member tips
Halter Training -- Important if you want to show cattle or for your own use handling ease
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Be around the calf often. The more often you're around the animal doing chores or talking to him more at ease the animal will become. Purchase a quality halter. Rope halters are not good for long term use. For the first few weeks, until he gets used to the halter, tie him to a solid rail or post. When teaching him to lead stay in a confined space. If you are in to big of an area it may be hard to control the animal or catch him if he tries to get away. The younger you start your animal the easier it will be to manage it.
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Be calm and assertive. You won't get a calm calf if you are not calm around it. Don't get angry if it doesn't do what you want right away. It will make things worse than they already would be and make the calf scared of you. Animals can feel emotions easier than you think.
Reward as often as possible for simple things, with a rub to the neck or head or a treat. They especially like to be brushed. You can pick up a brush where you purchase the halter.
Always make sure you are leading. If the calf tries to get ahead of you, you should have a sorting or show stick so you can tap his legs or chest to correct him. If that does not work or he gets too far ahead, bring him around in a circle so that he falls back in line. Even stopping and forcing the calf to back up will teach him you are the one in control.
The younger starting age of the animal, the training will be easier. It's not impossible to train an older animal but never underestimate the strength of the animal you are working with. Don't wrap the lead rope around your hand so that it cannot be released if necessary.
Happy Highlanding,
Lynx River Country Club
Reward as often as possible for simple things, with a rub to the neck or head or a treat. They especially like to be brushed. You can pick up a brush where you purchase the halter.
Always make sure you are leading. If the calf tries to get ahead of you, you should have a sorting or show stick so you can tap his legs or chest to correct him. If that does not work or he gets too far ahead, bring him around in a circle so that he falls back in line. Even stopping and forcing the calf to back up will teach him you are the one in control.
The younger starting age of the animal, the training will be easier. It's not impossible to train an older animal but never underestimate the strength of the animal you are working with. Don't wrap the lead rope around your hand so that it cannot be released if necessary.
Happy Highlanding,
Lynx River Country Club
Accidental Stockpile Grazing
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Fall came upon us at too fast here at Boulder Meadows Highlands. Hay fields we grazed the first crop off were coming back slowly with dry conditions and fields that had early first and second crop taken off were doing the same. A problem comes up. It is time to chop corn and pile it for feeding during the late fall and early winter. We decide to let the hay keep growing and take it off after killing frost. We finish chopping the first field of corn and close road gates to let the cattle to glean the corn field and adjoining hay fields. |
It is now early October and we have had a killing frost. Oh no, the chopper has destroyed a cross bearing and a shaft bearing. They need replacing before we can continue. We start looking over the parts manual to order parts. It takes a week to find the parts as the chopper is an orphan with no dealerships now. The corn got finished before the first snow hit our area, but we were getting foggy cloudy weather. No chance now to cut the hay.
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I had heard and read about stockpile grazing before. It is time to see if it works. The first cut corn field had another two small hay fields adjoining it. The cattle finished that area in a few days so they were moved to 25 acres of combined hay field and meadow to take off third crop. They were moved off when they had grazed it down to 5-8” height. We have snow falling now and it soon is up the bellies of the nine fall calves this year when they are let into the first of two more hay fields. With snow in the fields now we estimate the amount of hay we would have harvested and move them to another field after we figured they have consumed 60% of the forage. The second corn field across the road from the cattle had been finished and had 13 acres of hay field adjoining it with the hay bales removed and 6 rows of corn left. The remote water tank in this area was shut off now and the creek is the only water source away from the buildings and is starting to freeze up. (Note: to manage Liver Flukes we try to keep the cattle from drinking from our creek or ponds.)
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We have a QLF tank and protein lick tubs available to supplement the forages they are eating. What makes this grazing possible is an EQUIP grant we received from the NRCS years ago that helped us subdivided our 307 acre farm into 31 parcels, 29 that can be grazed and harvested for maximum production with the other two being the building site and a wildlife area adjoining a pond and wet land. This seems to be working well despite the snow this year since the snow is soft and easy for the cattle to get through for a mouth full each bite.
I think we will try this again to save on fuel and time in the fall. Larry Sassen Boulder Meadows Highlands |
When They Don't Settle They Are Costing You Money
AI Artificial Insemination
AI Artificial Insemination
The single most important management requirement for a successful AI program is effective heat detection. Recognize the signs of heat and approaching heat. Most important to recognizing the signs of heat is estrus. Estrus is a behavior. It is the period during which the female is receptive to mounting and mating by the male. When checking cows and heifers, look for cows that would permit mating by a bull. Cows come into heat about every 18-24 days until they have settled and are bred. About day 16 or 17 changes take place on the ovaries, which begin preparations for mating. During the early part of this period the ovaries produce increasing amounts of estrogen, which stimulate an increased flow of a clear mucus from the cow's vulva. The cow becomes more restless and excitable. Chin rubbing on the backs of other animals can be noticed and she will attempt to mount other cows.
