Avoid Weather-related Mineral Deficiencies

Research shows ways to avoid weather loss of minerals.

In 2019, severe spring weather included blizzards, floods and twisters that created serious management concerns for beef producers. Cattle reduced their mineral consumption because free-choice minerals likely washed away, lost effectiveness due to leaching, or were not provided consistently. Some producers concentrated only on moving animals to higher ground. Weather caused delays in working cattle, further disrupting supplementation and vaccination schedules.

Operators also faced the challenges of locating quality, carryover hay supplies. Some provided old hay bales that had lost nutrients to UV light and inclement weather. Harsh environmental conditions potentially stress cattle, causing them to deplete essential trace minerals. Severe weather events created a weather-induced mineral crisis.

Wet Pastures and Foot Rot

This common cause of foot rot could be a frequent occurrence this summer.

Spring rains have filled the ponds and saturated the ground in many pastures. As the temperatures heat up, cattle will start to congregate around or in ponds or other standing water. One of the challenges that cattle producers may face this summer is the occasional lame cow or yearling.

Foot rot is a common cause of lameness in beef cattle on pastures. Foot rot is an infection that starts between the toes of the infected animal and usually is a result of the introduction of bacteria through broken skin.

Jump-start Herd Health

N.T. Cosby, cattle nutritionist with Purina, talks about how to raise healthy cattle beyond just vaccinations.

Baling Wet Hay Becomes Hot News

Wet hay is at risk for combustion and lower nutrition.

High-moisture grass baled above 24% moisture can cause spontaneous combustion. Overheated bales can burn down a hay barn.

Craig Roberts, University of Missouri (MU) forage specialist, said frequent rains this year help grass growth, but they’ve been bad for making hay.

Ryegrass Works Well in Water-damaged Pastures

UF/IFAS-developed ryegrass donated to Florida Panhandle ranchers after Hurricane Michael.

In the days after Hurricane Michael swept through the Florida Panhandle last October, residents assessed the damage while relief workers and aid traveled into the area to start the recovery process.

FrostProof ryegrass was bred in a decade-long process to produce a high-yielding forage for livestock while also being disease-resistant and cold-tolerant, said Kevin Kenworthy, a professor with the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department and leader of its annual ryegrass breeding program.

What to Do When Alfalfa Winter-kills

The long, cold winter took a toll on alfalfa stands.

Reports are coming in of extensive winterkill of alfalfa across the Midwest. The combination of a late, wet fall, little insulating snow cover in many counties, frigid temperatures and ice sheeting was the last straw for many alfalfa stands that were already stressed. Some survived unscathed, but Michigan State University Extension is hearing about 80% loss of stand in some places.

Unlock Gain Potential By Monitoring Feed Intake

Simple observations and strategies can help turn around results — and profit.

When average daily gain (ADG) fails to meet expectations, it’s crucial for feedlot managers and nutritionists to gather clues from feed intake. This will help guide strategies to improve performance and ultimately help make decisions that offer the potential for an improved bottom line.