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Just my observation
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<blockquote data-quote="1848" data-source="post: 108363" data-attributes="member: 1303"><p>Interesting post plbcattle. Here's some of my thoughts.</p><p></p><p>You can't beat good forage for nutrition overall, but some cows are even going to look bad on decent forage for many reasons (ie: parasites, mineral deficiency, heavy milking ability and breeding pressures, and health and age issues).</p><p></p><p>There is allot to be said for good fresh water too! Some of my tanks are dried up and some are looking real bad. I am providing good clean water in the pastures I can and the cows are drinking it over the stock tanks. Parasites swarm in warm water which is becoming less and less fresh.</p><p></p><p>Pulling calves off heavy milkers early will save a good cow in heavy stress conditions, and allow her to recoup rapidly. Instead of supplementing suckling calves, try separating them from their mothers for the day at about 2 months of age, then put them back with them at night. This will make a tremendous difference on both mom and babies ability to use available forage to it's best potential, and help them flesh easier, and even slick off!. The separation plan and cooperation from the mothers is the hard part!.. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> </p><p></p><p>Supplementing in a bad year won't prevent cattle from grazing close to the dirt, and that is where they are going to pick up the parasites. (heck they are going to pick it up from somewhere anyway..water, hay, ground) Grass which is not overgrazed is healthier, and gives the animals the ability to select the best from what there is to offer. Improper supplimentation with creep and feed can cause the microorganism's it the gut to get all out of wack, and make a animal lose it's apetite, or look bad. I don't creep feed, and it may affect my weaning weights, but my end result if differnet then just sale barn calves. Not to say I don't put some in the sale barn.. ;-) </p><p></p><p>Cattle on grass and hay will usually have a "mild" bloat going on anyway, (making them appear fleshier) and they will look good until you screw it up by supplementing them improperly and taking the neceassary balance out of their stomachs. Iv'e seen cattle that don't look to bad in the pasture, come in and get feed for a while and really start looking worse..for a period at least... <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite8" alt=":D" title="Big grin :D" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":D" /> </p><p></p><p>Other problems could be associated with an animals teeth, age, and wheter or not they are going through the two year slump! (tooth loss). Grass is the key. If you have good pasture, provide some mineral, have good water, treat for parasites, and vaccinate to keep your cattle healthy you pretty much got it whipped. Then you just cull the problem cattle in that environment!</p><p></p><p>I gunna stop...too much typing..hope this helps.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="1848, post: 108363, member: 1303"] Interesting post plbcattle. Here's some of my thoughts. You can't beat good forage for nutrition overall, but some cows are even going to look bad on decent forage for many reasons (ie: parasites, mineral deficiency, heavy milking ability and breeding pressures, and health and age issues). There is allot to be said for good fresh water too! Some of my tanks are dried up and some are looking real bad. I am providing good clean water in the pastures I can and the cows are drinking it over the stock tanks. Parasites swarm in warm water which is becoming less and less fresh. Pulling calves off heavy milkers early will save a good cow in heavy stress conditions, and allow her to recoup rapidly. Instead of supplementing suckling calves, try separating them from their mothers for the day at about 2 months of age, then put them back with them at night. This will make a tremendous difference on both mom and babies ability to use available forage to it's best potential, and help them flesh easier, and even slick off!. The separation plan and cooperation from the mothers is the hard part!.. :) Supplementing in a bad year won't prevent cattle from grazing close to the dirt, and that is where they are going to pick up the parasites. (heck they are going to pick it up from somewhere anyway..water, hay, ground) Grass which is not overgrazed is healthier, and gives the animals the ability to select the best from what there is to offer. Improper supplimentation with creep and feed can cause the microorganism's it the gut to get all out of wack, and make a animal lose it's apetite, or look bad. I don't creep feed, and it may affect my weaning weights, but my end result if differnet then just sale barn calves. Not to say I don't put some in the sale barn.. ;-) Cattle on grass and hay will usually have a "mild" bloat going on anyway, (making them appear fleshier) and they will look good until you screw it up by supplementing them improperly and taking the neceassary balance out of their stomachs. Iv'e seen cattle that don't look to bad in the pasture, come in and get feed for a while and really start looking worse..for a period at least... :D Other problems could be associated with an animals teeth, age, and wheter or not they are going through the two year slump! (tooth loss). Grass is the key. If you have good pasture, provide some mineral, have good water, treat for parasites, and vaccinate to keep your cattle healthy you pretty much got it whipped. Then you just cull the problem cattle in that environment! I gunna stop...too much typing..hope this helps. [/QUOTE]
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