Points To Ponder For Drylotting Cows
Drylotting cows offers an option when forage is scarce.
In a perfect world, all cows would be grazing in pastures at all times. You’ll hear no argument from Vernon Anderson, but the North Dakota State University (NDSU) animal scientist knows it doesn’t always work that way in the real world. Because of the scarcity of pasture in some areas, some farmers and ranchers may consider modified drylot cow-calf systems as a means of expanding their herds. Drylotting cows for at least part of the year also may be a way for young and beginning producers to start a cow-calf enterprise on limited acreage.
Anderson says studies at NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center show drylot cow-calf production can be a viable alternative to more traditional pasture-based systems. However, careful herd management and integration with crop production is needed for drylot systems to be competitive from the standpoint of economics and biological performance. To producers pondering the potential of drylot systems, Anderson urges consideration of the following points:
- Cows still need space. During periods of confinement, allow 300-500 square feet per cow (or more) depending on topography and other factors.
- Assuming that expensive feeding equipment is necessary can severely reduce profit potential. Investment in tractors, feeder wagons and storage bins must be paid for by pounds of beef sold.
- Sourcing relatively low-cost feedstuffs, such as byproducts of crop production, generally is a key factor in drylot systems. Low-quality forages work well in total mixed rations. Ultimately, though, confined cows must have a nutrient-dense ration. Cows perform as a result of what is placed in the bunk.
- Weaning calves early, at as few as 100 days, but not more than 150-160 days of age, reduces cow nutrient requirements. Cow diets can be adjusted accordingly, reducing ration cost. Of course, young calves need a highly nutrient-dense diet at weaning. Low-stress fenceline weaning often is easy to apply in a drylot situation.
- Pens have to be cleaned, and that represents a cost. However, manure has value as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. Anderson values manure from drylot cows at $60 per head.
Editor’s Note: Troy Smith is a freelance writer and a cattleman from Sargent, Neb. This story is part of a larger article in the November Angus Journal (see page 189).