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"We Wouldn't Think of Weaning Calves Without It"
S&A Feedlot
Plainview, NE
John Anderson manages S&A Feedlot, a custom cattle feeding operation that has been in business for 35 years at Plainview, Nebraska, with a capacity of approximately 15,000 head. Most calves that enter the feedlot are "freshly weaned" weighing less than 700 pounds. It's the type of cattle S&A specializes in, so good management and animal health programs are critical. Cattle like these have usually been fed only grass and milk, so the feedlot is a new ration and new environment.
This type of situation for calves adds considerable stress, which can increase the risk for sickness. Many custom feedlots and ranchers have relied on CRYSTALYX® Brigade® to help start calves on feed. Brigade® is a highly palatable and nutrient dense free-choice supplement that provides key nutrients to stressed calves and helps stimulate appetite at times when feed consumption may be low. The main benefit is reduced stress and improved appetite, resulting in healthier calves that get started on feed sooner and perform better.
S&A Feedlot provides Brigade® barrels at a ratio of one 250 pound barrel to every 30 head for approximately 30 days. John states that 0.5% death loss is the goal on newly arrived or "fresh" calves. "This takes good management on our part and we've used Brigade® for over five years as an important part of our starting program." During the late summer and fall of 2007 (when most calves are entering the feedlot), S&A had started over 5,000 head using Brigade® and had only lost one calf.
The Andersons also have a cow-calf operation and have used CRYSTALYX® in that program for nearly 25 years. They first heard about Brigade® through the many marketing and mailing pieces that CRYSTALYX® makes available to customers. "I wouldn't think of weaning calves without it. All it takes is to save one sick calf and we can pay for a lot of these barrels. We know it makes a difference in helping stressed calves get started on feed. It's an added safety measure if you do miss a pull or a sick calf. It won't make up for poor management all together, but it is an extra safeguard."
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