Drought conditions have continued to persist and intensify in the High-Plains Region this fall and winter. While there is still time between now and May to get precipitation, in a best-case scenario, the lingering effects of drought will likely delay when pasture turnout should occur. Should drought conditions continue and intensify this spring, drylot feeding of cow calf pairs may be an option to consider for retaining a portion of the cow herd. Considering the logistics and costs of drylotting pairs now, will help producers to know their options and to prepare and purchase feed.
Dr. Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension Cow-Calf Systems Specialists will be presenting a free webinar on Monday, January 13 that will highlight lessons learned from University research as well as working with producers who have utilized drylotting for cow-calf pairs. Some of the content to be covered will include:
• Logistics for drylotting pairs including needed bunk space, water, fence, shade and creep access for baby calves.
• Example rations and feed costs based on current commodity prices.
• Limit feeding versus full feeding.
• Annual forages as a complement to drylot feeding.
• Health considerations for calves and cows.
• Strategies for breeding cows in a drylot setting.
The webinar is free, but registration is required. To sign up for the Drylot Feeding Cow-calf Pairs webinar please contact Aaron Berger at aberger2@unl.edu. A computer and internet connection are required to participate in the webinar.
Source : unl.edu