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Random Reminders
ELDON COLE
MT. VERNON, MO.
After the rank fescue growth we had in the area after it started raining in August, your pastures could be in good shape to cause some sensitive cows to show rear hoof/leg lameness. The problem could be fescue foot and is accentuated when temperatures and wind chills combine to result in severe injury to some cattle. My advice is watch them closely, first thing in the morning as they move around. They’ll act ouchy on their rear legs. When you first notice it, move the affected ones to a dry lot. Feed something other than Kentucky 31 fescue hay to them. A commodity supplement or corn is recommended.
One of the best tips I can give when supplementing cows, weaned calves or yearlings is to include an ionophore daily with their supplement. Use a product labeled for your class of cattle An ionophore in the mineral is probably not as effective as intake may be inconsistent.
If you’re getting ready to calve cows, or especially heifers starting in February, now’s a good time to switch and feed them late in the afternoon, as much as possible. Late day feeding results in more births in the daylight hours. May sound funny but it works. Daylight births are easier to watch, call the vet, assist and the temperature should be warmer.
A few of you put up big bales of lower quality hay under plastic this summer and added anhydrous ammonia to it. If you’ve never been around treated hay to see the benefits, I encourage you to visit a farm that treated hay and see how they like it. The Southwest Research Center has 3 stacks and we may have a little tour there to let you see how well it works and how they clean it up. You’re always welcome at the Center. Just call 417-466-2148 and ask for David Cope or Steve Stamate as they could give you a personal tour. ∆
ELDON COLE: Extension Livestock Specialist, University of Missouri
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