Archive for the ‘Cattle’ Category

Vaccinate Your Cattle This January

Wednesday, January 17th, 2024

As we start a new year, it’s important for cattle farmers to start thinking about vaccinating their herds. Vaccinating your cattle is one of the most important things you can do to protect their health, and ultimately, your livelihood. Let’s explore why January is a good time to start thinking about vaccinating your cattle, what vaccines are available, and how to determine which vaccines are right for your herd.

The winter months may seem like an odd time to think about vaccinating, but it’s actually the perfect time to start. Many diseases, such as bovine respiratory disease (BRD), can have a significant impact on cattle health and productivity. By vaccinating your herd in January, you’ll help protect them from these diseases before they become a problem in the spring and summer months.

But which vaccines should you choose? This may seem overwhelming, but your local feed store can help. They can provide you with information on which vaccines are recommended for your area and what may be necessary for your particular herd. For example, a cow-calf operation will have different vaccine needs than a feedlot.

One vaccine that is highly recommended for all cattle is the clostridial vaccine. This vaccine protects against a range of diseases caused by the Clostridium bacteria, including blackleg, tetanus, and red water. Another vaccine to consider is one that protects against respiratory diseases, which can be particularly common in winter months. Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is another disease that can have serious financial implications. Vaccinating against BVD can help prevent its spread and reduce the risk of future outbreaks in your herd.

It’s not just about choosing the right vaccine, but also administering it correctly and at the right time. Make sure you’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage and timing. Some vaccines require booster shots to provide adequate protection. It’s essential to get your timing and dosage correct to prevent complications and increase the effectiveness of the vaccine. Don’t forget to keep accurate records of vaccinations given, so that you can keep track of when boosters are due, and which cattle may need vaccines again in the future.

Vaccinating your cattle is an essential part of herd management, and January is a perfect time to start planning. By working with your local feed store and understanding the needs of your herd, you can choose the right vaccines to protect your cattle against potential threats and ensure their long-term health and productivity. As with all aspects of herd management, it’s important to stay up-to-date and informed, so don’t forget to research and stay on top of vaccination recommendations. Stay ahead of the curve and protect your herd by vaccinating your cattle this January!

Preparing Your Livestock for Winter Feeding

Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024

cattle grazing in winterWith colder weather on the horizon, many farmers and ranchers are preparing for the winter months. One of the most important things to consider when getting your animals ready for winter is their feed. During this time, hay becomes the most common type of feed for livestock. However, it is essential to ensure that you have enough hay to get your animals through the season. In addition, it is necessary to think about supplementing your hay with other feeds such as grain or grass to keep your animals healthy. We have some essential tips for feeding and nutrition that will help you prepare your livestock for winter.

1) Plan for Adequate Hay Supply

Before winter arrives, farmers and ranchers need to ensure that they have enough hay to meet the demands of their livestock. One of the key challenges in preparing for the winter months is predicting the amount of hay that will be required. To estimate your hay needs, you must consider the number of animals in your herd, their weight, and the duration of the winter months. To increase the amount of hay available, you may want to consider buying hay from other farmers. Purchasing a large quantity of hay can also help cut the cost per bale.

2) Supplement with Other Nutritious Feed

Unfortunately, hay alone may not be enough to provide your animals with the nutrition they need. During winter, your livestock needs an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals. Therefore, it is crucial to supplement their diets with other nutritious feeds. Grain is an excellent source of protein and helps to maintain body heat. However, you must be cautious when feeding grain to avoid overfeeding, which can cause digestive problems. Grass can provide your livestock with essential micronutrients. This means that you should graze your animals throughout the fall season before snow accumulates on the ground.

3) Provide Adequate Water

Water is critical to the health and survival of your livestock, particularly during the winter season. Since animals rely on hay to maintain their body heat, they consume less water, which can lead to dehydration. Therefore, it is essential to provide your animals with fresh, clean water at all times. Water sources should be checked daily to ensure that it is available and unfrozen. You can also consider installing heaters or de-icers for your water sources to keep them from freezing.

4) Monitor Your Livestock

During the winter months, it is essential to keep a close eye on your animals. Checking that they are eating adequately, drinking enough water, and staying warm is crucial. Moreover, monitoring your livestock helps to detect any signs of disease or illness that require vet attention.

5) Prepare Your Barns

As the cold weather sets in, you may want to prepare your barns for your animals’ comfort and safety. Ensure your barns have proper insulation, ventilation, and clean straw or bedding to keep livestock dry and warm. Ensure that all doors and windows are properly secured to keep the cold outside.

Preparing for winter and ensuring that your livestock’s feed and nutritional needs are met may seem overwhelming. However, with the right planning and preparation, farmers and ranchers can help their animals survive the harsh winter months. By incorporating these tips, you can increase your animals’ health and well-being throughout the winter season.

Supplementing Your Livestock’s Diet

Friday, December 8th, 2023

Cattle eating behinf fence in winterDecember marks the beginning of winter, which also means that it’s the perfect time to start thinking about supplementing your livestock’s diet. As temperatures drop, animals can struggle to maintain their weight, and their bodies require more energy to keep warm. This time of year, it’s crucial to make sure your animals are getting enough food and nutrients to stay healthy. That’s why December may be a good time to start supplementing their diets. What types of supplements should you consider and how can you ensure your animals are getting the proper nutrition they need?

