Page 12 - Oct22020

Don’t Wait on Winter Cow The Midwest Cattleman · October 22, 2020 · P12

Nutrition Preparation

By N.T. Cosby

The onset of winter brings an forage availability and overall
end to the forage growing season cost.
and grasses go dormant, becom- If forage quantities are lack-
ing dry and brown, which typi- ing, reduce herd numbers or
cally prompts the start of feeding plan to use a supplement along-
stored forages or supplements. side forages.
Regardless of whether for- After you have a forage in-
age quantity or quality is the ventory, test your stored forages
first limiting factor, you should for quality. With forage test re- Kansas rancher Phil Perry checking cows on his Jefferson County ranch. Nutritionists
implement a supplementation sults in hand, your nutritionist suggest testing hay for protein in the fall. (Scott Stebner, Kansas Beef Council)
strategy before your cows’ body can help match different forage protein or more isn’t uncommon, plemental protein and energy
condition score (BCS) starts to qualities to the appropriate class so energy is usually the limiting when grazing standing forage in
slide. of animal and production stage. nutrient for late-gestation cows. the winter, especially if the for-
Dropping body condition is a Your nutritionist can determine Silage: Protein supplementa- age is lower than 8% in crude
lagging indicator of forage condi- how much forage is necessary tion is often required, especially protein.
tions — in other words, lost BCS to meet animal requirements with grain-based silages such as
means you’re already behind — taking the guesswork out of corn. 2 Pick a supplement
the eight-ball. When cows start over- or under-feeding hay or si- Grazing or feeding crop Supplemental protein and en-
to fall below BCS 6, it can neg- lage, which can be costly. aftermath: Protein supplemen- ergy come in a variety of delivery
atively impact reproductive out- A forage test can also help tation is also necessary, particu- methods, each having pros and
comes, so it is important to stay identify if different classes of larly with corn stalks. cons.
on top of nutrition and maintain stored or grazed forages require Sampling standing forage is Liquids, blocks and tubs:
body condition. additional protein or energy difficult. Most pasture, especial- Pros:
1 Evaluate forage supplementation: ly native range environments, • Best suited to supplement
Hay: Knowing if protein or
The first step in developing have several forage species with adequate quantities of marginal
a supplementation strategy is energy is the first limiting nutri- a varying preference by cows or poor-quality forages.
ent is important. We often look
evaluating available forages. A at the protein value to deter- across the grazing season. Vari- • Blocks and tubs are conve-
thorough forage evaluation will mine hay quality. However, with ability makes it complicated to nient because you don’t need to
help you accurately budget your cool-season forages, 8% crude get an accurate picture of forage physically feed animals daily;
winter-feeding program for both quality. Be prepared to feed sup- you can deliver the nutrition as
needed.