Filling the gap to improve weaning weights

Without supplementation, cattle on grass are deficient of methionine, an amino acid. When methionine is lacking, growth and performance are limited – and cow-calf producers are missing profit potential. By adding ALIMET® feed supplement from Novus International, Inc. to their herds’ diets, cow-calf producers are supplying the rumen-bypass methionine that cattle need, plus aiding rumen efficiency. This results in improved weaning weights and cows that breed back quicker: double the benefits of traditional, protected methionine supplementation.

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins or lean tissue growth. Cattle need many different amino acids to grow and optimize performance. If just one important amino acid is lacking, overall performance will be limited. For cattle on pasture, or a grass diet, the first-limiting amino acid is methionine.

“As the costs of production continue to increase, there is still too much financial risk when cattle don’t perform to their greatest potential,” says Stephanie Gable, Global Marketing Manager with Novus. “Supplementing with the right methionine source can set up backgrounder or feedlot calves for better performance, and the market gives incentive for larger, healthier animals. By improving their herds’ dietary amino acid profiles, cow-calf producers can increase profits and reduce risk.”

Matt Hersom, Ph.D., Extension Beef Cattle Specialist with the University of Florida observed positive results in the University’s cow herd when supplemented with ALIMET. The University of Florida conducted a recent survey to look at the effect of methionine supplementation in yearling steers on pasture grass. As the level of methionine increased in the supplement, the steers’ average daily gain increased.

“ALIMET ensures that methionine can be supplemented to cattle diets at a reasonable price, which is particularly important in forage-based diets, where amino acid profiles are weak in methionine,” Hersom explains. “If cow-calf producers are looking to improve the nutritional status of their growing calves, heifers or cows, ALIMET is a resource for them. ALIMET supports growth and performance without adding more crude protein or nitrogen to the herd’s diet.” ALIMET Improves Profits for Cow-Calf Producers.

Among growing cattle with high-forage diets supplemented with ALIMET, producers have reported a 0.2 pound per day increase in average daily gain. For a steer or heifer that is on grass for three months, that increase can equate to 18 extra pounds. ALIMET supplementation for weaned heifers means better reproductive development, as well.

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