Late spring and early summer pastures provide essential nutrients to the cow herd, as the cow cares for herself, the calf at her side and her developing fetus. During this period, pasture management is especially important as pasture forages can provide highly variable nutrient levels.
That’s according to Doug Hawkins, Ph.D., beef cattle consultant for Purina Animal Nutrition. Hawkins says that pasture management beginning in early spring can directly impact the body condition score (BCS) of the cow, the growth of the calf at her side and conception rates post-calving. “Beef producers are most often familiar with supplementing pasture during late summer, as supplementation consumption rates are often highest then. However, taking steps to offer supplements in late spring and early summer, can help the cow perform consistently and help prevent imbalances before forage quality declines,” he says. “Adding a proactive management program during this timeframe will promote consistent cow performance through summer.”
Following are four tips to keep in mind this spring.
1. Design a plan for fly and pest control
“Flies and parasites can tie up nutrients; meaning the cow may consume nutrients but still fall behind in BCS and performance,” Hawkins says. “The goal should always be to eliminate the problem before it begins.”
Horn flies, which can consume up to one-half pound of blood per cow per day, can be prevented through a feed-through fly control supplement that includes Altosid. Altosid is an insect growth regulator available in Purina’s Wind and RainStorm Formula Minerals. By using Altosid in the mineral, the fly’s reproductive cycle is permanently delayed before reaching maturity.
Most successful fly control programs in the upper U.S. include prevention beginning at least 30 days prior to fly emergence in early spring. The process should then continue through 30 days after the area’s first kill frost. Typically prevention is needed March through October, depending on the area’s climate. Warmer areas should consider a year-round fly control program.
2. Provide continuous access to fresh, clean water
“Water consumption is very critical through all seasons, but especially as temperatures begin to increase,” Hawkins says. “In the summer the cooler the water, the better.”
Providing access to fresh, clean and cool water in early spring and summer will help cows meet their increasing nutrient requirements. Research from the University of Nebraska estimates that water consumption should equal approximately 1 gallon per 100 pounds of body weight during cold weather and will double to nearly 2 gallons of water per 100 pounds of body weight during the hottest weather.
Regardless of season, lactating cows also require nearly twice as much water compared to dry cows.
“To keep water cool and fresh, place the water source in the shade and use concrete troughs rather than plastic troughs,” Hawkins advises. “If feeding out of ponds, make sure the water is fresh. Water consumption impacts feed consumption, so more water can equal more feed and greater performance potential.”
3. Create a flexible supplementation program
“Forage quality is always changing as grasses mature,” Hawkins says. “It’s very difficult to adjust protein and mineral supplementation levels each day, so create a flexible supplementation program.”
One way to fill potential pasture voids in nutrients without over-supplementing is to use products with Intake Modifying Technology. This technology is formulated to help the cows consume supplements at the rates they need, when they need them to maintain a consistent BCS.
“We’re seeing a lot of ranches going to a 12-month cow care program with year-round supplementation to try and maintain the cow at a 5.5 to 6 BCS at all times,” Hawkins says. “Using supplements with Intake Modifying Technology allow flexible supplementation for consistent production.”
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