The month of November is the time of the year when the fall colors begin to fade and
frost and in some instances, snow, introduces winter. November can be made up of “good” or
“bad” weather conditions. There is snow in upper East Tennessee and the Southern Appalachia and hurricane conditions in the Northeast. Is the weather “mixed up?”
Whatever the weather conditions, cattle producers should be in a position to manage
their operations to reduce the effect of weather on performance. For example, as the
weather becomes colder and precipitation increases, feed needed by the cattle increases.
What information does the “long-range” weather forecast provide? Long range forecast are often sketchy and in many instances less accurate than the “Farmer’s Almanac”. Weather reports that the East Tennessee area and Southern Appalachia will experience above average snowfall. Temperatures may be 1-2 degrees cooler than last year and winter may come earlier than in 2011-2012. Weather reports that severe weather is going to be a problem this winter and may
be earlier starting in November and December.
With cold, rainy weather, additional feed and shelter will be required to maintain performance.
For each drop of one degree below 32 increases the feed needs by 1 percent. Calving cows should be in an area that would provide some shelter from the wind. This practice would also contribute to reducing the “wind chill” factor and contribute to calf survival.
If you purchase hay or other feed, determine your needs and purchase and forage test before the demand increases and the supply decreases.
Keeping feed costs under control will be a large challenge for Tennessee cow-calf producers.
Regardless of the weather conditions, management practices carried out will have a big
impact on level of production and profitability. Following are some basic management tips for the month of November. These should aid producers in managing costs and staying in business. There are suggestions for both late winter-early spring calving herds as well as those that calve in late fall-early winter.
.
Late Winter-Early Spring Calving Herds
These cows should be dry and pregnant and 60-120 days prior to calving. Nutritional needs
and management is low unless the cows are in a “thin” or “poor” body condition. Some of
the cows that will be calving in January are going into the nutritional critical period of 30-
45 days prior to calving and will require added feed to ensure colostrum production and rebreeding.
Weaned replacement heifers and those that are bred and coming with their first calf should
be maintained and fed separate from the mature cow herd. These young females should be
fed higher quality feed. This is especially important in times of feed shortage.
The young, weaned replacement heifers should be on management and nutrition program to
reach 650-700 pounds by March 1 to ensure cycling and breeding.
Observe the body condition of the cows and if needed, make adjustments in feeding and
management to improve condition. Cows in a body condition of 3 or 4 need extra feed now.
Cows will need to gain between 80 and 100 pounds to raise body condition 1 score. Mature
November 2012 Update
cows should be in a BCS of 5 at calving to ensure adequate colostrum production to contribute
to calf health and optimum reproductive performance.
Now would be a good time to critically review the herd’s 2012 performance. What was the
weight, grade and market price of the 2012 calf crop? Would a genetically superior bull, a
shorter calving period, addition of legumes to the pastures, improved management and cooperative marketing improve returns?
What about cost of production? Very few, if any, Tennessee producers have any idea about
the annual cost of producing weaned calves. Yet, recent economic studies and farm management
reports indicated that cost of production was the big influence on profit in cow-calf
operations.
If not completed, pregnancy check the cow herd. Evaluate the cow’s future productive potential. This is especially important this year with the current feed supply. It might be cheaper
to keep the cow than to raise a replacement.
If available, utilize corn crop residue as a feed for dry, pregnant beef cows. Dry, pregnant
cows with a BCS of 5 can be grazed on corn stalk fields and do well. They may have to be
supplemented toward the end of the grazing period as the availability of leaves, shucks and
grain becomes less.
Late Fall-Early Winter Calving Herds
These herds should be in the middle month of calving. Cow’s nutritional and management
requirements will be the greatest during this period than any other time and is critical from a
milk production and rebreeding standpoint.
Check the calving cows three to four times per day and heifers more often. Labor expended
by producers during the calving season will produce greater returns than any other time in the cow’s annual production cycle. A big investment has already been made in the future
calf crop prior to birth. Do not lose it.
If available, increase the both the quality and amount of feed allotted the cows to ensure adequate milk production and reproductive performance. Those mature cows that calve in a
BCS less than 5 should especially be provided extra feed.
Keep out magnesium oxide to aid in the prevention of grass tetany. Grass tetany is normally
thought to be a spring problem but it could happen this fall. With rains, the grass will respond,
grow rapidly and produce lush pasture comparable to that of the spring which will be
lower in magnesium content. Cows that have recently calved are susceptible to coming
down with grass tetany under these conditions.
