Beef Cattle

What does the cow-calf production rely on to supply nutrients for cow and their calves?

grazed forages

• low to medium quality

What is dominant range forage consist of?

high in fiber, deficient in energy and protein

What is the most important factor influencing beef cattle performance?

dry matter intake

What limits what the rumen can in take?

actual physical volume taken up by forage

How many biological cycles are there for beef cattle?

4

• first , second, and third trimester

• postpartum

What is the breeding herd fed?

roughages, supplements as necessary

• should be fed for optimum production

What are aspects of the first trimester?

nutrients for lactation, fetal growth, higher requirements for more weight, milk production decrease, spring-born calves=more forage

What are aspects of the second trimester?

calf weaned

• lowest nutrient requirement for beef cow

• easiest time to increase body condition scoring to thin cows

What are aspects of the third trimester?

nutrient requirements increase due to fetal growth

• cows too thin at calving increase weak calves, sick calves, decreased milk production, and dystocia

Cows should not lose more than ___ of their body weight during calving and winter.

15%

• forage is critical

• save hay 60 days pre and 90 days post

The post-partum interval includes?

nutritionally critical period

• 50% higher of requirements

• 30-50% higher than non-lactating

• BCS good enough to resume estrous

Free-grazing cows that range long distances may have ___ to ___ greater energy requirement.

30% to 50%

Energy requirements are increased if the effective temperature is above or below the cow’s _________ _____.

thermoneutral zone