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A significant change takes place when they enter true estrus. During true estrus the cows will stand when mounted by other cows. The physiological changes seen during pre heat continue during estrus. Activity increases significantly during estrus. They will show more movement during heat than other parts of their cycle. In addition to recognizing the behavioral changes that occur during estrus, you should know when cows will show heat, how long they tend to be in heat, and where they exhibit estrus behavior. |
Cow in standing heat
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Kamar heat detection aid
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While a large percentage of cows are in heat 16 -18 hours, as many as 25 percent of cows have heats of eight hours in length or less. Research shows estrus activity is highest between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. While it is not practical to check cows for heat during these hours, time spent for heat detection will be most productive if you observe them early in the morning and as late in the evening as practical. Since short heats are most likely to occur when you are least likely to observe them, heat detection can be greatly enhanced with heat detection aids such as KaMaR, which are applied high on the rear tail of the cow. You can obtain them from a farm store or check with your veterinarian or AI technician. Quality heat detection cannot be over emphasized in reducing settling problems.
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It is important when checking cows for heat that you write it down. Record all heats observed even those early heats. You don't want to breed your cows earlier than 60 days after calving. These heats provide you with important benchmarks to determine when cows should be coming in heat again. Usually the first heat cycle is shorter than subsequent cycles, 16-18 days, but you can establish the estrus cycle pattern of each open cow. If you write it down and if the cow fails to conceive you can also predict when she should return to the next heat cycle.
Just because they have been caught in heat they may not be with calf. You should keep check on the cows that have been bred and make sure they do not show further signs of heat.
Or skip the above and buy a good bull.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River Country Club
Just because they have been caught in heat they may not be with calf. You should keep check on the cows that have been bred and make sure they do not show further signs of heat.
Or skip the above and buy a good bull.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River Country Club
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Large round bales are convenient for feeding cattle, but you need to remove the plastic wrap before feeding to prevent health risks to your cattle that ingest it.
How are you fixed for feed? This year hay prices are high. It's time to take stock of your hay supply. There are numerous sites to research about how much a mature cow eats a day. So, we won't get into that. Would be nice to pasture our cattle year round? I believe most of the North Central Highland members live where this may not be possible. If you have an abundance of hay ground - good. However, most of us will be asking our cattle to eat every bit of hay in the feeder.
Therein lies the problem. There are articles on net wrap and plastic twine on large round ba1es. It is a good idea to remove all the plastic twine and net wrap. It can cause a lot of symptoms that might be mistaken for the actual problem, such as poor appetite, weight loss, bloat, diarrhea or sometimes a full rumen and suffocation. If not completely removed cattle can ingest the plastic net wrap which can impact the rumen. This can cause death.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
How are you fixed for feed? This year hay prices are high. It's time to take stock of your hay supply. There are numerous sites to research about how much a mature cow eats a day. So, we won't get into that. Would be nice to pasture our cattle year round? I believe most of the North Central Highland members live where this may not be possible. If you have an abundance of hay ground - good. However, most of us will be asking our cattle to eat every bit of hay in the feeder.
Therein lies the problem. There are articles on net wrap and plastic twine on large round ba1es. It is a good idea to remove all the plastic twine and net wrap. It can cause a lot of symptoms that might be mistaken for the actual problem, such as poor appetite, weight loss, bloat, diarrhea or sometimes a full rumen and suffocation. If not completely removed cattle can ingest the plastic net wrap which can impact the rumen. This can cause death.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
Burdock and bull thistles could create a problem for your livestock
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Eye problems in livestock can be caused by foreign material in the eye, and one of the most challenging problems are burdock and thistle slivers. Burrs from this invasive weed stick to hair and clothing. When ripe, the burrs release hundreds of microscopic barbed slivers that contain tiny seeds. If a sliver gets into an eye, it can cause inflammation and infection. The cause of infection may be difficult to discover since the microscopic sliver is hard to see. The eye may become inflamed and ulcerated, turn cloudy and have a white spot or bulge on it. |
This might be mistaken for pinkeye, but pinkeye is generally a summer problem when face flies spread infection from animal to animal. By contrast burdock slivers usually get into the eye in fall or winter after burrs are ripe and become imbedded in the eyelid. This scratches the eye every time the animal blinks creating an ulcer on the eyeball and infection. These slivers are so small it may be impossible to locate and remove them.
