Nutrient Requirements for the Three Life Cycle Phases Beef Cattle
On this Page
- Key Points
- The Ruminant Digestive System
- Key Nutrients Required by Cattle
- Free energy
- Protein
- H2o
- Minerals
- Salt
- Vitamins
- Feed Sources and Quality - Impact on Nutrition
- Factors Affecting Nutrient Requirements
- Conclusion
- Definitions
Key Points
- Gradual diet changes (over 2 to iii weeks) are necessary to let the rumen microbial population to adjust to changes in the diet
- Young, actively growing forages and legume blends tin oftentimes meet the nutritional requirements for normal growth and maintenance of cattle herds. Mature pastures, crop residues, or other low-quality forages may accept reduced nutritive value, requiring supplementation of protein, energy or boosted vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health
- Energy is necessary for maintenance (feed digestion, cadre torso functions, and activity requirements) and to support growth, lactation and reproduction. It accounts for the largest proportion of feed costs and is the nutrient required by cattle in the largest corporeality
- Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acrid detergent fibre (ADF) are indicators of the amount of fibre in a fodder. Higher values indicate poorer digestibility and voluntary intake may be reduced
- Poly peptide is required for maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction. Information technology is a component of muscles, the nervous organisation and connective tissue
- H2o is an essential nutrient for cattle, accounting for between fifty and 80 % of an animal'due south live weight. Insufficient water intake reduces animal functioning faster and more than dramatically than any other nutrient deficiency
- At least seventeen minerals are required by beefiness cattle and are divided into ii groups: macrominerals and microminerals
- Although minerals are required in small-scale amounts for optimum beef cattle health, a deficiency tin can crusade significant reductions in growth, allowed function and reproduction
- Mineral needs will vary between herds based on many factors, including water and feed sources, stress, animal type and stage of product. There is no "i size fits all" mineral type or plan
- Mineral toxicity may exist indicated past decreased fauna functioning, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhea
- Vitamins support many vital metabolic processes in cattle
- Fodder is an economical source of nutrients; withal, feed quality and mineral content tin can vary widely, and then feed testing and appropriate supplementation may exist necessary to see nutritional requirements
- Most provender species take the highest quality at the vegetative stage, when leaves are lush and green, and stems are young and supple. At this phase, these forages may be able to supply near of the nutrition that the cattle require
- Knowledge of forage quality and animal requirements is necessary to formulate rations that will support and maintain a high plane of nutrition
- Nutritional requirements of beef cattle are influenced by the stage of product
The Ruminant Digestive System
Ruminant animals have a circuitous digestive system with a four-chambered stomach. Each chamber (reticulum, rumen, omasum and abomasum) plays a role in digesting livestock feeds. Microorganisms colonize the reticulum and rumen (ofttimes collectively termed the reticulo-rumen) and allow cattle to digest feedstuffs loftier in fibre, such as grasses, straw and other forages. Balancing the requirements of the rumen microorganisms and the animal is essential for animal operation.
Cattle take large bites of feed and consume with petty chewing. Afterward, they regurgitate masses of feed support the esophagus and into their mouths, where it is chewed into smaller pieces and swallowed. This process is known as rumination or chewing cud. Betwixt 60 to 70% of digestion occurs in the reticulo-rumen, which acts like a fermentation vat where leaner and protozoa convert most of the plant fibre and carbohydrates to acerb, propionic or butyric acid (short chain fat acids) and catechumen much of the ingested protein to microbial protein. The brusque chain fatty acids are absorbed through the reticulo-rumen wall and are used as energy in body tissues. Some of the sugar, starch and pectin may pass through the rumen and are then digested in the abomasum and small intestine.
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Microbes in the rumen crave an anaerobic (oxygen free) environs with a slightly acidic pH range (6.5 - 7.0), a supply of protein (or non-poly peptide nitrogen) and carbohydrates to feed the microbial populationtwo. The type of feed influences growth of the leaner. Different rumen microbes prefer unlike types of carbohydrates (starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, starch, and pectin) and will increase or decrease in number depending upon the ratio of different carbohydrates within the diet. Because the various bacteria and protozoa digest cellulose, hemicellulose and starch differently, sudden changes to cattle diets can affect rumen activeness. For example, a rapid change to a high energy diet with more than grain can issue in digestive disorders such as bloat and acidosis. Long periods of acidosis can also harm the rumen wall, potentially allowing bacteria to colonize the liver, causing abscesses3. For these reasons, gradual changes (over two to three weeks) are necessary to allow the rumen microbial population to adjust to changes in the diet. Nutrients that are not used for the microbes' growth pass out of the reticulo-rumen to supply nutrients for the animal'south growth and reproduction.
