First, let’s assume that the grain has been harvested from the fields that all the forages come from. Soybean stubble bales are the least favorite of the three forages listed. Soybeans are a legume, and as they increase in maturity, …
How much water do cows drink per day?
Water requirements for beef cattle depend on weight, stage of production such as lactation, and temperature. As you increase weight, the amount of water needed also increases. The same holds true for temperature; as temperatures increase, so does water intake. …
What are soybean hulls?
The short answer is, soybean hulls are a by-product of the soybean oil and soybean meal industry and can be used in cattle diets.
The long answer is: Soybean hulls are a by-product of the process by which soybean oil …
I made some soybean hay. Can you give me some ideas about how to feed it to beef cows?
Due to summer growing conditions that have been unfavorable for soybean production and the need for hay, an unusually large amount of hay has been made from failed soybean crops in several areas of the Midwest. Farmers and cattlemen are …
Do you have any information on feeding corn syrup with a hay processor that holds six bales? Specifically, can you provide ideas on setting up a system, rate of feeding and effects of cold weather.
The syrup most likely comes from ethanol plants and is called solubles. Solubles are high in protein, energy — about 20 percent fat and fat is high energy — water (about 70 percent), phosphorus, and sulfur.
Because of the high …
I have a heifer calf that is very small for her age. She was born to an old cow who didn’t produce enough milk to feed her. She was put with a cow that had lost her calf. Will ever catch up weight-wise, or will she always be stunted?
This calf is behind the rest of the calves because of low energy intake. If the calf has not been severely stunted, it will begin to grow once exposed to a high-quality diet. Some data suggest that these calves, if …
We are looking for a cattle-safe, pre-emergent fertilizer to apply in December. Thistles and johnsongrass are taking over one of our pastures.
You are asking two questions: a fertilizer question and a herbicide question.
First, an answer for the fertilizer question. All dry formulations of pasture fertilizers containing nitrogen, such as ammonium nitrate or urea, are safe for grazing livestock. Timing of …
How long can I keep a bull, and at what age can a young bull start mating cows?
Puberty in bulls occurs when they can produce viable sperm. This happens at approximately 12 months of age, though it can vary in individual bulls several months before or after this age depending on biological type (primarily frame size and …
Does age affect quality and yield grades of harvested feedlot steers?
Yes, but that answer needs to be discussed in detail. Many factors contribute to carcass quality and yield grades such as management, genetics, previous nutrition, and marketing. Age becomes a factor in carcass grading when it is coupled with other …
Can wheat straw be used in beef cattle rations?
Yes. Wheat straw is greatly underutilized as a feedstuff, particularly in beef cow rations. It can be used as the primary forage in dry cow rations and at low levels in lactating rations. For example, wheat straw can make up …