Walk your pasture. Take care of the problem burdock and thistles weeds before they can create a problem. These weeds are easiest to kill in the Spring.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
Walk your pasture. Take care of the problem burdock and thistles weeds before they can create a problem. These weeds are easiest to kill in the Spring.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
Ruminate Animals
About 150 different types of animals have multiple compartments in their stomachs including deer, yaks, sheep, camels and cows. Fortunately, most of us only have to deal with the cow. Ruminant animals digest their food by eating, then lying down and chewing their cud. So as cattlemen we must strive to keep the rumin healthy, working properly for digesting and creating nutrition from the feed. Microbes thrive in a fluid environment, breaking down and digesting the feed. Some microbes digest fiber and some digest starches. When grain is added to the diet acidity increases. This limits the bacteria that digest the cellulose/hay. They need a neutral PH and cannot tolerate an acid environment. To have efficient digestion the ruminant must have a healthy population of the right kind of starches to use the type of feed eaten. The animal should be on a forage diet. It doesn't work to feed a half grain, half forage ration to fatten a steer, or to supplement poor pasture with a lot of grain or high energy cubes or blocks. If cattle are fed both fiber and starch at different times, the microbe population is in constant turmoil. Don't switch back and forth from one feed to another. Introduce new feed slowly so their rumin has time to develop the right microbes for the feed to be digested properly. There won't be the proper amount of the kind of microbe, resulting in inefficient utilization of both
types of feed. A little grain can be fed with roughage without interfering with proper digestion as long as the amount of grain is kept low. Rumin microbes need adequate protein to function properly. If they eat low quality, dried out, overly mature hay low in protein there isn't enough protein to meet the needs of rumin microbes and their population declines. Then the cow's ability to digest low quality forages decreases, so protein needs to be added. There are many protein supplements available, soybean meal which is 42% protein and 40% fiber, distillers grain or good quality alfalfa. If a cow eats roughly 20-30 lbs. of hay a day and is fed about 5 – 8 lbs. of good quality alfalfa with the low protein hay she will eat the alfalfa first and still meet her daily requirements of 20-30lbs. of hay a day. It is still recommended to have your hay tested. If the source of energy is low quality forage and there's a reduced population of fiber digesting, the animal can't eat as much since it piles up in the rumin and is not swiftly or adequately processed. That is why the animal needs an adequate protein source.
If you graze cattle on fresh lush pasture you should watch for bloat. Feeding grass hay a few hours before they are moved to a new paddock can reduce their appetite. Bloat is usually caused by foamy buildup from eating too much high concentrated feeds that are high in starch and protein which commonly comes from clover, alfalfa, grain or rich green pasture. It would be beneficial to offer dry hay even when they are on lush green pasture. Cattle also need an adequate supply of vitamins and mineral which can be acquired at the local feed store formulated for the time of year or type of feed being fed. If they only offer one for dairy cattle keep looking. There is one available specifically for beef cattle.
Livestock specialists and animal nutritionists recommend that change in feed be transitioned slowly. Populations of bacteria that digest the new feed have to be established or the cow will have adverse reactions to the new diet. The key to ruminant nutrition is meeting the protein and energy requirements of the microbes. The cow's protein requirements are often fulfilled when microbe protein needs are met. Protein is one of the main building blocks of the animal's body. It is a major component of muscles, the nervous system, and connective tissues. Protein is composed of amino acids and is essential for maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction. Providing adequate digestible energy in beef cattle diets is important for animal health and productivity. Hay can be a good source of energy for total digestive nutrients in cattle. Have it tested for TDN (total digestive nutrients).