Key Nutrients Required by Cattle
Young, actively growing forages and legume blends tin often meet the nutritional requirements for normal growth and maintenance of cattle herds. Mature pastures, crop residues, or other low-quality forages may have reduced nutritive value, requiring supplementation of protein, energy or additional vitamins and minerals to maintain optimal health. Sure nutrients are required in the daily ration, while others can be manufactured and stored in the torso.
Cattle require v key nutrients:
- energy
- poly peptide
- water
- minerals
- vitamins
Energy
Energy is necessary for maintenance (feed digestion, core trunk functions, and activity requirements) and to support growth, lactation, and reproduction1. Information technology accounts for the largest proportion of feed costs and is the nutrient required by cattle in the largest amount. The components of feed that determine its free energy content include carbohydrates, fats and proteins. On a feed exam, energy content is usually expressed as total digestible nutrients (TDN); however, more than precise terms such as metabolizable energy (ME) or net energy (NE) for maintenance (NEm) or production (NEg) may be preferred past nutritionists. These terms meliorate reflect the amount of free energy from feed that contributes to animal productivity. Energy deficiency caused past low intake or poor feed quality will limit growth, decrease milk production, reduce body condition, and (depending on timing and duration) may have negative consequences for reproduction.
Gross energy (GE) is the total corporeality of free energy in the feed. Merely not all this energy is available to the creature. Feed energy is lost as it passes through the fauna and is excreted equally carrion, urine, various gases, and estrus. These losses are a normal result of feed digestion and the amount of energy lost at each step differs based on the quality of the feed. Digestible energy (DE) provides an indication of the portion of free energy that the beast tin can digest, with the help of the rumen microbes. Metabolizable free energy (ME) is the corporeality of energy bachelor to the brute for metabolism and trunk functions after losses in energy from rumen fermentation (carbon dioxide, methane) and urine have been deemed for. Net energy (NE) is the amount that is available to the brute to maintain itself, abound, produce milk and reproduce.
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Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF, %) indicates the amount of fibre content in the establish. High levels of NDF (above lxx%) volition restrict creature intake. More than mature forages will accept higher NDF levels.
Acrid Detergent Fibre (ADF, %) measures the to the lowest degree digestible portions of the provender plants, such as cellulose and lignin. High ADF indicates poor digestibility of the feed. High quality legumes generally have ADF values between 20-35%, while grasses tin can range from thirty-45%.
Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) are indicators of the amount of fibre in a forage. Higher values indicate poorer digestibility and voluntary intake may exist reduced.
NDF is a measure of the "bulkiness" of the diet and is mainly hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin but due to limitations in the analysis information technology as well includes a portion of the poly peptide and insoluble ash in the institute. When NDF increases, animals consume less. ADF measures cellulose and lignin and is an indication of digestibility and energy intake. When plants mature, lignin content increases, resulting in higher ADF and reduced digestibility. Feeds high in ADF are less digestible than those high in starches and sugars. The starches and sugars in feed are classified as non-structural carbohydrates (NSC). Even in forages, NSC are an important source of energy.
Protein
Protein is required for maintenance, growth, lactation and reproduction. It is a component of muscles, the nervous organization and connective tissue1 . Protein requirements depend on cattle age, growth rate, pregnancy and lactation status. Young, growing cattle, as well as those in late pregnancy or lactation, have increased protein requirements.
Most protein that ruminants ingest is broken downward by the rumen microorganisms and resynthesized as microbial poly peptide. Forages contain crude poly peptide (CP) in 2 forms. The greatest portion of poly peptide in forage is referred to as true poly peptide, but forages also contain low amounts of non-poly peptide nitrogen (NPN), which rumen microbes tin utilise to synthesize microbial protein.
