snoopdog
Well-known member
This is an excerpt from an article I was reading this morning and it gave me thought, so I am sharing. What do you think? The beef industry has not focused as greatly on the nutritional components of milk produced. While a certain consideration may be given to overall milk volume, components such as protein, fat and lactose are generally seldom considered.
It should be considered: If a cow is capable of producing 20 pounds of milk per day, at a fat content of 3.5 percent, that cow is producing 0.7 pound of fat every day. Spread over a 210-day nursing period, this totals 147 pounds of fat. Similarly, if the cow's milk averages 3 percent protein, it is producing 0.6 pound of protein per day and 126 pounds of protein over the same nursing period.
If that same cow has the genetic potential to produce 25 pounds of milk per day, at the same levels of fat and protein production, its daily levels of production are 0.875 and 0.75 pound, respectively. Over the nursing period, the cow can potentially produce 183.75 pounds of fat (36.75-pound increase) and 157.5 pounds of protein (31.5-pound increase). These increases in both milkfat and protein can serve to increase growth rates in the calf. Conversely, through improved nutrition, the cow may increase milk production as well as both fat and protein production.
We can select for cows with higher milking potential and birth, and both EPD and direct animal selection are effective tools. However, with the goal to produce a heavier calf, and thus more pounds of beef, we need to keep a couple of factors in mind. The higher-milk-producing cow will need a stronger nutritional base. This may potentially cost the producer more. Thus, the return on investment must be considered. Secondly, again, through proper nutrition it may also be possible to support better milk components and thus increase nutrient density of the milk. This, again, will serve to potentially improve calf growth.
Conclusions
While it is important to keep costs down, it is also critical to be sure your program is maintained. Even relatively small, incorrect choices can have dramatic effects. Recognize and evaluate where all production costs are derived. Then ask, "Is this something I can truly afford to compromise?" In many cases the answer will be "no," and your overall profitability will be higher because you made what initially feels like a wrong decision. end mark
PHOTO: Cows with strong milk potential must be carefully matched with their environment and nutritional program. Staff photo.
Dr. Steve Blezinger is a management and nutritional consultant with an office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He can be reached at (903) 352-3475. Follow him on Facebook at Reveille Livestock Concepts.
Steve Blezinger
Steve Blezinger
Nutritional and Management Consultant
Reveille Livestock Concepts
Email Steve Blezinger
Before commenting on our articles, please note our Terms for Commenting.
It should be considered: If a cow is capable of producing 20 pounds of milk per day, at a fat content of 3.5 percent, that cow is producing 0.7 pound of fat every day. Spread over a 210-day nursing period, this totals 147 pounds of fat. Similarly, if the cow's milk averages 3 percent protein, it is producing 0.6 pound of protein per day and 126 pounds of protein over the same nursing period.
If that same cow has the genetic potential to produce 25 pounds of milk per day, at the same levels of fat and protein production, its daily levels of production are 0.875 and 0.75 pound, respectively. Over the nursing period, the cow can potentially produce 183.75 pounds of fat (36.75-pound increase) and 157.5 pounds of protein (31.5-pound increase). These increases in both milkfat and protein can serve to increase growth rates in the calf. Conversely, through improved nutrition, the cow may increase milk production as well as both fat and protein production.
We can select for cows with higher milking potential and birth, and both EPD and direct animal selection are effective tools. However, with the goal to produce a heavier calf, and thus more pounds of beef, we need to keep a couple of factors in mind. The higher-milk-producing cow will need a stronger nutritional base. This may potentially cost the producer more. Thus, the return on investment must be considered. Secondly, again, through proper nutrition it may also be possible to support better milk components and thus increase nutrient density of the milk. This, again, will serve to potentially improve calf growth.
Conclusions
While it is important to keep costs down, it is also critical to be sure your program is maintained. Even relatively small, incorrect choices can have dramatic effects. Recognize and evaluate where all production costs are derived. Then ask, "Is this something I can truly afford to compromise?" In many cases the answer will be "no," and your overall profitability will be higher because you made what initially feels like a wrong decision. end mark
PHOTO: Cows with strong milk potential must be carefully matched with their environment and nutritional program. Staff photo.
Dr. Steve Blezinger is a management and nutritional consultant with an office in Sulphur Springs, Texas. He can be reached at (903) 352-3475. Follow him on Facebook at Reveille Livestock Concepts.
Steve Blezinger
Steve Blezinger
Nutritional and Management Consultant
Reveille Livestock Concepts
Email Steve Blezinger
Before commenting on our articles, please note our Terms for Commenting.
