DOC HARRIS
Well-known member
There have been several discussions recently regarding lack of fertility in cows (and bulls) and the causes pertaining thereto. The EPD in Scrotal Size seems to be one of the first considerations to approach in correcting lack of Fertility in the daughters of these bulls. The female Maternal traits, including Calving Ease and Milk Production EPD's, also come under fire.
I read an article today presented by The Noble Foundation concerning the necessity of Mineral Supplementation for the breeding herd to assist in alleviating some of the problems of Fertility and lack of Production in the breeding. I am including a portion of the article for your perusal.
I know most of the successful cattle breeders use minerals as a general rule - but I wonder if we really know WHY we feed minerals, and WHAT is necessary for optimal Fertility and Reproduction Mineral intakes of our beef herds. It seems that perhaps we should start thinking "Beyond the Pale."
I just thought that a lot of you might be interested in this subject.
DOC HARRIS
The ratio of calcium to phosphorous in the total diet is also important. While cattle can tolerate ratios of between 1:1 and 7:1, excessive calcium may decrease the absorption of other minerals. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a ratio of calcium to phosphorous between 1.5:1 and 3:1. Deficiencies in calcium and phosphorous or an imbalance in the calcium to phosphorous ratio can result in decreased fertility, milk production, growth and feed efficiency; as well as an increased incidence of metabolic diseases such as urinary calculi.
Potassium (K), sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are important in water and acid-base balance, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission and enzymatic reactions. A deficiency of these minerals can result in decreased intake, gain and milk production.
Sulfur (S) is required by ruminants for the synthesis of the sulfur-containing amino acids and the B-vitamins thiamin and biotin. Sulfur is also used in the detoxification of poisonous compounds like those potentially found in most sorghum forages. A deficiency of sulfur can result in reduced intake, gain and digestibility, and animals may be more susceptible to acidosis.
Trace minerals are also needed for optimal growth and performance, and many play a role in immune function. The trace minerals that are commonly supplemented to cattle include cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc. Trace minerals are required at very small concentrations, making deficiencies difficult to recognize. Deficiencies of the trace minerals can result in decreased intake and gain, reduced fertility and libido, retained placentas, abortions and stillbirths, low birth weights and poor calf performance.
I read an article today presented by The Noble Foundation concerning the necessity of Mineral Supplementation for the breeding herd to assist in alleviating some of the problems of Fertility and lack of Production in the breeding. I am including a portion of the article for your perusal.
I know most of the successful cattle breeders use minerals as a general rule - but I wonder if we really know WHY we feed minerals, and WHAT is necessary for optimal Fertility and Reproduction Mineral intakes of our beef herds. It seems that perhaps we should start thinking "Beyond the Pale."
I just thought that a lot of you might be interested in this subject.
DOC HARRIS
The ratio of calcium to phosphorous in the total diet is also important. While cattle can tolerate ratios of between 1:1 and 7:1, excessive calcium may decrease the absorption of other minerals. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a ratio of calcium to phosphorous between 1.5:1 and 3:1. Deficiencies in calcium and phosphorous or an imbalance in the calcium to phosphorous ratio can result in decreased fertility, milk production, growth and feed efficiency; as well as an increased incidence of metabolic diseases such as urinary calculi.
Potassium (K), sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) are important in water and acid-base balance, muscle contraction, nerve signal transmission and enzymatic reactions. A deficiency of these minerals can result in decreased intake, gain and milk production.
Sulfur (S) is required by ruminants for the synthesis of the sulfur-containing amino acids and the B-vitamins thiamin and biotin. Sulfur is also used in the detoxification of poisonous compounds like those potentially found in most sorghum forages. A deficiency of sulfur can result in reduced intake, gain and digestibility, and animals may be more susceptible to acidosis.
Trace minerals are also needed for optimal growth and performance, and many play a role in immune function. The trace minerals that are commonly supplemented to cattle include cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc. Trace minerals are required at very small concentrations, making deficiencies difficult to recognize. Deficiencies of the trace minerals can result in decreased intake and gain, reduced fertility and libido, retained placentas, abortions and stillbirths, low birth weights and poor calf performance.