By Scout Nelson
The Kansas State University Beef Cattle Institute emphasizes the importance of balanced diets for cattle grazing on cornstalks during winter. As the quality of forage declines, adjustments in their diet are crucial for maintaining health, according to K-State beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster.
On a recent Cattle Chat podcast, Lancaster advised producers to frequently assess the feed quality in the fields. He noted that at the start, it's important to observe the availability of leaves and husks. As the season progresses and the quality of cornstalks deteriorates, cattle may show increased hunger, signaled by reaching through fences or a drop in body condition after 1-2 months.
To prevent these issues, Lancaster suggests supplementing cattle with protein when they begin grazing cornstalks. As the corn residue depletes, additional supplementation, such as hay, becomes necessary. It's important to distribute the hay across different field areas to avoid soil compaction and reduced yields.
Monitoring field moisture is also critical. If cattle sink 2-4 inches into the ground, moving them to a dry lot is recommended.
K-State veterinarian Bob Larson stresses the importance of knowing the quality of supplemental hay. Hay quality varies, with late season harvested hay being of lower quality than early summer hay. Larson advises conducting a forage test, especially when the hay is purchased, to ensure its quality.
Both experts agree that manure analysis is a good indicator of nutritional intake. Dry, high-piled manure suggests inadequate nutrient absorption, indicating the need for more protein in the diet.
This comprehensive nutrition advice from K-State's experts is crucial for beef producers, ensuring the health and productivity of cattle during winter grazing on crop residues.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-jacqueline-nix
Categories: Kansas, Livestock, Beef Cattle