Conventional wisdom tells us that low-cost cow/calf operations are frequently characterized by minimal use of harvested feedstuffs. Letting cows harvest more of their own feed, through combinations of warm- and cool-season pastures, annual forage crops, and extensive utilization of field crop residues or stockpiled grass, can typically result in significant savings in the total feed bill.
On the other hand, successful cattle producers are becoming increasingly aware that profitability can hinge on their ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions, and a willingness to think 'out of the box' when necessary. For cow/calf operators, a serious evaluation of feeding options can sometimes call for an extreme shift away from a grazing-intense program. In fact, the industry is seeing a limited, but definitely increasing, number of producers feeding a winter drylot ration to their cows. This may be due to the current availability or price of different feeds, or a need or desire to get the cows off the pasture and/or closer to home. And this year, we will see a lot of animals forced in off their traditional grazing areas due to the drought.
Whatever the reason, producers may take one of two basic approaches: full-feed hay with an appropriate supplementation program, or limit-feed a complete bunk ration.
FORAGE-BASED DIETS
This may be as simple as providing hay bales in rings along with hand- or self-fed protein and mineral supplements -- something most producers do at some point every winter. However, processing the hay, and feeding it with a supplement in feed bunks, can reduce waste, and give the operator greater control over the diet the cows will receive. And, since this allows forcefeeding of a specific amount of supplement on a daily basis, approved feed additives may be included. Monensin, in particular, can help stretch limited or high-priced supplies of moderateor high-quality hay by improving feed efficiency in beef cows receiving these diets. A primary concern, however, can be sorting at the bunk. Just because we offer a given hay and supplement combination in the right proportions doesn't mean the cows will eat them that way. Individual animals can be very effective at picking out the specific feeds or ingredients they prefer.
One solution to this problem may be the use of liquid supplements. With the supplemental protein, sugar, minerals and additives applied directly to the forage portion of the diet, cattle are forced to consume the desired balance of nutrients. A variation that is quickly gaining acceptance is direct treatment of baled forages with a liquid supplement. This practice essentially improves the hay's protein and energy content, especially in lower-quality bales, while at the same time enhancing digestibility and supplying key minerals and vitamins. Pouring or probing bales can also improve palatability and reduce dustiness, which in turn can significantly reduce feed refusal and waste. This may be of particular importance in drought situations, where the conditions that led to inadequate pasture availability can also result in tight hay supplies. Treating bales with liquid can accomplish many of the same goals we try to address with ammoniation, but does so more simply, more safely, and without having to stack bales or mess with plastic.
LIMIT-FED GRAIN-BASED DIETS
Whenever hay is in short supply, or it becomes expensive relative to grain, we see a recurring interest in feeding diets fairly high in grain to beef cows. These programs utilize a minimum of forage, and must be limit-fed to prevent over-feeding. However, while a limitfeeding program may periodically make economic sense, it is only suitable for operations with the adequate facilities and management.
According to an article released by OklahomaStateUniversity, "Limit feeding will not be for everyone. In fact, this technique may be limited to a small percentage of cattle producers. Adoption will be limited by the additional labor requirement, management skills, feed storage capacity, and the availability of feed bunks." As shown in the sidebar, these considerations also need to include secure fences; limit-fed cattle, by definition, will never receive all the feed they are willing to consume, and will be left with time to try searching for more. Bunk space must be adequate for all cows to eat at once: 24 to 30 inches per head, depending on animal size. Feeding at the same time every day is also critical to success.
The make-up of a typical limit-fed diet is shown below. Hay should be a long-stemmed grass hay, not alfalfa. It is critical to make the complete switch to a high-grain diet. Remember that cattle receiving a mix of hay plus only moderate levels of grain, say 4 to 7 pounds for mature cows, will experience impaired utilization of the forage, and won't perform as expected.
Producers should take care to select a supplement that will effectively match both the available forage and the needs of the cowherd. QLF has recently released a line of products tailored to the supplemental needs of beef cows receiving drylot diets. Selections range from 20 to 55% crude protein, and may contain monensin or supplemental fat, as well as a complete mineral package. The benefits that have led to such widespread adoption of liquid feeds in the feedlot industry would be applicable with beef cows as well; adding these molasses-based feeds to a total bunk ration improves ration consistency, reduces diet sorting -- and therefore digestive upsets -- and improves the response to feed additives.
Source: Dr. Cathy Bandyk, Quality Liquid Feeds