The breeding season for these cows will be getting underway about Christmas. This leaves
about 60 days to have a breeding soundness examination (BSE) done on the herd bull. Remember that about 20% of the bulls running with the cow herds across the nation are either
sterile, subfertile or have physical problems that restrict their reproductive potential. The
BSE should be done ahead of time in order to make adjustments or purchase a new bull prior
to the breeding season if needed.
As soon as the calves can be caught following birth, ear tag and identify all calves with their
dams, castrate all male calves and implant the same time while they are caught. Castration is
less stressful on both the calves and producers if done when calves are young. Surgically
castrate the calves, the only sure method the job is completed.
Suggestions for Both Calving Groups
Forage test to know the nutritional value of the winter feed supply. Results of forage tests
done at UT’s lab indicates wide variation in the feeding value of hays. Knowing the nutritional
value of the hays will allow for the development of both an economical and effective
winter feeding program.
Inventory the winter feed supply. In addition to determining the amount of hay available for
feeding, sort the hay into quality groups and feed accordingly.
If there is the need to purchase feed, make decision and comparison on the cost per pound
of unit of nutrient instead the price of the feed.
With the limited available grazing, cattle may wander into woods looking for feed. Hungry
cattle will consume acorns, which can cause kidney damage and death. This is acorn poisoning.
Take soil tests from pasture and hay fields. Apply fertilizer based on soil test results. This
would be an economical practice and should also help to correct mineral imbalances in both
soil and forages.
This would be a good time of the year to freeze brand cattle. They should be in a better
body condition in the fall compared to next spring.
When purchasing vaccines, choose those that are approved for subcutaneous (Sub-Q) injection
to minimize injection site blemishes. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the
product insert and label.
When purchasing a “new and improved sire,” choose a breed that will sire calves similar to
those in the area. If a member of a feeder calf marketing alliance, it is essential to use a bull
of the same breed as the other producers. After the breed decision is made, the “reach” or “selection differential” is decided, use EPD’s to evaluate or compare bulls as well as visual
observations of muscle expression and structural soundness.
Lots of producers will be purchasing feeds this fall and winter of 2011. Encourage producers to purchase hay based on weight. Not per bale. Not all large round bales weigh 1,000 lb.
Some of the concentrate feeds will be fed this winter. If limit feeding concentrates, feed the
same time each day and ensure there is adequate trough space.
As easy rule of thumb to remember is that 1.0 lb. of corn will replace 2.0 lb. of hay. Cows
will need some hay in the ration.
Start a lice control program this month. There are excellent systemic insecticides that can be
easily applied and provides effective in control of lice. Most producers are not aware of the
effect of lice because they cannot be seen.
Dry beef cows will need a diet that is at least 7 percent protein in the middle third of pregnancy and 9 percent protein in the last third of pregnancy. Pregnant yearling heifers will
need a diet that is at least 11 percent to 12 percent protein, and heifers and cows nursing
calves will need a diet that contains at least 11 percent. Remember “7 come 11”.
If heifers and young cows are not separated from older cattle, they will be pushed aside
when given supplemental feeds and they will not receive the protein or energy they require.
Approximately 2.25-2.50 tons of good quality hay will be needed to winter one animal unit
(1,000 lbs.) for 150 days
If labor is an issue and it is not feasible to feed protein supplements daily, it might be appropriate to use protein tubs for supplementation with low protein feeds such as straw, corn
stover, or soybean stubble. However, expect to pay more for the same amount of protein if a soybean meal and distillers dried grain combination had been used. The most popular protein supplement is in the form of cubes.
Feeding low-quality feeds that are low in crude protein, below 7 percent, will result in reduced digestion and rumen compaction. Addition of protein supplementation to the ration
will improve the digestibility of poor quality forage
UT Test Station To Feature Bulls At Open House
The Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center at Spring Hill will host the 2012
UT Bull Test Station Open House on Thursday, December 6 beginning at 9:30 A.M.. Attendees
will have the opportunity to view the 190 bulls in both the Senior and Junior tests at the station.
Breeds represented at the test will be Angus, Charolais, Polled Hereford, Simmental and
Simangus. In addition, an education program will be presented on various important beef cattle
issues. Topics discussed at the program will include the Evaluation of Foot Structure and Its
Relationship To Longevity in Cattle, Criteria Used in Selecting Bulls for an AI Company, Facts
and Factors in Breeding Soundness Evaluations and Genetic Trends of Bulls Consigned to the
Central Bull Test Station. Dr Sarel Van Amstel, Professor in the UT Veterinary Hospital, Dr.