True poly peptide in forages can be farther classified every bit rumen undegradable protein (RUP or rumen featherbed poly peptide) and rumen degradable poly peptide (RDP). RUP are peptides and amino acids that are digested in the abomasum and captivated in the small intestine, while RDP is degraded or broken downward by the microbial population in the rumen into ammonia and volatile fatty acids. Microorganisms in the rumen combine the ammonia supplied by RDP or other non-protein nitrogen sources (e.thou. urea) with rumen digestible carbohydrates to synthesize microbial rough protein (MCP). MCP is digested in the abomasum, with the resultant amino acids absorbed in the small intestine. The amount of protein that reaches the modest intestine depends upon the availability of RDP and the rumen digestible carbohydrate. If energy is deficient in the diet, surplus ammonia is converted to urea in the liver and and then lost through urine. If protein is deficient in the nutrition, digestibility of fibre decreases due to diminished microbial activity and muscle will be degraded to meet the fauna'south requirements for amino acids for core body functions.
Microbial protein makes up shut to lxx% of all protein captivated from the pocket-sized intestine and the poly peptide contributions from microbes may be close to 100% for cattle fed depression-quality forage.
In most moo-cow-dogie diets, forages with adequate digestibility will provide plenty MCP to meet the cows' requirements. But, for animals with college protein demands, like growing calves or lactating cows, information technology tin can be beneficial to feed proteins that bypass the rumen and are absorbed in the pocket-size intestine, improving poly peptide bioavailability. Extra protein can be provided past feeds that are high in RUP, similar alfalfa dehydrated pellets, distillers' grains, or culling feeds like canola meal. Nearly forages take higher levels of RDP, peculiarly legumes.
During summer months, while forages and legumes are actively growing, they may supply up to 20% crude poly peptide (CP) with a high level of RDP, only during the winter, poly peptide levels driblet off dramatically. Native pasture, for instance, may test as low equally iii-7% CP. Putting up good quality feed is key to supplying the beef herd with adequate quality forage sources through the wintertime4.
Water
Water is an essential nutrient for cattle, bookkeeping for betwixt 50 and 80 percent of an beast's live weight. Insufficient water intake reduces animal performance faster and more dramatically than whatsoever other nutrient deficiency. For livestock to maximize feed intake and production, they require daily access to palatable water of acceptable quality and quantity. Factors that make up one's mind water consumption include air and water temperature, humidity, moisture content of the feed/forage, cattle type (calf, yearling, bull, cow), the physiological state of the creature (gestation, maintenance, growing, lactating) and water quality.
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is the master indicator of h2o quality and is a measure out of dissolved inorganic salts in h2o. TDS is impacted by high or depression pH levels, sulphates, nitrates, salinity, excessive mineral levels, algae and leaner. Testing water sources to ensure that cattle take access to adequate amounts of quality water is important.
The four main functions of h2o in the body are:
- to assist eliminate waste products of digestion and metabolism
- a major component of secretions (milk, saliva) likewise as private and fetal growth
- as an aid in torso's thermoregulation processes through evaporation of h2o/sweat from the skin's surface and respiratory tract
- to regulate claret pressurev
Read more well-nigh water requirements for beef cattle here.
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Minerals
At least seventeen minerals are required by beef cattle and are divided into two groups: macrominerals and microminerals. Macrominerals are those required in relatively big amounts for bodily functions, while micro or trace minerals are required in much smaller amounts.
The seven macrominerals required by cattle are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), potassium (Chiliad), sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl) and sulphur (Due south). Macrominerals are required in amounts over 100 parts per 1000000 (ppm) and are often expressed on a percent (%) dry matter (DM) ground of the animate being's nutrition.
Beef cattle require x microminerals, too referred to as trace minerals. These microminerals, required in relatively modest amounts are usually expressed in parts per 1000000, (ppm) or mg/kg, rather than as a percentage of the diet. They are chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iodine (I), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn).
Producers strive to provide adequate levels of macro and microminerals without over-supplementing, which increases costs, can create nutritional antagonisms, and increases potential for mineral loss through manure and urinehalf dozen.