The Importance of Winter Supplementation

As the temperature drops, animals require more energy to regulate their body temperature, which means they need more food to maintain their body weight. But during the winter months, it can be challenging for animals to find enough food to meet their daily requirements. That’s why it’s essential to start supplementing their diet with hay or other forage that will provide them with plenty of nutrients. Winter supplementation will not only ensure your animals maintain their weight, but it will also help prevent them from getting sick or developing health issues.

The Types of Supplements to Consider

When it comes to choosing supplements for your livestock, there are plenty of options. However, not all supplements are created equal, and choosing the right one will depend on your animal’s nutritional needs. Some supplements you should consider include protein, minerals, and vitamins. Protein supplements are an excellent option for animals that require more energy to stay warm during the winter months, while mineral supplements help prevent mineral deficiencies. Vitamins are also essential, especially if your animal’s diet is lacking fresh fruit and vegetables.

Ensure Your Animals Are Getting the Proper Nutrition They Need

Supplementing your livestock’s diet is one way to ensure they’re getting the proper nutrition they need, but it’s also important to keep an eye on their water intake. During the winter months, water sources can freeze over, making it challenging for animals to access a clean water supply. If your animal’s water source freezes over, make sure to provide them with an alternative source of water to prevent dehydration. Also, it’s crucial to monitor their weight and overall health to make sure your supplementing program is working.

Other Factors to Consider in Winter Livestock Care

Although supplementing your livestock’s diet is essential during the winter months, it’s not the only factor to consider in winter livestock care. Other things you should consider include their shelter, bedding, and exposure to cold temperatures. Providing adequate shelter and bedding will help keep your animals warm and prevent them from getting sick. You should also limit their exposure to cold temperatures by making sure they have access to a warm, dry place to rest.

December is an excellent time to start thinking about supplementing your livestock’s diet. By supplementing their diet with hay or other forage and providing them with the proper supplements, you can ensure they’re getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Remember to keep an eye on their water intake, monitor their weight and health, and provide them with adequate shelter and bedding to keep them warm. By taking these steps, you’ll help your livestock thrive during the winter months.

The Benefits of Fall Forage for Your Livestock

Friday, September 8th, 2023

The Benefits of Fall Forage for Your Livestock: photo of two cows grazing in a fieldThe Benefits of Fall Forage for Your Livestock: Fall is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about fall forage for your livestock. As the temperature cools and the days get shorter, it’s important to ensure that your animals are getting the right nutrients to maintain their body condition going into the winter months. Let’s go over some of the benefits of fall forage! Check out all things related to animal health available at Kissimmee Valley Feed here.

Nutritional Benefits

Fall forage is an excellent source of nutrition for your livestock. It’s packed with nutrients that can help them maintain their body condition and keep them healthy throughout the winter. For example, clover is a great source of protein and energy, while alfalfa is high in calcium and phosphorus. Rye grass, on the other hand, is an excellent source of fiber and can help keep your animals’ digestive system healthy.

Cost-Effective

Fall forage can be a cost-effective way to feed your animals. Growing your own forage can be cheaper than purchasing feed from a store, and it can also help you save on labor costs. Furthermore, depending on where you live, fall forage can often be grown as a double crop, meaning you can get more than one harvest per year from the same field.

Environmentally Friendly

Growing your own fall forage is also environmentally friendly. By growing your own forage, you can reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for transportation of feed. Additionally, fall forage can help improve soil health and prevent soil erosion, which can help to preserve the environment for future generations.

Improves Livestock Health

Fall forage can also help to improve your animals’ overall health. A diet rich in fall forage can help to boost their immune system, making them more resistant to diseases and infections. Additionally, fall forage can help to promote healthy weight gain and improve milk production in dairy cows.

Versatile

Finally, fall forage is incredibly versatile. Depending on your animals’ nutritional needs, you can choose to grow a variety of different forages. This means you can customize your feeding program to meet the specific needs of your animals, ensuring that they stay healthy and happy throughout the fall and winter months.

Fall forage is an essential part of any livestock feeding program. It’s not only nutritionally beneficial but also cost-effective and environmentally friendly. So, as the autumn season approaches, be sure to start thinking about fall forage for your livestock. Your animals (and your wallet) will thank you for it!

 

Cattle Mineral Tips for Fall

Friday, September 1st, 2023

Fall is approaching, which means it’s time to prepare your herd for the months ahead. Cattle nutrient requirements vary from season to season, so it’s important to evaluate the effectiveness of your feed program. Check out these tips for creating a healthy mineral program and preparing your cattle for fall.

Quick, timely considerations for your Purina cattle mineral program.

  • Understand your phosphorus levels as grasses dry down. For grass low in phosphorus, consider a high-phosphorus cattle mineral to meet animal needs.
  • Continue using Purina® Wind and Rain® Storm® Fly Control Mineral with Altosid® (IGR) 30 days after the first frost to prevent flies from overwintering and jump-starting spring populations.
  • Building base mineral and vitamin stores pre-weaning can help calves stay healthy. Provide Purina® Stress Tubs for calves in the creep feeder cage. If you don’t creep feed, make sure calves have access to a cattle mineral feeder with the rest of the cow herd.
  • Cows may crave salt more as grasses dry down. It can be helpful to provide additional salt in a granular mineral mix. Provide free-choice salt if using a cattle mineral tub that does not contain salt (i.e. non-complete).

Try Purina® minerals today through the Feed Greatness® Challenge and prepare your cattle for fall.

 

Source: Kent Tjardes, Ph.D., Field Cattle Consultant

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