Aaron Arnett, Director of Beef Programs with Select Sires, and UT Animal Science Department
members Dr. Fred Hopkins and Dr. David Kirkpatrick.
Following the program and demonstration, attendees will have the opportunity to view
all the bulls on test and enjoy an industry sponsored lunch provided by various agribusinesses.
The UT Bull Test Program is a cooperative effort between the UT Extension, UT Research, College of Veterinary Medicine and the Tennessee Beef Cattle Improvement Association.
Management of Cattle Creates Disposition
There has been a lot of information written and demonstrated in recent years on cattle
disposition. Recent research has demonstrated that cattle’s disposition impacts reproductive
performance of replacement heifers as well as performance in feedlot and eventual, carcass
quality.
Although disposition of cattle is heritable, handling and management of the cattle can
affect disposition. Most cattle are naturally gentle if given the opportunity. Cattle can become
wild with poor management or interactions with handlers. Cattle that are handled on a regular
basis and worked to keep stress at a minimum will be more relaxed and can be easily managed.
Cattle that are under stress when worked and being vaccinated will probably not build the
immunity of a disease that the vaccination was intended.
Cattle that see their owners very few times a year will revert to the “wild’ and attempt to
“flee” from people. Generally, cattle’s disposition is an indication of either “poor or excellent
management” of the herd.
Limiting Time at Hay Feeder Could Help Stretch Hay Supply
The greatest percentage of Tennessee cow calf producers feed hay to their cattle use
large round bales with corresponding “bale feeders.” The hay is normally “free-choice” and
allotted for either 24 hours of up to several days. This practice contributes to lots of waste even
with use of feeders. Lots of mature cows will consume up to 40 pounds of hay per day when
allowed unlimited access. Reducing access time to the bales of hay should meet the cow’s nutritional needs.
University of Minnesota Beef Cattle Researchers compared weight change, hay waste
and hay consumption of mature beef cows that were provided access to large bale feeders for 6,
14 or 24 hours. Cows with 24 hours per day access consumed 27.4 lb. of dry matter per head
per day and was greater than either of the restricted access treatments. In evaluating the restricted
hay treatments, the group allowed 14 hour access consumed and wasted the greatest
amount of hay. All groups maintained body weight and The 6 hours per consumed 6.2 less
pounds of dry matter per head per day and reduced waste to less than 1.0 percent.
Cow-calf producers can use the practice of restricting hay intake to reduce the amount
of feed needed to meet nutritional needs, reduce waste and experience economic savings. The
big item for cow-calf producers to ensure is making sure there is adequate feeding space for all
the cows if limiting access to is practiced. Older, “thin” and younger cattle will be the last ones
to make it to the feed if adequate space and time are not available. This procedure would allow
the producer to observe the cattle 1 to two times per day.
Hopefully this trial can be repeated extending the trial to 100 – 120 days. This would be more typical of hay feeding operations throughout the Southeastern United States.
Source: University of Minnesota Beef Report. Publication BR-1103.
Market Cattle or Manage Pastures ?
The management of pastures following a drought could determine if grazing is available
the next 12 months You cannot be in the cattle business without grass. Take care of the grass
resource.
Reducing the stocking rate of cattle on the forage base is probably the number one for
age management practice. Soil testing and fertilizing appropriately is another practice to consider
along with limited grazing. Controlling weeds aids in making available additional soil
nutrients and moisture for forage growth.
Producers should ask themselves “Will it be cheaper and easier to restock with cattle or
reestablish pastures?” Restocking cattle may be the cheaper and easier route to take compared
to establishing pasture.
Make Culling and/or Marketing Decisions Before Applying Health Practices
Under normal conditions, lots of beef brood cows are marketed during the late fall. Regardless
of the time of year cows are to be culled, producers should consider the “timing” of the
carrying out health practices that involve use of insecticides and/or vaccinations
Emphasize to producers do not apply health practices that require a withdrawal time if
the cows are going to immediate harvest. If a violation is found in a carcass, producers can be
fined and possibly, even jail time. It also creates a bad image for the industry.