Minerals are required for several functions:
- skeletal development, bone, tooth formation and maintenance (includes Ca, P, Mg, Cr)
- energy, growth, immunity, and reproduction (includes P, Cu, Zn, Mn, Se)
- milk product (includes Ca and P)
- nervous system office and saccharide metabolism (Mg, M, Na, Cl, S, Co, I, Iron)
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Although minerals are required in relatively small amounts for optimum beef cattle wellness, a deficiency can crusade significant reductions in growth, allowed part and reproduction. The concentration of individual minerals in forages varies greatly depending on soil, plant, and direction factors. It is important to include mineral analysis of forages as role of regular feed testing. There are besides several interactions that can occur betwixt minerals, vitamins and water or feed sources that can limit availability or absorption. Every bit a result, the minerals that are actually bachelor to the cattle may be much lower than anticipated because of these interactions. Even though concentrations found in forages may announced to be sufficient, availability to the creature may exist significantly less. This can cause deficiencies which may not exist noticed by producers until a significant reproductive or health issue arises.
In this web log, a Saskatchewan producer explains the issues that he experienced with copper deficiency.
Dr. Cheryl Waldner, NSERC/BCRC Industrial Research Chair in One Wellness and Production-Limiting Diseases, and Professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine explains that beginning and 2nd calf heifers are about likely to showroom signs of copper deficiency, such every bit lower formulation rates. The cost of open cattle can quickly bear upon profitability. Waldner suggests that a properly balanced, palatable mineral mix exist offered yr-round to ensure optimal herd wellness and fertility. Recent research in Saskatchewan revealed that forages sampled in jump and fall contained inadequate levels of copper and zinc for beef cows and growing calves in all soil zones. Additionally, upwardly to 43% of the cows involved in the study were deficient in copper. Producers may notice some early signs of copper deficiency manifesting equally a brownish or reddish tinge in blackness haired cattle.
Other issues that tin arise due to mineral deficiencies include grass and winter tetany, white muscle disease, weak bones, hairless calves, goiter, scours, pes rot, retained placentas, depression weaning weights, and reduced fertility.
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Trace mineral supplements are divided into 3 groups: inorganic, organic and hydroxy trace minerals.
Inorganic minerals are bonded to an inorganic molecule such equally sulphate or oxide. They are normally less expensive just often accept more variability in formulations and are less bioavailable. Inorganic minerals are often a first choice for producers due to affordability but may sacrifice availability and absorption. The absorption of inorganic mineral from the gastrointestinal tract can be less than five pct7. In certain instances, such as with copper, inorganic minerals may be more than prone to antagonisms with other mineralseight. Simply feeding more inorganic mineral to offset these potential bug will not be successful and may cause more than problems if levels of particular minerals get besides high.
- Organic (chelated) minerals are bonded to a carbon containing molecule. These are commonly more expensive merely have improved assimilation and availability to the animal. Producers generally apply chelated minerals if mineral antagonisms be in their area, such as high molybdenum or sulphur, which reduces copper availability. Chelated minerals are also used when animals are stressed, such as during weaning, or to ensure a high nutritional plane for procedures such equally synchronization or artificial insemination on heifers.
- Hydroxy trace minerals have a crystalline structure that protects metal ions and allows trace minerals to featherbed rumen digestion, thereby increasing bioavailability. Ofttimes available at a mid-range price, they are being utilized by some producers for cattle in high stress situations, such equally weaning or artificial insemination.
With improved trace mineral absorption, producers report heavier weaning weights, increased average daily proceeds, improved reproductive efficiency, improved calving outcomes, and fewer health issues. Some as well written report reduced incidence of pinkeye, foot rot, scours and respiratory problems.
Mineral needs will vary between herds based on many factors, including h2o and feed sources, stress, animal type and stage of production. In that location is no "one size fits all" mineral type or program. Many mineral mixtures are available on the market, from loose mineral that can be offered free choice or mixed into a ration, to various molasses-based lick tubs that comprise vitamins, minerals, and ofttimes some poly peptide.
When rations contain grass hay, alfalfa, or a mixture of the two, calcium and phosphorus normally need to be supplemented in a one:1 ratio (one part calcium to ane part phosphorus). When feeding cereal provender rations, such as oat or barley greenfeed, a two:1 or even 3:1 mineral mixture may exist required to provide a balanced mineral mixture. Be sure to consult with a nutritionist to ensure proper supplementation.