Animal nutrition can be very complicated to anyone not trained in the field, so most of us need to continue to study and learn from the experts. The best way to adequately determine the diet for your cow is to talk to a nutritionist or contact your local county UW extension office. They may have specific information on feeding cattle.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
About 150 different types of animals have multiple compartments in their stomachs including deer, yaks, sheep, camels and cows. Fortunately, most of us only have to deal with the cow. Ruminant animals digest their food by eating, then lying down and chewing their cud. So as cattlemen we must strive to keep the rumin healthy, working properly for digesting and creating nutrition from the feed. Microbes thrive in a fluid environment, breaking down and digesting the feed. Some microbes digest fiber and some digest starches. When grain is added to the diet acidity increases. This limits the bacteria that digest the cellulose/hay. They need a neutral PH and cannot tolerate an acid environment. To have efficient digestion the ruminant must have a healthy population of the right kind of starches to use the type of feed eaten. The animal should be on a forage diet. It doesn't work to feed a half grain, half forage ration to fatten a steer, or to supplement poor pasture with a lot of grain or high energy cubes or blocks. If cattle are fed both fiber and starch at different times, the microbe population is in constant turmoil. Don't switch back and forth from one feed to another. Introduce new feed slowly so their rumin has time to develop the right microbes for the feed to be digested properly. There won't be the proper amount of the kind of microbe, resulting in inefficient utilization of both
types of feed. A little grain can be fed with roughage without interfering with proper digestion as long as the amount of grain is kept low. Rumin microbes need adequate protein to function properly. If they eat low quality, dried out, overly mature hay low in protein there isn't enough protein to meet the needs of rumin microbes and their population declines. Then the cow's ability to digest low quality forages decreases, so protein needs to be added. There are many protein supplements available, soybean meal which is 42% protein and 40% fiber, distillers grain or good quality alfalfa. If a cow eats roughly 20-30 lbs. of hay a day and is fed about 5 – 8 lbs. of good quality alfalfa with the low protein hay she will eat the alfalfa first and still meet her daily requirements of 20-30lbs. of hay a day. It is still recommended to have your hay tested. If the source of energy is low quality forage and there's a reduced population of fiber digesting, the animal can't eat as much since it piles up in the rumin and is not swiftly or adequately processed. That is why the animal needs an adequate protein source.
If you graze cattle on fresh lush pasture you should watch for bloat. Feeding grass hay a few hours before they are moved to a new paddock can reduce their appetite. Bloat is usually caused by foamy buildup from eating too much high concentrated feeds that are high in starch and protein which commonly comes from clover, alfalfa, grain or rich green pasture. It would be beneficial to offer dry hay even when they are on lush green pasture. Cattle also need an adequate supply of vitamins and mineral which can be acquired at the local feed store formulated for the time of year or type of feed being fed. If they only offer one for dairy cattle keep looking. There is one available specifically for beef cattle.
Livestock specialists and animal nutritionists recommend that change in feed be transitioned slowly. Populations of bacteria that digest the new feed have to be established or the cow will have adverse reactions to the new diet. The key to ruminant nutrition is meeting the protein and energy requirements of the microbes. The cow's protein requirements are often fulfilled when microbe protein needs are met. Protein is one of the main building blocks of the animal's body. It is a major component of muscles, the nervous system, and connective tissues. Protein is composed of amino acids and is essential for maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction. Providing adequate digestible energy in beef cattle diets is important for animal health and productivity. Hay can be a good source of energy for total digestive nutrients in cattle. Have it tested for TDN (total digestive nutrients).
Animal nutrition can be very complicated to anyone not trained in the field, so most of us need to continue to study and learn from the experts. The best way to adequately determine the diet for your cow is to talk to a nutritionist or contact your local county UW extension office. They may have specific information on feeding cattle.
Lynx River CC
Daniel Webster
Why Do We Raise Highland Cattle
Because they are pretty?
Because they can thrive where other cattle cannot?
Because they do not need antibiotics to stay healthy?
Because they produce lean, tasty beef?
All of the above.
There is more than one reason to raise Highland cattle. We all have our reasons. However they are still beef cattle. Even though it is said they will thrive where most cattle will not, when we put up fences to keep them in we have a responsibility to make sure they have adequate nutrition, whether they are calves, heifers or lactating cows. All ages have different needs.
Most health problems can be prevented with proper nutrition, keeping things clean and preventing exposure to contagious diseases. Keep a close watch all year. Every season may stress cattle in different ways. Pest control and heat stress in the summer. They are winter hardy, cold does not seem to bother them but they still need a place to get out of the wind. A cow needs extra roughage to keep warm in winter or body fat will be depleted to create energy to keep warm. More grass hay keeps her warm; digestion and breakdown of cellulose create heat energy. If a cow is cold she will do better if given all the roughage she can eat and a little alfalfa or protein supplement to enable her to efficiently digest it than if fed straight alfalfa. The colder it is, the more grass hay she will eat. The bull may need more attention in the winter so he is in good physical condition for the breeding season .
The Highland cow has an adequate coat of winter hair. They will do well in cold temperatures. But they do need more energy as the temperature drops. More energy to keep warm during cold weather, increase the feed 1% for each degree of temperature drop below 20 degrees. For instance if the temperature drops below zero the requirements increase about 20%.
Healthy cattle are bright and alert, have a good appetite and graze along with the rest. Observe your cattle daily. Go out and walk amongst them so they get use to you. They will be easier to handle when you want to move them from one place to another. They think of you as one of the herd. Cattle have a pecking order. Let them know that you are the boss.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River cc (country club)
Daniel Webster
Because they are pretty?
