If you’re in the cattle business, drought is a bad word but sooner or later the occurrence of drought is likely going to be reality. A good portion of cow-calf producing regions in the U.S. and Canada are in areas that may experience dry conditions more years than not. So, preparations for dry years and their consequences need to be understood. This article is not necessarily about drought, but of early weaning of beef calves; one of many drought management strategies.
What affects self-fed intake with CRYSTALYX?
Self-fed intake guidelines for CRYSTALYX® Brand Supplements can be made under the general categories of protein supplement formulations or mineral supplement formulations. However, within those two categories, you can see additional factors that impact consumption outlined below.
Why is vitamin D added to mineral mixes and feeds
Vitamin D is often known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it is synthesized in response to exposure to sunlight. There are two major natural sources of vitamin D, cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and ergocalciferol (vitamin D2). Vitamin D3 is synthesized in the skin of many herbivores and omnivores upon exposure to UV light from sunlight. Vitamin D2 is not found in green forages, but is formed when the dying leaves are exposed to sunlight. Thus, sun cured hay is a good dietary source of vitamin D2. Livestock utilize vitamin D3 much more efficiently than vitamin D2.
Someone somewhere is always in a drought
Worried about a drought this year, or perhaps, “again” this year? If you are not experiencing a drought this year, you have likely experienced one in the past, and you will likely see one in the future. If you agree with that statement, this information will someday be of use to you. Perhaps sooner, than later.
