Explaining feed supplements

Recently, during a livestock show in Sulphur Springs, I visited with somebody in the audience related to the show.

As I was trying to explain the process, he recognized the complexity of agriculture today. He later on made me the comment of how difficult is for somebody like him to understand agriculture sometimes.

He then suggested for me to write about agricultural principles to the general public without an agricultural background. To many, agriculture comes as a second nature. Just like any other professional, we talk and learn about details related to the challenges we encounter. I am aware that as an educator, these ‘concerns” might not be shared with everybody and that those at starting points of their agricultural development can get lost.

Soon after the show, I received a phone call related to feeding of cattle. As I was preparing to call him back, I recognize how complex just this could be (feeding cattle) and how many scenarios and circumstances can influence the proper way to feed cattle. Today, I am sharing with you STRATEGIES FOR FEED SUPPLEMENTATION OF CATTLE with you.

There are several reasons for me to address this topic with you today: a) although in better situation than other parts of Texas, Hopkins County is suffering drought, which compromises forage quantity and quality and b) because of other regions of Texas where grains are produced are also also under drought conditions, the ingredients (also known as feedstuffs) normally used to feed cattle might or not be available to feed cattle this time around.

Feeding cattle

A beef cow requires energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins in its diet. What determines how much of these nutrients is required? What determines if they need to be supplemented in the diet?

Many factors affect the amounts of required nutrients. A female performs many functions—body maintenance, activity, weight gain, reproduction, and milk production—that all require nutrients. The amount of nutrients required depends on body size, environmental conditions, how far an animal travels, desired rate of gain, stage of gestation, and level of milk production.

The nutritional value and quantity of available forage determine if nutrients need to be supplemented in the diet. During most of the year, warm-season forages are likely to be deficient in some minerals, especially phosphorus and certain trace elements like copper and zinc. In most situations, supplementation should include at least year -round provision of salt and a mineral with 8 per cent to 12 percent phosphors and a similar level of calcium.

Vitamin A, which usually is low in dry or weathered forages, should be injected or fed in mineral or other supplements if it is suspected to be deficient. Mineral and vitamin supplementation should be a high priority because deficiencies can be corrected for relatively little cost.

After addressing mineral and vitamin needs, protein and energy deficiencies must be considered. Forage protein and energy vary seasonally. Warmseason forage typically becomes deficient in protein in mid-summer and again in winter. Forage lacks adequate energy content primarily in winter, but energy available to the animal is restricted more often by a limited supply of forage rather than by deficiencies in plant composition.

Factors Affecting Supplementation

Many factors affect the type and amount of protein or energy supplement that a beef cow may require. There are six critical factors that affect supplementation needs.

Forage Quantity. The amount of available forage obviously affects the need for supplemental feed.