ton

    • 2000/1200×90

Minerals

SE forages are typically inadequate

• Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Selenium

Mineral deficiency symptoms

• Rough, discolored hair (Cu)

• Low breeding rates (Mg)

• Low body condition

• Increased health problems

some mineral program better than none

Brood Cow Feed Economics (Minerals)

Mineral cost

• Mineral pricing: $25-$60 per 50 lb bag.

  • Most commercial minerals are 4 oz intake/day with some 2 oz intake available.

• $40/bag 4 oz intake mineral

  • How long with it take for 100 cows to consume one bag?

    • 4 oz/16 oz = 0.25 lbs/cow/d x 100 cows = 25 lbs/d

    • Two days/bag

• What is the cost/head/day?

  • $40/50 lb/ bag = $0.80/lb x 0.25 lbs/cow/d = $0.20/cow/day

  • $73/cow/year

Quality Mineral Supplement

Brood Cow Feed Economics – Supplemental Energy/Protein

24% Protein/Energy Tub

• 200# @ $90/tub

  • Expected intake 2 lbs/day

• Storage? None

• Waste? minimal

• Delivery? Convenient

• Cattle Access? 24-7

• Cost = $0.90 /hd/day

Corn Gluten Pellets (22% CP DMB)

• $300/ton (3 ton deliver)

  • Intake= 2.4 lbs/day (7.2/delivery)

• Storage?

• Waste? Up to 5%

• Delivery? 3x week

• Cattle Access? Limited time

Cost = $0.36/cow/day + delivery @ $ 0.20/cow/day =

$0.56 /hd/day

Minimizing Nutritional Costs…

• Match cows genetics to your forage resource

• Separate groups based on nutrient requirements

• Extend the grazing season with stockpiled forages

• Body condition scores

• Pregnancy check and cull open females

• Maximize the use of by-products

• Minimize supplement deliver cost

• Calve and wean to match forage resources

• Minimize storage and feeding loss

Forage Management Considerations

• Time of the year

• Goals for production

• Forage species

• Grazing management

The Quality/Quantity Compromise

Phases of plant maturity: 1, 2, 3

Protein, TDN, palatability decreases

lignin increase

optimum grazing at 2

Forage Quality (different goals)

Brood Cows

• Dependent on stage of production (4)

• Mature, dormant forage

• Lower digestibility

• Protein supplement to increase intake

Growing Cattle (stocker, weaned, heifers)

• Lush, growing forage

• Moisture may limit intake

• Hay supplementation may increase gain (DMI)

Plant Growth Phases

Growing Cattle: Phase 1 and 2

Brood Cattle: Phase 2 and 3