Producers must monitor animals for signs of deficiencies or potential toxicity, and work with their veterinarian and nutritionist to ensure adequate levels and to correct any issues. Mineral toxicity may be indicated by decreased brute performance, anorexia, weight loss and diarrhea. It tin can lead to urinary calculi from excess phosphorus or inadequate calcium to phosphorus ratio, grass tetany from backlog potassium leading to reduced absorption of magnesium, and polioencephalomalacia from backlog sulphur. Some minerals such as copper, can become "tied up" or jump to other minerals present in feed and water. In these instances, the mineral will not be available to the cattle in the amounts required. If producers are using feed tests to remainder mineral needs, animals may still be scarce due to reduced bioavailability.
An animal's diet or ration volition determine the type of mineral mix required to meet animate being requirements. Grass is often low in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium, while alfalfa or other legumes are mostly higher in calcium.
The following label contains the breakdown of a loose mineral that would be considered a three:1 calcium to phosphorus ratio and may be used by producers feeding cereal greenfeed forages.
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In the following video from Beef Research Schoolhouse, Dr. John McKinnon explains what factors producers should consider when designing a mineral programme. He besides provides tips for achieving ideal consumption.
Common salt
Examples of common salt blocks in various formulations. Photo credit Tamara Carter.
Although the table salt requirement for beef cattle is relatively low, cattle will seek out common salt. Loose common salt mixed into mineral blends tin can help increment intake to ensure acceptable amounts are existence consumed. Table salt tin can also exist used to encourage cattle to graze underutilized areas of pastures, by placing further away from water and areas where cattle tend to besiege.
Many producers choose an iodized salt block to ensure adequate iodine intake, especially in areas known to accept iodine deficient soils. The normal requirement for iodine in a beefiness cattle diet is 0.v ppm of the full diet and tin can unremarkably be provided with iodized salt blocks. Boosted iodine may be necessary if feeding encompass crops such every bit brassicas including turnips, rapeseed or kale which comprise compounds that inhibit iodine uptake from the gut. While higher price, salt blocks that contain trace minerals such as copper, zinc, cobalt and selenium may exist used for herds that have experienced problems with foot rot. While these salt blocks tin can supply small amounts of certain minerals, additional supplementation with loose or lick tub formulations may still be necessary to provide and maintain acceptable mineral levels.
Vitamins
Vitamins back up many vital metabolic processes in cattle. They are inorganic compounds that are required in pocket-size amounts. The age and product status of the animal volition impact vitamin requirements. Vitamins A, D, East and Grand are fat soluble and are stored in the beast'southward fat tissue and liver. Because of this, they do not need to exist supplemented daily if the animal has adequate reserves. These vitamins are present in feed sources and are responsible for fundamental metabolic processes within the animal, and thus are important to monitor to ensure deficiencies do non develop. Fresh, leafy forages more often than not incorporate adequate levels of vitamin A and Due east, however, drought, provender processing and extended storage periods can reduce levels. While supplementation of A, D, Due east and K may not be required during the summer months, supplementation is recommended during wintertime months, especially prior to calving. The main functions of vitamins A, D, E and One thousand are:
- Vitamin A - essential for bone, teeth and nerve development, eyesight, kidney office, and soft tissue maintenance. Vitamin A is often depression in newborn calves, and immature animals mostly have smaller reserves than older animals. Deficiencies, which may manifest initially equally rough pilus glaze, dull eyes, diarrhea and pneumonia, can progress and cause reduced bone evolution and density, decreased fertility, nighttime blindness, reduced feed efficiency and increased susceptibility to disease. Cows with deficiencies may abort, have weak calves, or exist difficult to settle. Vitamin A is stored in the liver, but without an exterior source, these liver stores will be depleted later two to three months. Carotene is converted to vitamin A from beta carotene, found in green forages and yellow corn,9 in the small intestine. Weather that may require supplementation include periods of greater stress, such every bit weaning or transportation, feeding stored forages during winter that have reduced carotene levels, and feeds or water with higher nitrate levels.
- Vitamin D - required for calcium and phosphorus metabolism, besides as teeth and bone development. It is synthesized by the sun or by eating sun cured forages. Early signs of deficiency include poor appetite, decreased growth in calves, weakness, strong gait and laboured breathing. Soft bones, rickets, and swollen joints develop if deficiencies keep. Pregnant animals with a vitamin D deficiency may arrest or have weak, plain-featured or stillborn calves.
