Nutrient requirements and feeding of beef cows

Question 1

2 points to mention at the beginning

Answer 1

1 live cow per year means profit

“cow-calf operation”- exclusively on pasture and cheap feeds

Question 2

Yearly cycle?

Answer 2

4 periods

Question 3

Period 1: timing and 5 points

Answer 3

Begins on day 0 i.e calving and lasts for 80 days

1. No ovulation because the suckling has neggy impact on the necessary hormones
2. Ovulation during the mating period in May/June
3. Requirements: protein and E
4. BCS: 2.5 by Nebraska system and 5 by dairy cow system i.e below optimal
5. Milk prod

Question 4

Period 1: protein and E requirements

Answer 4

Protein: 160%

E: Maint + 60-70%

Question 5

Period 1: Milk prod

Answer 5

6-10L/day

Question 6

Period 2: timing and 6 things to mention

Answer 6

Begins at 80 days during rebreeding season (May and June) and lasts for 125 days

1. At weaning of calf
2. Decr milk prod
3. Protein 134%
4. E: maint + 40-50%
5. Feed: pasture and supplementary feeds
6. Supplements: vits, mins and salt

Question 7

Period 2: weaning BW and age

Answer 7

BW: 240kg

Age: 6-7mnths or 205 days

Question 8

Period 3: timing and 5 points to mention

Answer 8

Begins at 205 days and lasts for 110 days

1. From weaning of calf 1– until just before 2nd calving i.e is mid pregnancy
2. Stage 1 of the dry period
3. Protein: 100%
4. E: maint
5. Feed and supplements

Question 9

Period 4: feed and supplements (4)

Answer 9

• Pasture
• Corn stubble
• Protein supplements: urea, sunflower and alfalfa
• Vit A

Question 10

Period 4: timing and 5 points to mention

Answer 10

Begins at 315 days and lasts for 50 days

1. Just before calving
2. 2nd stage of the dry period
3. EXTRA E is needed (unlike dairy cows)
4. Protein: 119%
5. E: Maint + 40-50%

Question 11

Summary of the E requirements of the beef cow in the different period that is NB

Answer 11

Period 1: +60-70%

Period 2: +40-50%

Period 3: 100 (maint)

Period 4: +40-50%