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It’s Decision Time
DR. TERESA L. STECKLER
SIMPSON, ILL.
There have been numerous articles published recently regarding the US cattle inventory. The USDA estimated the number of cattle on feed in the U.S. at 11.95 million head as of Jan. 1, up 2 percent (the largest number in 12 years) from the same time last year. Then several articles have appeared about cattle herd expansion coming to an end. In 2014 cow numbers reached low numbers after herd contraction from 2007 through 2013. Currently there are about 7 percent more beef cows in the U.S. than the during the low of 2014. The USDA’s January 1 cattle inventory reported a total inventory of 94.4 million head, (down slightly from 94.8 million head a year ago), a 1 percent reduction in all cows and heifers that calved, and beef replacement heifers are down about 2 percent.
So what does this all mean? Well, I have been talking to several cattlemen the past month or two about their future herd plans. I was more interested in their future pasture and/or hay fields management plans, but unfortunately several indicated that maybe it was time to exit completely. I just received the bad news that several cattlemen have sold out. The reasons for leaving were varying, but several indicated they are just simply tired of trying to make a “go of it”.
Many producers are absolutely tired of the mud and since I began writing this article we have received at least 2 more inches of rain resulting in creeks and bottom grounds being flooded. But probably more frustrating is the lack of frozen ground that is hampering your ability to feed your livestock, livestock movement, and, if you are feeding cattle in pastures, pasture damage. To say the least, the mud is a very frustrating challenge for cattlemen and cattle alike!
To ensure that you are “making a go of it” keep in mind the following: 1) rain and mud may be stealing condition from your cows; and 2) calf quality and health can suffer from the mud directly or indirectly from the mud stealing from your cows.
Calving has begun for spring calving herds. The rains and mud make it very important to monitor calving herds for calves being born in mud holes or pools of water; calves can easily become trapped in mud and chilled. If temperatures drop during wet conditions, calves are at increased risk for hypothermia. Are you prepared for a chilled calf? Providing calving areas that are relatively dry, free from manure build-up, and with wind breaks are best.
Although warmer temperatures are not too concerning, mud and rain can also reduce the insulating ability of the hair coat. The relationship between mud and its effect on energy requirements is not as well defined, but depending upon the depth of the mud and how much matting of the hair coat it causes, energy requirements could increase 7 -30 percent over dry conditions. In addition, there is research that suggesting mud may also be associated with decreased feed intake
Now consider a third stage cow. Her nutritional demands are much higher due to a rapidly growing calf. If adjustments are not made for her nutritional requirements based on stage of performance, environment (walking in a foot of mud), and feedstuff quality, she will calve in poor body condition, produce poor quality colostrum, will not rebreed on time, and calves will not meet weight gain targets.
Mud can affect feeding behavior as well. Muddy areas create a suction effect on the legs and hooves of cattle. This makes it hard for cattle to move around feeders, and they stand still instead. Four to 8 inches of mud can decrease intake by 4 to 8 percent and slow gains by 14 percent. Belly-deep mud can reduce intake by 30 percent. Also consider those younger, smaller cows trying to move their way to the feed bunk or hay ring – those older boss cows may prevent them accessing the feedstuffs. It is extremely important to control mud accumulation so that it does not affect feeding behavior.
It may also be tempting to skip feedings during rainy days or because of challenges with muddy feed storage and feeding areas. For cattle on limit-fed rations, where they are hand fed daily, skipping feedings could lead to digestive upset when feeds are reintroduced to cattle. Skipped feedings also mean less total intake of these rations over time, which will lower performance.
Numerous factors will influence voluntary forage intake, cows may consume as little as 2.5 percent of their body weight as hay during mild conditions but may need up to 3.5 percent during severe cold. An important rule of thumb: increase the amount of feed (energy source) by 1 percent for each 2 degrees F of cold stress. For thin cows with poor hair coats, or in wet conditions (wet hair coat) figure a 1 percent increase for each degree of temperature drop. A wet storm is worse than dry cold. Wet hair loses insulating quality; the cow will chill sooner. When hair coat is wet, the critical temperature is about 59° F.
Excessive rainfall and muddy conditions can impact cattle nutrition. While you trudge through the mud, keep in mind that the energy requirement for cattle to also trudge through the mud will be increased. Feedlot cattle in mud that is only dew claw deep can decrease animal performance by as much as 7 percent. The added energy needed results in less going to weight gain and performance. University of Nebraska published "Mud Effects on Feedlot Cattle" in 2011. This piece authored by Terry Mader, built a model and simulated conditions based on actual cattle feeding studies. The model showed under cold (16°F) and wet (6 in. rainfall for 120-day feeding period) conditions cost-of-gain was 56.1 percent higher than 26°F and no precipitation.
Cattle need protection from the wind, especially during periods of bitterly cold temperatures and severe wind chill – exactly what we have been experiencing. Wind speed produces wind chill, which can further increase energy requirements for livestock. Cows who have lost weight or who are losing weight are very susceptible to cold or wet weather stress.
It is important to monitor your cattle closely during these very stressful periods. Keep track of body condition as you winter your cows and provide them with highly digestible feeds that will provide their energy needs during the cold, snow, mud, wind, etc. ∆
DR. TERESA L. STECKLER: Extension Specialist, Animal Systems/Beef, Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, University of Illinois
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