- Vitamin E - required for musculus development and occurs naturally in feedstuffs.
- Vitamin K - required for blood clotting and is normally sufficient in green forages. Rumen leaner more often than not make sufficient quantities of vitamin One thousand from feed sources. Feeding some clovers, peculiarly if mouldy, interferes with the production of vitamin K due to a compound called dicoumarol present in clover.
Vitamin C and the B vitamins (thiamin, niacin, choline) are water soluble. Calves receive vitamin B from milk, and one time the rumen becomes functional, these vitamins are synthesized by rumen microorganisms and do non usually require supplementation unless energy and protein rest in the diet is non adequatevi.
Feed Sources and Quality - Touch on Diet
Cattle can utilize a wide diversity of feedstuffs. Different feeds have dissimilar benefits and limitations when information technology comes to supplying nutrients:
- forages - loftier in fibre, lower in energy, with varying protein content; examples are hay, grass, greenfeed, silage
- grains - high in energy and low in fibre, moderate to loftier protein content; examples are corn, oats, barley, wheat
- oilseeds - high in protein, loftier in energy, loftier in fat, variable fibre content; examples include soybeans, canola meal
- by-products - variable food content, may be loftier moisture; examples are distillers' grains, baker waste, grain screenings, hulls
Each of these feeds provides different nutrients, with each nutrient fulfilling specific roles in cattle growth, maintenance and reproductive wellness. Balancing nutrient costs with the intended management objectives for the cattle is key. While forages are a foundation of most feeding systems, backgrounders and feedlots will utilize more grains and by-products in their rations. In the moo-cow/calf sector, forages make up the largest portion of the animals' diet, both while grazing during summer and in the winter while consuming conserved feeds. Cattle producers often use grains and alternative feeds to provide acceptable nutrition and reduce feed costs. Optimizing the growth rate of rumen microbes to improve fermentation and microbial growth requires a balance of feedstuffs.
Provender is an economical source of nutrients; however, feed quality and mineral content tin vary widely, so feed testing and appropriate supplementation may be necessary to run into nutritional requirements. Forage quality directly impacts creature performance, growth, reproduction and profitability. About forage species have the highest quality at the vegetative phase, when leaves are lush and green, and stems are immature and supple. At this phase, these forages may be able to supply most of the nutrition that the cattle require. Harvesting and feeding high quality hay can reduce the corporeality of supplemental minerals and vitamins that may be required.
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The level of minerals in a forage will depend on many factors including soil type, plant species, stage of growth, the weather, and overall management of the stand. Maturity at harvest, as well every bit harvest techniques and storage will also impact provender quality. In addition, the absorption of trace minerals from forages in the alimentary canal tin can be very low. Equally Dr. John McKinnon explains in this blog, antagonistic interactions between minerals tin reduce levels captivated fifty-fifty further, sometimes even to zero.
Depression quality forages generally reduce voluntary intake, which tin result in protein and energy deficiencies. When high quality forage (vegetative growth) is consumed, dry thing intake tends to be 2.5-3.0% of live torso weight. When forage is of lower quality, dry matter intake can drib closer to i.8% of body weight, reducing protein, energy, and mineral consumed. In some instances, when the animal's needs are not being met (due east.chiliad. feeding a ration containing very depression quality forages or straw during common cold temperatures in wintertime), they may actually over-consume low quality feed, equally they attempt to derive enough energy from the feed. This over-consumption of beefy, low quality feed can cause compaction, which prevents feed from moving through the digestive tract and tin can cause death. Analyzing feed samples volition provide an indication of protein and free energy levels available. While feeding lower quality feedstuffs tin can be an economical way to stretch feed supplies, producers must monitor consumption and animal condition to avert potential issues with under or over consumption of low quality feed. Utilise of tools such every bit the Winter Feed Cost Comparing figurer tin can assist producers with toll comparisons.
Knowledge of provender quality and beast requirements is necessary to formulate rations that will support and maintain a high plane of nutrition. While most producers recognize that grazing forages tin provide an economical source of nutrition, the relationship betwixt forage quality and profitability is often unappreciated. Producers must manage grazing in response to environmental conditions and pasture growth during the flavor to avoid either overgrazing, which reduces fodder yield, and under grazing which can lower the overall forage quality due to over-mature vegetation and may as well increase forage waste. Proper grazing management can back up both nutrition and profitability.