A “withdrawal time” is the period between application of the treatment and the date the
animal will be harvested or that milk can be used for human consumption . this information is
on the label of the product. Read and follow these directions. In addition, wait to apply these practices when it is assured that the cow is a “keeper.”
Winter Weather Cattle Management
Winter may be arriving early for Tennessee and the Upper Mid-South may be earlier
than “normal.” As this is being written, there is forecast of snow I upper East Tennessee. This
means that cattle producers should make plans to manage their herd to reduce the effect of the
cold weather. As temperatures decline, performance also drops off. Following are some suggestions that should be considered to reduce the impact of cold weather.
Allot additional feed. This should be “good quality” forages. Hays will generate more
heat than feeding concentrate. A good rule of thumb for feeding hay is to increase the ration
one percent for each degree below 32 degrees.
Stay informed with weather conditions. Watch and listen for future weather conditions.
Feed should be increase two to three days before the “cold front” hits the area.
Provide Shelter for the Cattle . This can be a wooded area or better still, a Southern Exposure
is very effective. This will reduce the “wind chill.” Calves that are dropped in an area
that has some type of wind break will have a better chance of survival.
Adjust for rain or snow. Cattle with a “winter hair coat” generally are able to provide
some insulation unless it gets wet. With wet hair, the insulation ability is reduced and the cattle experience increased chill. Generally, we experience mild winters in Tennessee and the Upper Mid-South and with planning and additional manage, the effects of winter can be reduced.
November 2012 Update
Hot Weather Experienced This Past Summer May Have Reduced Breeding Potential of
Bulls
The unusually warm summer we recently completed might have reduced the reproductive
potential of the herd bull/ Research conducted at UT has demonstrated that elevated temperature
has a negative effect of heat on embryonic survival. Additional research with bulls at
the Highland Rim Educational Center also showed young bulls running on fescue pasture during
the summer resulted in reduced reproduction.
Elevated temperatures have a negative effect on spermatogenesis and approximately 45
days are required for the process to regain adequate production to effectively settle cows. Do, if
cow-calf producers now have the bull running with the cow herd for early fall calving
(September) this means that the bulls may not have had the time to recover and get the sperm
production back to an effective level.
A Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) conducted prior to the breeding season
would aid in identifying bulls that would have reduced reproductive potential.
Noble Foundation Survey Showed That Calves Marketed at Large Barns Brought a
Higher Price
Noble Foundation market specialists conducted a survey of livestock auction markets in
an effort to determine physical characteristics that impacted feeder cattle prices. One of
the surprises of the survey were the impact of “large” auction markets on feeder calf prices.
Calves that were marketed at large auction brought a higher price. With all other items being
equal, the researchers observed a premium of $2.21 per cwt. over calves sold at smaller
barns.
Wal-Mart Ends Contract With National Beef
The National Beef Packing Company of Moultrie, Georgia, lost its contract with
Wal-Mart. The plant provided case ready beef , hamburger and pork to Walmart. National Beef
is a nation-wide concern and had sales of $6.8 billion in 2011. The plant in Georgia employs
about 400 people. Submitted by Jim Neel
Checking Cattle Is Never Obsolete
Some cattle production and marketing practices may be considered obsolete and may
not “pay off” financially. But there is one essential practice that is out of date and can pay large
financial dividends. This practice is checking the cattle herd at least once daily and during calving and other critical times, twice daily is even better. Lots of folks do not take this practice
seriously but it is one that can contribute to the economic wellbeing of the operation.
Currently, with the added incidence of cattle rustling, it would certainly be an advantage
to observe and count the cattle at least daily. If cattle were rustled the producer might be able to
communicate with law enforcement officers the hours the cattle might have been stolen.
According to an “old Agricultural Economics report,” the time spent checking cows
during the calving season pays largest dividends than any other activity that could be carried out
during the same time of year. Check at least twice daily and with first-calf heifers, observe
them three times daily. With the current cost of production, it is worth the effort to save every
calf.
The breeding season for fall-dropped calves is underway. Observing the herd during the
breeding season and recording cows that were mounted, record the date and pay particular attention to the bull. How is his physical condition? In addition, daily checking of the cattle results in the animals improving their docility and relationship to the producer.
Producers that observe their cattle herd have minimal costs but pays large dividends
and is never obsolete. Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resource development are provide by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments
cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.
Cannon County – UT Extension
utextension.tennessee.edu/cannonwww.cannoncountyfarmersmarket.comhttp://www.facebook.com/UTExtensionCannonCounty
