Feedlots and cow/calf operations in the beef industry who feed 500 or more has annually on grains and concentrates; maintain 500 or more beef cows; backgrounder, stocker/grower, preconditioner; veterinarian, nutritionist, consultant
Issue link: http://feedlotmagazine.epubxp.com/i/592830
24 FEED•LOT November 2015 In northern climates winter is a big deal. Neither your cow herd nor machinery should go into it unpre- pared. For cattle, make sure they head into winter with extra body fat. They need reserves of energy—a good store of back fat--to draw on to help maintain body heat on cold days. Also, the added insulation (layer of fat under hide and hair) is like a thicker winter coat; they won't need as many calories of feed to keep warm. Russ Daly, Extension Veterinarian/Associate Pro- fessor, SDSU, says windbreaks and bedding are help- ful, along with good nutrition. "The part of the diet we focus on is energy, during cold weather. Protein is re- ally important, too, but energy, especially for wean- ing-age calves is crucial. Here in the northern plains we also recognize that these animals increase intake in response to cold," he says. "We have to be sure we are providing the additional feed they need. For animals with a functional rumen— older calves, adult cattle--having adequate protein to utilize the energy is also important." Microbes in the rumen break down roughage into useable energy, but they need protein in order to do this. "Prolonged cold makes it challenging to feed calves enough for weight gain. For mature animals, the best way we can help them respond to cold stress is to feed enough energy and protein—especially as cows get into later gestation—to make sure the unborn calf isn't shortchanged." If the cow is putting all her resources into keeping warm, something is shortchanged. Wind- breaks and bedding are important for adult cattle (as well as calves), to prevent frostbitten ears or teats, or scrotal frostbite in bulls. Make sure you can always supply feed and water when temperature drops. This means water sources that keep working, and water that doesn't freeze up. Where electricity is available this may mean heated water tanks. In extensive pasture situations, innovative water systems may be necessary. Machinery Winter preparedness includes being able to get feed to the cattle—with equipment (feed trucks, tractors, bale processers, etc.) that keeps working during winter. Crop harvesting equipment may sit during winter, but make sure it goes into winter in optimum condition. Michael Thomas, ranching near Baker, Idaho, has done a lot of custom haying and work with heavy equipment. He recommends changing motor oil when winterizing equipment, to prevent particulate sedimen- tation. "Over winter the solids in motor oil tend to fall out of suspension and collect in the bottom of the oil pan. This sediment is not easily removed with subse- quent oil changes, but may be dislodged under stressful operating conditions later—fouling filters and causing unnecessary wear," he explains. "Check engine coolant level and concentration. Use a coolant concentration tester to make sure your en- gine is protected to the coldest temperature you antic- ipate. I recommend maintaining a 50/50 ratio of water to coolant year-round. This will protect your engine to -34 degrees F. and will also raise the boiling point and protect your engine under extreme hot temperature operation," he says. COW/CALF CORNER WINTERIZE YOUR OPER INCREASE YOUR FEED CONVERSION & GAIN "NATUR'S WAY MSE PROBIOTICS MADE BELIEVERS OUT OF US" NATUR'S WAY INC. 866-615-0299 • 785-548-5840 11/10/14 at Bluegrass Sale Barn, Lexington, KY, Jim Dinklage purchased 32 lots of 90 hd, bawling, steer calves averaging 580 lbs. Cattle were vaccinated and drenched with Natur's Way MSE probiotic by barn vet Dawn Crouch, DVM. Cattle were shipped, but returned due to truck problems. Then reloaded on a different truck and again left for Nebraska. Temperature in Lexington was 65°. 1000 miles later cattle were received at J&D; Feeders, Atkinson, NE in 0° weather. Cattle were given loose hay top dressed with MSE. Started on a grower ration containing MSE dry probiotic. As of 2/1/15 cattle have had exceptional gains and no health problems. J & D FEEDERS Jeff Hostert and Doug Coburn, Atkinson, NE