Factors Affecting Nutrient Requirements
Stage of Production
Nutritional requirements of beef cattle are influenced by the stage of production. This production cycle, which is based upon a well-managed, good for you moo-cow in proficient condition (Trunk Condition Score = three) maximizes profitability by producing a calf every 365 days. The annual product cycle, based upon ideal length of fourth dimension for each phase, includes:
- Calving, postpartum, early lactation (day 0 to twenty-four hour period 82)
- Formulation, early on gestation, tardily lactation (day 83 to twenty-four hour period 199)
- Mid gestation (mean solar day 200 to day 274)
- Late gestation, pre-partum (solar day 275 to mean solar day 365).
Phase 1 - begins at calving. This is the period of greatest nutritional need for the cow. She must lactate, repair her reproductive tract, resume heat cycles, breed, and if she is a young moo-cow, she must likewise continue growth and development. Her voluntary feed intake is highest at this point and as this web log explains, she requires a high free energy and protein diet of at to the lowest degree 62% TDN and 11% CP. If she is not fed to meet nutritional needs, she volition lose weight and may not rebreed.
Phase 2 - begins with conception. The cow is now supporting herself, her dogie (through lactation) and her fetus. Nutritional demands are still loftier every bit she reaches pinnacle lactation just are lowered by 8-13% compared to the offset stage. Cows that produce more milk will accept higher nutrient requirements. The fetus is modest, and its growth is slow, merely cows and heifers often lose weight during this fourth dimension.
Phase 3 - is when the cow is in mid-gestation. Immediately after calves are weaned, nutritional needs are at their lowest due to the cease of lactation. Energy and protein requirements drop past up to 35% when compared to the peak need. Fetal growth remains deadening, and voluntary feed intake is the lowest during this period. This is the all-time time to put weight back on cows to assistance them proceeds condition10. Meet the body status information to learn more than about how to ensure beef cattle are in platonic condition.
Stage 4 - is the last phase prior to calving, and cows must be in skillful body condition to give birth to a salubrious calf, produce milk and re-breed quickly. Free energy and protein needs increase past 20% compared to mid-gestation. During this period, the fetus can gain up to sixty pounds and the placenta is growing too. Most 75% of fetal growth occurs during this phasexi. Cows need to gain 0.five kg (1 lb) to 0.68 kg (one.5 lbs) per twenty-four hour period, while weight gain for heifers should target twice that amount. The cow has reduced rumen capacity due to the growth of the calf, then a reduction in feed intake usually occurs in the latter portion of this phase.
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Producers oft modify their feeding strategies during the almanac production cycle of the beef cow to align with her energy and poly peptide needs every bit she moves through the bike. For example, lower quality feeds such as harbinger reduce costs during Phase 3, when the cow'due south nutritional requirements are at her lowest. In Phase 4, equally the rumen has less room for feed due to the growing fetus, she volition benefit from college quality feed such as good quality alfalfa hay or some grain to provide extra energy. A mutual rule of thumb is 55-60-65% for total digestible nutrients (TDN) and 7-9-11% for crude protein (CP) for mid gestation, belatedly gestation, and lactation. More information on nutritional requirements can be can be found here.
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Producers often split up the herd into different feeding groups to tailor the feeding program to provide an adequate level of diet. These groups may include:
Grouping 1 - Mature cows in good condition - Boilerplate quality hay supplemented with grain or pellets, minerals, fortified table salt and vitamins, will generally meet the nutritional needs of this group.
Group 2 - Bred replacement heifers and second calf heifers - Young, growing animals do not compete effectively for feed with mature cows. Heifers require adept quality hay, silage or alternative feeds, or grain to meet their needs for growth and evolution. These animals are still growing and gaining body weight, in addition to developing the fetus. These animals may benefit from organic (chelated) or hydroxy trace mineral supplements, which have greater bioavailability, to support growth and reproduction.
Group 3 - Thin, old cows - These cows volition need extra energy, particularly during wintertime months. These cattle may do good from additional vitamin and mineral programs to avoid deficiencies.
Group 4 - Yearling steers, bulls - Steers and bulls will require different feeding programs depending on their size and if they are on a maintenance plan or are backgrounding or finishing.