Because they can thrive where other cattle cannot?
Because they do not need antibiotics to stay healthy?
Because they produce lean, tasty beef?
All of the above.
There is more than one reason to raise Highland cattle. We all have our reasons. However they are still beef cattle. Even though it is said they will thrive where most cattle will not, when we put up fences to keep them in we have a responsibility to make sure they have adequate nutrition, whether they are calves, heifers or lactating cows. All ages have different needs.
Most health problems can be prevented with proper nutrition, keeping things clean and preventing exposure to contagious diseases. Keep a close watch all year. Every season may stress cattle in different ways. Pest control and heat stress in the summer. They are winter hardy, cold does not seem to bother them but they still need a place to get out of the wind. A cow needs extra roughage to keep warm in winter or body fat will be depleted to create energy to keep warm. More grass hay keeps her warm; digestion and breakdown of cellulose create heat energy. If a cow is cold she will do better if given all the roughage she can eat and a little alfalfa or protein supplement to enable her to efficiently digest it than if fed straight alfalfa. The colder it is, the more grass hay she will eat. The bull may need more attention in the winter so he is in good physical condition for the breeding season .
The Highland cow has an adequate coat of winter hair. They will do well in cold temperatures. But they do need more energy as the temperature drops. More energy to keep warm during cold weather, increase the feed 1% for each degree of temperature drop below 20 degrees. For instance if the temperature drops below zero the requirements increase about 20%.
Healthy cattle are bright and alert, have a good appetite and graze along with the rest. Observe your cattle daily. Go out and walk amongst them so they get use to you. They will be easier to handle when you want to move them from one place to another. They think of you as one of the herd. Cattle have a pecking order. Let them know that you are the boss.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River cc (country club)
Daniel Webster
INSECTS THAT AFFECT BEEF CATTLE
Parasites include flies, mosquitoes, lice, ticks and mites. Some feed on blood, causing anemia or even death. A number of diseases can be spread by these parasites.
The flies that cause most problems with cattle are horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, face flies and in some areas, black flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Flies reduce weight gain by sucking blood and causing discomfort and irritation.
Horn flies cause the most economic loss, by reducing daily weight gain and weaning weights in calves. These small flies can be controlled with proper insecticides. Back rubs and dust bags are effective if properly managed - put in gateways where cattle travel every day. Any device that sprinkles insecticide dust on the animal when it rubs usually works. If the applicator is refilled regularly and the insecticide changed periodically to avoid fly resistance to a certain chemical, these methods do a good job of killing horn flies.
There are also blocks that can be put out that will kill the fly larvae. They can be purchased at most farm supply stores. Insecticide impregnated ear tags are an easy method of control. Put them in at the start of fly season, two tags per animal. Always read the tag information. Some tags say do not use in calves. Observe the cattle frequently when fly season starts. Most tags last a couple of months. Don't put them on too early as they are most effective the first two months. Consult your vet for the best approach to fly control in your region.
Flies can build up a resistance to some insecticides. You should change to different products every couple of years. Face flies do not develop resistance to insecticides. Any type of tag works for them. Horn flies affect every animal, so choose a tag that will control horn flies. lt will also control face flies. lf you still have a large amount of flies on the cattle, you might have a population of flies that are resistant to the product you are using. Time to re-evaluate and choose a different insecticide product.
Ticks are becoming more of a problem in some areas. They can heavily infest cattle in some regions, causing severe irritation, weight loss, even anemia and sometimes death. Ticks can be controlled with insecticide chemicals used as sprays, dips or dust. Ear ticks can be controlled by directly applying an approved insecticide into the ear.
Happy Highlanding!
D. Webster
Lynx River cc
Parasites include flies, mosquitoes, lice, ticks and mites. Some feed on blood, causing anemia or even death. A number of diseases can be spread by these parasites.
The flies that cause most problems with cattle are horn flies, horse flies, deer flies, face flies and in some areas, black flies, gnats and mosquitoes. Flies reduce weight gain by sucking blood and causing discomfort and irritation.
Horn flies cause the most economic loss, by reducing daily weight gain and weaning weights in calves. These small flies can be controlled with proper insecticides. Back rubs and dust bags are effective if properly managed - put in gateways where cattle travel every day. Any device that sprinkles insecticide dust on the animal when it rubs usually works. If the applicator is refilled regularly and the insecticide changed periodically to avoid fly resistance to a certain chemical, these methods do a good job of killing horn flies.
