Lactating Beef

Question 1

How much water should cattle be drinking?

Answer 1

7% of their body weight

Question 2

Ratio of Water in Dry Matter in a Non-Lactating Beef Cow

Answer 2

3:1

Question 3

For every gallon of milk a cow produces, how muc extra water should they intake?

Answer 3

1 gallon

Question 4

Effect of environmental temperature on water needs

Answer 4

increase in temp increases water needs

Question 5

Common limiting factor in cattle diet?

Answer 5

protein

Question 6

Do cows have a salt appetite?

Answer 6

yes!

Question 7

4 Determinants of Forage Intake

Answer 7

1. Feed type
2. Feed quality
3. Feed quantity
4. Protein content

Question 8

Do cows balance to dry matter intake or nutrients?

Answer 8

dry matter (they eat what they like not what they need)

Question 9

4 Stages of the Biological/Nutrition Cycle for a Lactating Beef Cow

Answer 9

1. Post-calving
2. Pregnant and Lactating
3. Mid-gestation
4. Pre-calving

Question 10

During what nutritional period are nutrient needs the highest?

Answer 10

post-calving!

Question 11

By what percent do nutrient needs increase after calving?

Answer 11

30-40%

Question 12

Consequences of Nutrient Deficiencies during Post-Calving Period

Answer 12

lower milk production, lower calf growh, poor fertility

Question 13

Consequences of Nutrient Deficiencies during Pregnant and Lactating Period

Answer 13

possible abortion/lower fetal viability

Question 14

Consequences of Nutrient Deficiencies during Mid-gestation

Answer 14

decreased fetal health, quality

Question 15

Consequences of Nutrient Deficiencies during Pre-Calving

Answer 15

low calf weight, low survival, poor colostrum quality, poor milk production, poor transition

Question 16

LCT (Lower Critical Temp)

Answer 16

cutoff to increase ration by 1% for every degree below said cutoff

Based on season and what sort of coat (summer/winter/wet/dry) each cow has

Question 17

LCT for wet coat?

Answer 17

59 degrees F

Question 18

Ways to divide a herd for appropriate feeding

Answer 18

Age, BCS, open or pregnant, etc

Question 19

Positive Effects of Higher BCS

Answer 19

higher % of cycling cows
higher % of pregnant cows
higher # of calves with high IgG
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