If the ration is based on harbinger or low-quality hay, or if feed intake is limited, it is even more important to separate the herd into different feeding groups to match the nutritional needs of each group. Use feed testing and ration balancing software similar Cowbytes to determine the advisable ration and amounts of feed for each group.
Conclusion
Cattle require energy, protein, water, vitamins and minerals in adequate amounts for optimal nutrition. The requirements for these nutrients will vary depending upon the form, age, condition, and stage of production of the brute. Environmental factors will too influence creature nutrition and nutrient levels both in the feed and water sources. Feed costs represent the greatest expense associated with beef production. Nutrition is the most important factor for moo-cow fertility, which is a main driver of profitability. Supplemental vitamin and mineral programs tin can improve livestock health, allowed office, performance and fertility.
Each functioning is unique; work with a nutritionist to identify and right nutritional deficiencies early, before herd health and profitability is compromised. Identify groups of cattle that may require additional or customized feeding strategies. Feeding simply low-quality feedstuffs to save feed costs will generally increment reproductive losses, unless offset by what is likely to be a more than expensive supplementation programme. A properly balanced ration will better cattle performance, productivity and ultimately profitability.
Definitions
Acid detergent fibre (ADF) - a chemic analysis that estimates the full fibre (including boxy lignin) in the feed. A high ADF indicates reduced digestibility and likely lower voluntary feed intake.
Amino acids - nitrogen-containing molecules that are the building blocks used to create protein in the body.
Available protein - the portion of crude protein that can be digested by the animal. It represents the proportion of total protein after deducting the ADF-N fraction of a feed.
Carbohydrate - a source of dietary energy that includes starches, sugars, pectins, cellulose and hemicellulose. All carbohydrates contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, and are usually divided into two types: structural (fibre from constitute wall) and non-structural (sugars and starches from found cell contents).
Cellulose - a gristly sugar that is the main part of establish cell walls.
Chelated mineral - a chemic bond formed between an organic molecule and a mineral that increases mineral bioavailability to the animal and can reduce excretion of backlog minerals in manure.
Crude protein (CP) - an gauge of the total poly peptide content of a feed determined by analyzing the nitrogen content of the feed and multiplying the result by 6.25. Crude protein includes true protein and non-protein nitrogen sources such as ammonia, amino acids and nitrates.
Digestible energy (DE) - the apparent energy that is available to the creature by digestion, measured every bit the difference between gross energy content of a feed and the free energy independent in the animal'south feces.
Fat soluble vitamins - stored in the animal's fat reserves or liver, including A, D, E, and Chiliad.
Hemicellulose - a carbohydrate found in institute cell walls that is more complex in structure than sugars just less complex than cellulose.
International unit of measurement (IU) - a standard unit of potency of a biological agent, such every bit a vitamin, hormone, vaccine, or antibiotic.
Neutral detergent fibre (NDF) - an insoluble fraction containing all plant prison cell wall components left after boiling a feed sample in a neutral detergent solution. A high NDF indicates lower digestibility and voluntary feed intake.
Non-protein nitrogen (NPN) - urea and ammonia are compounds that tin can be used by the microorganisms in the rumen to form true protein, that can then be converted to meat or milk by the animals. When feeding low quality, low poly peptide feeds, urea can help the ruminal bacteria to create true protein.
Non-structural carbohydrate - comprised of saccharide, starch and pectin, this is the non-NDF fraction of feedstuffs.
Rumen degradable protein (RDP) - the portion of dietary poly peptide that is degraded in the rumen. Information technology feeds the rumen bacteria, supplying microbial protein.
Rumen undegraded poly peptide (RUP) - the portion of dietary protein that escapes degradation by ruminal microorganisms and passes into the pocket-size intestine where it is digested and absorbed.
Structural carbohydrate - the fibrous, cell wall or support structure of the constitute, containing cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin.
Water soluble vitamins - include the B complex vitamins and vitamin C. They are generally not supplemented to cattle after two months of age, due to the ability of rumen microbes to industry them in acceptable amounts12.
This topic was last revised on March 23, 2022 at 7:53 AM.
Source: https://www.beefresearch.ca/research-topic.cfm/beef-cattle-nutrition-107
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