There are also blocks that can be put out that will kill the fly larvae. They can be purchased at most farm supply stores. Insecticide impregnated ear tags are an easy method of control. Put them in at the start of fly season, two tags per animal. Always read the tag information. Some tags say do not use in calves. Observe the cattle frequently when fly season starts. Most tags last a couple of months. Don't put them on too early as they are most effective the first two months. Consult your vet for the best approach to fly control in your region.
Flies can build up a resistance to some insecticides. You should change to different products every couple of years. Face flies do not develop resistance to insecticides. Any type of tag works for them. Horn flies affect every animal, so choose a tag that will control horn flies. lt will also control face flies. lf you still have a large amount of flies on the cattle, you might have a population of flies that are resistant to the product you are using. Time to re-evaluate and choose a different insecticide product.
Ticks are becoming more of a problem in some areas. They can heavily infest cattle in some regions, causing severe irritation, weight loss, even anemia and sometimes death. Ticks can be controlled with insecticide chemicals used as sprays, dips or dust. Ear ticks can be controlled by directly applying an approved insecticide into the ear.
Happy Highlanding!
D. Webster
Lynx River cc
How Good is Your Hay
High hay quality is high in crude protein and digestible energy and a high intake and acceptability. It should be free of dust, musty odor and mold. Livestock producers seeking higher profit margins consider high quality forage the basis for any feed ration. Essential nutrients not supplied by the forage must be supplemented by concentrates, which add to the feed bill. The higher the hay quality, the lower amount of supplemental feed stuffs have to be purchased, which in turn lowers the feed costs.
Hay varies in quality more than any other harvested feed crop grown. It can vary widely within a single species grown in the same area, maybe even the same field. Making the hay too wet or too dry has an effect. For instance raking alfalfa too dry results in leaf loss where most of the nutrients are. Livestock producers can save money by feeding more high quality hay and less grain per animal. Buyers frequently find both excellent and poor quality hays offered at the same price. Hay quality really means feed value. Some things known to influence hay quality and animal performance are: the stage of maturity at harvest; leafiness; color; odor and condition.
Forage testing is a good way of evaluating quality especially if you are buying large quantities of hay at one time. Forage testing may not be justified for those who use small quantities of hay. It may not reveal signs of dust, musty odor, mold or leaf loss. So close visual inspection is a must when purchasing hay. Whether you are buying, selling, producing or feeding hay, quality should be a major factor. Knowledge of the factors influencing quality, and an understanding of the impact of varying quality on animal performance, result in more efficient and economical feeding programs.
Happy Highlanding,
Daniel Webster
Lynx River cc
High hay quality is high in crude protein and digestible energy and a high intake and acceptability. It should be free of dust, musty odor and mold. Livestock producers seeking higher profit margins consider high quality forage the basis for any feed ration. Essential nutrients not supplied by the forage must be supplemented by concentrates, which add to the feed bill. The higher the hay quality, the lower amount of supplemental feed stuffs have to be purchased, which in turn lowers the feed costs.
Hay varies in quality more than any other harvested feed crop grown. It can vary widely within a single species grown in the same area, maybe even the same field. Making the hay too wet or too dry has an effect. For instance raking alfalfa too dry results in leaf loss where most of the nutrients are. Livestock producers can save money by feeding more high quality hay and less grain per animal. Buyers frequently find both excellent and poor quality hays offered at the same price. Hay quality really means feed value. Some things known to influence hay quality and animal performance are: the stage of maturity at harvest; leafiness; color; odor and condition.
Forage testing is a good way of evaluating quality especially if you are buying large quantities of hay at one time. Forage testing may not be justified for those who use small quantities of hay. It may not reveal signs of dust, musty odor, mold or leaf loss. So close visual inspection is a must when purchasing hay. Whether you are buying, selling, producing or feeding hay, quality should be a major factor. Knowledge of the factors influencing quality, and an understanding of the impact of varying quality on animal performance, result in more efficient and economical feeding programs.
Happy Highlanding,
Daniel Webster
Lynx River cc
Breeding Season is a time of year when the size and quality of next year's calf crop is determined. So thoughts of nutrition and body score are important to the herd's reproductive efficiency. There is a lot of talk about grass fed beef. The quality and quantity of grass and hay should be looked at carefully. It should be tested for TDN (total digestive nutrients). Vitamins and minerals are also an essential part of the feeding program. The breeding season is an important time for producers and could impact whether your cattle are making a profit or on the losing end. Whether you want cattle to calve in the spring or fall, thought should be given to the kinds of management that could improve efficiency in beef herds. Herd health and nutrition programs directly influence calving outcomes. Adequate nutrition is vital as cows in poor condition are not likely to conceive. In a 10 cow herd if 2 cows do not put a calf on the ground it could mean the difference between a profit or a loss. So the extra thought to the feeding program could mean a difference between a profit or a loss.
