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Don't Leave Money On The Table The expression "leaving money on the table" is typically used when cattle are sold and a full price is not achieved. But there are other ways to "leave money on the table" -one is not using the right tools for the job. There are several technological tools that can help get extra gain from wheat pasture. One of the ways to "leave money on the table" is not using some simple technology that will give extra performance or protection. These include not feeding Rumensin, Bovatec, tetracycline or other additives in the mineral pack. Most wheat pasture cattle are fed a mineral mixture when on pasture. Using an additive in these minerals will get extra performance or protection.
Bovatec Or Rumensin In The Mineral Mix Both Bovatec and Rumensin will give extra gain when pasturing. They change the fermentation and give the animals extra energy from each bit of feed. The gain boost is similar for both additives. In addition they help hold down coccidiosis. From our experience, Rumensin gives a stronger control of coccidiosis than Bovatec, but we recommend Bovatec if horses might get into the pastures with the cattle. Rumensin is toxic to horses. Bovatec is also toxic to horses, but not as much as Rumensin is. CAUTION: horses should not be pastured with cattle if Rumensin or Bovatec is fed in the mineral or in a feed mixture. Rumensin and Bovatec also have another effect when pasturing a small grain like wheat. One of the modes of action is to reduce the breakdown of natural protein in the rumen. (The rumen ammonia level is less with these additives, which indicates that the natural protein from the wheat pasture is not broken down as much). This action allows the animal to utilize more of the natural protein. I have observed that when Bovatec is included in the mineral that the manure of the cattle is less "washy" with fewer dirty tail heads. This observation of the nature of the manure when Bovatec is fed is from personal observation and is not backed up by research. Tetracycline In The Mineral Mix Tetracycline used in the mineral mixture or supplemental feed is an excellent tool to help control health problems of pasture cattle. These problems may include foot rot, and respiratory distress. Many cattle that are turned out to wheat pasture may have a minor respiratory problem. Feeding Aureomycin (CTC) or Terramycin (OTC) is highly recommended to assist highly stressed cattle on wheat pasture.
If a coccidiosis problem occurs, in conjunction with a respiratory problem, then we recommend that AS-700 be included in the feeding mixture. AS-700 is a combination of Aureomycin and Sulmet (sulfamethazine). The combination will help with respiratory and foot rot problems and help with a coccidiosis outbreak. If the cattle on the pasture have no respiratory problems, then we recommend Deccox (decoquinate) be included in the mineral or the feeding program. After 28 days on the Deccox program, we suggest returning to the additives of Rumensin or Bovatec in the mineral or feeding program. Rumensin alone will usually prevent an outbreak of coccidiosis. Mineral Mixtures Are Important Salt and calcium are the most important minerals in the mineral mixture. Salt is included to provide a sodium source to balance the excess potassium in wheat pasture forage. The calcium is included because lush wheat forage is low in calcium. Magnesium In The Mineral Most commercial wheat pasture minerals contain magnesium. There is argument among nutritionists if cattle on wheat pasture need to be supplemented with magnesium. Since this lush forage is so high in potassium, I have always fortified the mineral mixture with magnesium. Supplemental Feeding Feeding of extra hay and grain when pasturing wheat is an important management decision. Here is a quote from the Beef 2000 Stocker Conference at Kansas State University by Dr. Steve Paisley: "Supplementation can be an important part of your winter cereal forage grazing program. Unless you aggressively manage winter cereal pastures with grazing in mind, late planting, low temperatures, lack of precipitation, and snow cover can reduce the fall grazing potential of winter small grains pastures. (1) High quality forages, (2) silage, and (3) grains can all be used to substitute, or replace forage intake, allowing you to increase stocking rate, or 'stretch' the existing forage through the fall grazing season." Feeding Low Quality Forage Not Recommended CAUTION: Dr. Paisley does not recommend the feeding of low quality forages when pasturing small grains. Here is what he found from his research review: (1) low quality hay consumption is lower than expected if there is plenty of wheat forage available, (2) the addition of low quality forages did not slow rate of passage and improve the utilization of wheat. But he stresses that, "providing supplemental hay may be important, especially when forage advisability is low, or there is snow cover." |
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