Latest News From Nutrition

Windrow or swath grazing annual forages in the spring and summer offers two potential advantages over direct grazing.

After calving season comes to an end, it won’t be long before breeding season begins. To ensure a successful breeding season, it is critical to monitor nutritional status of the cows by evaluating body condition score.

Grazing native range grasses too early can reduce forage production.

After hauling feed to cows all winter, there is no better thing than turning cows out to spring pastures. However, spring pastures are very lush and high in protein.

The market is demand more calves and that has put pressure on grazing, meaning alternative cow-calf systems could be considered.

Providing a protein supplement to late gestation cows grazing dormant range is usually sufficient to maintain cow performance.

Recent information indicates gene expression of fetal calves can be manipulated by factors like the nutritional status of the cow.

The replacement heifer is the foundation of a productive cowherd and, it is important to give her the best chance at having a long and productive life in the herd.

DDGS plus salt as a self-fed supplement boosted cattle gains and curbed indirect expenses.

First-calf cows (3 year olds) are traditionally the most challenging animal to get bred on the farm.

Once the commitment has been made to purchase or retain a heifer to be a replacement in the herd, it is important to give her the best chance at having a long and productive life in the herd.

It won’t be long before pastures across the country will begin to grow and be extremely productive.

To maximize forage production in the year that you are establishing perennial forage consider these management strategies.

As pastures and small grain fields begin to green up, and livestock owners make plans to begin early spring grazing passes, keep in mind the risk of grass tetany.

Extra weight on a set of feeder calves can translate into more net dollars in the seller's pocket.

Although it is still mid-March, the temperatures in much of the country have been relatively warm and a few of the cool season grasses will begin to green-up sooner than we may expect. With that green-up and cows lactating heavily comes the concern of grass tetany.

A K-State study found the average corn particle size in Midwest finishing cattle diets.

Cattle grazing green grass get plenty of vitamin A, but wintertime makes it kind of tough.

When transitioning cattle from ranch to rail, feed intake of a nutrient-dense diet is of utmost importance.

Grain sorghum residue provides similar quality to corn residue and can be more accessible in winters with deep snow cover.

Even though it is cold out the cows still need fed, here are some things to consider for winter feeding.

When warmer temperatures set in and winter starts to melt away, cattle producers across the country will be keeping one eye on the pasture and one eye on their next biggest investment—their calves.

Access to the proper feed, good water and a reasonable space that has wind protection will keep a cow content.

Adding some alfalfa hay to a low-quality feed base will make supplementing the ration easier.

A common mistake that is made as the weather warms is to reduce the feed a little bit.

Measuring the consequences of mineral deficiencies in cow-calf operations can be difficult.

Forage quality is one of the most influential factors in livestock production.

Grass tetany is considered a problem that usually occurs when cattle or sheep are eating lush, spring grass or annual cereal forages such as rye, wheat or triticale; but, it can also occur when cattle are being fed harvested forages.

With a strong demand for pasture and low grain prices, there has been a renewed interest in the use of irrigated pasture.

A K-State veterinarian talks about what can lead to the condition and offers suggestions in caring for these newborn calves.

Be sure you're getting the right kind of colostrum supplement or replacement to calves if fresh colostrum isn't available.

Why is it that nearly every article on beef cow nutrition seems to focus on body condition?

Are your calves getting enough colostrum?

The dramatic drop in corn prices may have some cattle producers thinking about exchanging their high protein forage supplement with corn. This is not a good idea, said Ken Olson, Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist.

Colder weather means livestock need more energy to be able to withstand harsh winter conditions outdoors.

Grain overload can occur in cattle with unlimited access of grains.

Feeding more corn to heifers this year won't be too costly on the pocket book, but it could have some downsides.

The frosty cold mornings of the past few days help remind us about the importance of supplementing cattle with high-energy winter feeds

Inadequate nutrition can cause cows to lose weight and body condition.

Changes at ethanol plants have reduced fat content in distillers grains, meaning feedlot rations will have to be altered.

Taking the proper steps to get calves off to the right start is paramount to the success of a cattle feeding operation.

Grazing calves on corn residue is a good alternative feed source for producers.

Winter is critical to beef cow operation success.

Have you done taken a look at your cows' body condition scores lately?

A cow is more likely to sustain a healthy state of living when the feed she consumes is a mixture of green and yellow feeds.

A team of researchers from the University of Georgia sought to better understand the nutritional value and cost-effectiveness of using grocery food waste recycled from large retail stores as a feed source for livestock.

Learning the keys to feeding your cow herd during the winter can help increase profitability.

Researchers in Canada conducted a metabolism trial using fistulated beef heifers to determine whether different types of wheat grain could be fed as an alternative energy source.

What do cattle need for nutrients?

In many situations distillers grains may be a good option to increase weight of calves and yearlings or for use as a winter protein supplement for cows.