11 - Breeding Herd Nutrition and Management

Abstract

Publisher Summary The real objectives in feeding the beef breeding cow herd are to produce a 90%-plus calf crop of healthy heavy calves at weaning time at a reasonable cost, and to have the brood cows. Principal among her nutrient requirements, which may require special attention, include at least limited energy, protein, vitamin A, calcium, phosphorus, sodium and chlorine. The nutrient requirements for beef brood cows can be classified under four general headings, namely, energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins. The best adapted feeding program for a cow–calf herd depends on time of year for calving, and feeds available. Good pasture and mixed hays are excellent sources of protein. The only vitamin requiring attention in the feeding of mature beef cattle is vitamin A. The following mineral elements should be given consideration for beef cows: calcium, phosphorus, salt, iodine, magnesium, zinc, cobalt, and selenium. Crossbreeding has been recognized as a method of reaping the benefits of so-called hybrid vigor in many species of livestock. It is desirable that beef females are bred to calve as near 2 years of age as possible, and that they produce a calf every 12 months. For this, adequate nutrition and management needed. Liquid supplements generally are designed to contain a combination of supplemental crude protein, minerals, vitamin A, and possibly other nutrients. Urea is a source of nonprotein nitrogen from which cows with functioning rumens can manufacture true protein through a symbiotic relationship existing with the microscopic life, which inhabit such rumen.