Another factor that could have a dramatic effect on calving rates and beef returns is the fertility of the herd bull. A simple breeding soundness evaluation is an inexpensive way to realize a bull's potential. Even a marginal improvement in calving percentage can have an important impact on the bottom line. Another important consideration is bull quality. Buying an inexpensive bull often can be the last way you want to try to save money. Saving money on a questionable bull can easily be the difference between a profit and a loss. Just because it made it around the show ring twice doesn't mean it will produce the best in the field.The University Extension Services have a variety of resources available to help with any aspect of beef herd management.
D. W.
Lynx River cc
Another factor that could have a dramatic effect on calving rates and beef returns is the fertility of the herd bull. A simple breeding soundness evaluation is an inexpensive way to realize a bull's potential. Even a marginal improvement in calving percentage can have an important impact on the bottom line. Another important consideration is bull quality. Buying an inexpensive bull often can be the last way you want to try to save money. Saving money on a questionable bull can easily be the difference between a profit and a loss. Just because it made it around the show ring twice doesn't mean it will produce the best in the field.The University Extension Services have a variety of resources available to help with any aspect of beef herd management.
D. W.
Lynx River cc
Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996
The Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 (ADAA) first established the category of drugs known as veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs. The most recent revision to these rules went into effect October 1, 2015 dealing with drugs in livestock feed. They will affect farmers, veterinarians and drug and feed manufacturers.
The rules are intended to eliminate the use of these drugs from over the counter use to prescription use only, effective January 1, 2017. Farmers/ranchers will need to obtain a written order and administer these drugs in or on feed under the direction of a veterinarian. One result of these rules is that extra label use of medicated feed that has any of these drugs in it is no longer allowed. Written VFD authorization orders must be kept by the veterinarian and livestock producer for two years.
One outcome of these rule changes is that they require an established veterinarian/client/patient relationship. So get to know your veterinarian.
Major drugs requiring authorization:
A list of these drugs, along with more detail can be found on the FDA website. The list does not refer to drugs that are given by injection just those that are added to feed.
So in conclusion, get to know your veterinarian. If nothing else give them a North Central Highland Calendar. They will appreciate it. Take my word for it.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River
D.W.
The Animal Drug Availability Act of 1996 (ADAA) first established the category of drugs known as veterinary feed directive (VFD) drugs. The most recent revision to these rules went into effect October 1, 2015 dealing with drugs in livestock feed. They will affect farmers, veterinarians and drug and feed manufacturers.
The rules are intended to eliminate the use of these drugs from over the counter use to prescription use only, effective January 1, 2017. Farmers/ranchers will need to obtain a written order and administer these drugs in or on feed under the direction of a veterinarian. One result of these rules is that extra label use of medicated feed that has any of these drugs in it is no longer allowed. Written VFD authorization orders must be kept by the veterinarian and livestock producer for two years.
One outcome of these rule changes is that they require an established veterinarian/client/patient relationship. So get to know your veterinarian.
Major drugs requiring authorization:
- Chlortetracycline (Aureomycin, CLTC, Pennchlor)
- Chlortetracycline + Sulfaameethazine (Aureo S 700)
- Neomycin + Oxytetracycline (Neo-Terramycin, Neo-Oxy)
- Oxytetracycline (Terramycin, Pennox)
- Tylosin (Tylan)
- Virginiamycin (V-Max)
A list of these drugs, along with more detail can be found on the FDA website. The list does not refer to drugs that are given by injection just those that are added to feed.
So in conclusion, get to know your veterinarian. If nothing else give them a North Central Highland Calendar. They will appreciate it. Take my word for it.
Happy Highlanding
Lynx River
D.W.
Vitamins and minerals are important parts of the cow's diet and a part that is often overlooked by well-intentioned owners. We tend to think that the forages provide all the minerals that our cattle need. Forages do contain minerals, but not always in an amount and form that meets the needs of our cattle. The mineral content differs from pasture to pasture depending on the soil type, growing conditions, plant types, and plant maturity. To make matters more complicated, the cow's requirements for minerals differ depending on age and level of production. A lactating cow has a greater need for most vitamins and minerals than she does when she is dry. An animal that is growing rapidly, such as a heifer or steer on good summer pasture, has a higher requirement than an animal that is maintaining body weight through the winter months. So, not only are the forages differing in mineral content through the year, but the animal's needs are also changing. In order to insure that our pastured cattle have access to the minerals they need, it's important to provide a free choice mineral that contains the macro (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur) and micro minerals (zinc, copper, manganese, iodine, iron, cobalt, selenium) as well as vitamins A, D and E. Keep in mind that providing a salt block is not a mineral trace mineral salt blocks provide a minute amount of trace minerals; they do not provide enough to meet the trace mineral needs of a cow. Look for a complete mineral that contains salt as well as the macro and micro minerals listed above. Your local feed mill will be able to recommend a free choice mineral mix that has been designed for your area. The round feeders with the rubber flap over the top work well for horned cattle. Mineral tubs in which mineral is suspended in hardened molasses are an easy way to feed minerals and give the added benefit of a little bit of sugar in the diet. Some people even use lick tanks in which the mineral is provided in a liquid molasses and the cow licks it from a wheel suspended in the tank. Regardless of how you provide it, be sure you've got your cows on a good mineral program to keep them healthy and productive.
