Page 22 - MWC 8-10-2023s

WATER QUALITY The Midwest Cattleman · August 10, 2023 · P22
continued from page 17
can be a toxicity concern for easily absorbed and used by and potentially better prod-
tive while causing water to cattle. Total nitrates are the the animal and are much less ucts and technology, water
taste bitter. Sulfur can have sum of all nitrates in feed affected by antagonists. Hub- is a fundamental component
a detrimental impact on cat- and water. Nitrates are con- bard Feeds’ Blueprint® line to successful nutrition that
tle performance and health. verted into nitrites in the of products is a great tool to should not be marginalized.
The maximum threshold for rumen, which cause reduced help deal with antagonist Determining water quality
water sulfate is 500 ppm for oxygen-carrying capacity in problems and trace mineral issues in your operation is
calves and 1,000 ppm for ma- the blood and can result in deficiencies. This line does the first step to implement-
ture cattle (Rasby and Walz, death. Symptoms of nitrate not add inorganic trace min- ing nutritional solutions to
2011). Sulfates bind to ben- poisoning include labored erals but contains only Bio- address them. Water testing
eficial minerals and cause breathing, trembling, lack of plex® organic trace minerals is an inexpensive way to un-
issues for absorption due to coordination and the inabili- as the source of copper, zinc, derstand the potential risks
these antagonistic interac- ty to stand. manganese and cobalt, along that may exist and a great
tions. High levels of sulfates There are concerns to be with Sel-Plex® as a source of start for laying the ground-
are often the source of sec- mindful of when assessing organic selenium. work for animal success.
ondary copper deficiencies in water quality. Some of these In conclusion, it cannot hubbardfeeds.com
beef cattle. involve other salts, minerals, be stressed enough just how
Sulfur that is present in blue-green algae, pesticides, crucial water is to cattle’s
feedstuffs will have a cumu- temperature, or even stray health, performance, and
lative effect with sulfates in voltage. Many of these can well-being to ensure produc-
water. High levels of dietary impart undesirable odors or tion goals are met. Cattle
sulfur from feed and/or water flavors that will discourage producers are often focused
can result in excessive hydro- adequate water intake. on finding the next tool to
gen sulfide production in the Reproduction, health, and get a competitive edge. While
rumen contributing to the in- growth are highly influenced it is good to seek out new
cidence of sulfur toxicity and by mineral nutrition. Water
thiamine deficiency. This can quality issues play a role in
result in polioencephaloma- how the animal utilizes min- TOP 10 WAYS
lacia (PEM), a brain disorder erals. If trace mineral supple- continued from page 15
found in cattle. mentation is a concern due to the most expensive form of ment records is also a vital
high sulfates, iron, etc., keep
Nitrates & Other Factors in mind that high-quality or- delivering forage to the cow. activity for the intentional
Nitrates in drinking water ganic trace minerals are more If you are locked into this sys- rancher, as these records will
tem by the forage type avail- inform future management
able on your operation, make decisions and explain past
sure you don’t waste hay by performance of the pasture
using antiquated-style hay and the livestock that grazed
rings. A modified cone hay it. The number of acres that
feeder can reduce hay loss by you manage is your finite
8% to 15% compared to older, resource, thus management
typical-style feeders. Feeding should focus on appropriate-
hay may be necessary during ly reducing costs and opti-
weather emergencies, when mally increasing revenue to
cattle are penned for working increase profit per acre.
or other management activi- Keep in mind the
ties (weaning, estrus synchro- above-referenced manage-
nization, etc.). Otherwise, the ment practices will help
need for hay throughout the most producers survive mar-
winter is a sign the ranch is ket- and weather-related dis-
A Program Built on Maternal Power stocked more heavily than ruptions and will allow for
the land resources can sus- more profit year-in and year-
Since 1996, we’ve been unyielding pounds to your breeding program, tain naturally, especially in out. Pastures that have been
on breeding the best red genetics we urge you to check out our reds. native pasture systems. managed regeneratively will
our breed has to offer. We’ve We offer bulls, heifers, semen and 10. Keep records. have more soil organic car-
selected our females carefully and embryo packages private treaty at The old saying is true: you bon and thus have a higher
mated them to top A.I. Sires. the farm in Kansas City. can’t manage what you don’t degree of water-holding con-
If you are looking for seedstock that Give us a call today! measure. The more records tent. This in itself will help
will bring added muscle, length and you keep – from how much producers manage through
feed/mineral and hay is fed many weather extremes.
Small Group to weaning weights and per- Additionally, regeneratively
minded ranchers who imple-
of Young A.I. cent weaned calves – the ment the above practices will
Sired Bulls more powerful your manage- more than likely be those
ment decisions can become.
Available Develop key performance in- who are better pasture man-
at the Farm. dicators to benchmark how agers and will have healthier
your operation compares to soils, as well.
itself over time and to oth- Noble Research Institute
Contact Bob Hart for information • Cell (816) 225-8530 • Email: bhart@hartfarm.net ers of similar size and in the
same area annually. Keeping
SMALL HERD POWERFUL GENETICS pasture and grazing manage-

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