Producers know that minerals are important for supplementation for cattle that are grazing grass, but the main difference in mineral types are generally not well-known by the producers. Let’s dive into the differences and why the differences should matter to producers and their cattle.
CRYSTALYX is a true low-moisture block, which is basically between 2–5% moisture, so it doesn’t freeze like some of the high-moisture blocks that are on the market right now. And when it’s cold, cattle need the extra protein and energy, so if it’s frozen, it’s not much help when it’s most needed, typically. So, that’s the advantage of feeding them. Canadian winters prove lots of challenges. CRYSTALYX helps navigate them.
This is a good time of year to look at the body condition scores of your cows because we need to be looking ahead to next year’s calf crop. Mark discusses why this is important and how to assess BCS.
Brayden Hawkins discusses some of the ways heat stress on cattle affects your bottom line.
Things like DNA technology and, in particular, EPDs and ways to select genetics that fit their marketplace are ways ranchers have been in front of the curve in their ability to do that. We maybe haven't always seen that in regards to nutrition, which tends to stay very, very traditional. Tyler Melroe, beef nutritionist with Hubbard feeds discusses ways to make nutritional advances on the ranch.
We celebrate the independence and freedom that beef producers represent. They decide where they can ranch, what segments of production they want to participate in, what breeds of cattle to use and, most importantly, how to market their end-product. Over the years, they have persevered through the hardships of economic challenges and weather swings to maintain success. Let's hear more from account manager, Ryan Bapst.
Sam is here to talk with us about bringing down those feed costs while also improving weight gain. Now, today, we continue to use certain compounds discovered decades ago, which were found to help improve gains and efficiencies. One such type is known as ionophores, which would include two products. One called monensin, the other, Bovatec, which help improve weight gains on pasture cattle. These ionophores work in the rumen of cattle by altering the different species of microbes that digest feeds.
Regardless of when fly season begins, it’s helpful to have a fly control program in mind before the fly population gets out of hand. It’s advised to start a fly control feed-through program at least 30 days before fly season to really allow that active ingredient to get passed through the animal system and stay on it until the first frost. And, doing so can really improve the productivity of your herd and, ultimately, your bottom line.
Spring calving can be equal parts excitement and stress for cattle producers. Brayden Hawkins talks about nutritional needs and strategies to help you be prepared for the spring calving season.
Sam Strahan discusses stress reducing methods for calves during stressful periods including weaning time as well as what can be done nutritionally to help mitigate those negative effects.