Submitted by Ann Proctor
Windemere Farms
Submitted by Ann Proctor
Windemere Farms
Beef Checkoff
By law, all producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex, must pay $1 per head to support beef/veal promotion, research and information through the Beef Promotion and Research Act. The checkoff assessment became mandatory in 1988. The checkoff is collected by the state beef councils, which retain up to 50 cents. The other 50 cents is forwarded to the National Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. Your checkoff dollar is used for consumer advertising, marketing partnerships, public relations, education, research and new-product development. Checkoff funds cannot be used to promote particular breeds or brands or influence government policy or action. Visit the website www.mybeefcheckoff.com click on Compliance to obtain remittance forms.
By law, all producers selling cattle or calves, for any reason and regardless of age or sex, must pay $1 per head to support beef/veal promotion, research and information through the Beef Promotion and Research Act. The checkoff assessment became mandatory in 1988. The checkoff is collected by the state beef councils, which retain up to 50 cents. The other 50 cents is forwarded to the National Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board. Your checkoff dollar is used for consumer advertising, marketing partnerships, public relations, education, research and new-product development. Checkoff funds cannot be used to promote particular breeds or brands or influence government policy or action. Visit the website www.mybeefcheckoff.com click on Compliance to obtain remittance forms.
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Happy Spring to all of our NCHCA members. Hopefully We'll have a good summer. But when summer comes so do the flies. They raise havoc on our cattle, especially the calves. So getting to the point we have been using Kunafin fly parasites for the past several years. They have cut down on our fly problem. They are a non pesticide, non poisonous solution that have cut down on our fly problem. They do not eliminate them all but sure help. I think it even takes care of horse flies and deer flies because we have a lot less. I order mine mid-May every year. Give them a try. Kunafin will provide you with an entomologist/consultant to help you design your program and answer your questions as well. Call 800-832-1113 and ask for Adele.
Submitted by Lynx River CC Dan and Mary Webster |
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Calm Cattle Make Better Beef
Cattle that have a calm disposition do better gaining weight more efficiently than high strung cattle. Nervous cattle have lower average daily weight gain; calm animals tend to have the highest weight gain. Another problem with excitable beef cattle is they are often dark cutters when processed. The meat is darker than normal due to low levels of muscle glycogen at time of slaughter, and stress is the main cause of glycogen depletion in muscles. Physical stress and psychological stress are primary factors. These stresses can be due to poor disposition or abusive handling. Abusive handling often occurs when cattle have poor dispositions and are difficult to work with. However, when buying cattle it is hard to judge what their disposition may be. They may be fine around the people they see everyday but may be wary of strangers. It may be beneficial to make a couple of visits to the farm/ranch when purchasing cattle. I've had several different breeds of cattle. In my opinion Highland cattle have a calm disposition and are the easiest to work with.
For more information go to these sites and type in dark cutter: USDA.gov or dpi.nsw.gov.au
Submitted by Dan Webster
Cattle that have a calm disposition do better gaining weight more efficiently than high strung cattle. Nervous cattle have lower average daily weight gain; calm animals tend to have the highest weight gain. Another problem with excitable beef cattle is they are often dark cutters when processed. The meat is darker than normal due to low levels of muscle glycogen at time of slaughter, and stress is the main cause of glycogen depletion in muscles. Physical stress and psychological stress are primary factors. These stresses can be due to poor disposition or abusive handling. Abusive handling often occurs when cattle have poor dispositions and are difficult to work with. However, when buying cattle it is hard to judge what their disposition may be. They may be fine around the people they see everyday but may be wary of strangers. It may be beneficial to make a couple of visits to the farm/ranch when purchasing cattle. I've had several different breeds of cattle. In my opinion Highland cattle have a calm disposition and are the easiest to work with.
For more information go to these sites and type in dark cutter: USDA.gov or dpi.nsw.gov.au
Submitted by Dan Webster
