Optimizing Cattle Health To Maximize Pounds

With cattle prices near or at record levels, optimizing health is even more important for producers looking to boost their bottom line. Dr. M Wayne Ayers, a veterinarian with Elanco in Wilder, ID, said nutrition is key to maximizing pounds now and into the future. He said the first place to look, the condition of the forage; is the grass green, or is it turning brown?

“If it's turning brown if it's maturing we know that the protein and energy levels are going to be dropping," Ayers noted. "Just because that plants maturing and it's harder to digest So we can look at that and say well, maybe there's a time there that I need to supplement or use some technology to help that cow. So For instance, I could be putting out a supplement when cattle are on brown grass, add some protein, and then add something, a product like Rumensin, which changes the microflora in the rumen and allows that cow to get more energy out of the forage that she can consume, which then makes her more efficient.”

Flies & Parasites Mean Less Money When It's Time To Sell

Diet is only part of the equation. Ayers said as temperatures warm up, it is key producers work to reduce the parasite load as well as the fly load.

“Horn flies rob about 15 pounds of weaning weight," Ayers said. "And so, you know that in this market at $4.50 for a weaned calf that we probably are going to see this fall, maybe even $5, that's a lot of money, and it is well worth investing $9, $10 into fly control to get a return of $70.”

Ayers noted when it comes to getting the best return on investment, it’s importing to focus on the wellbeing of that cow.

“When cattle are comfortable and happy and you know not under a great deal of stress whether that's nutritional or whether that's handling them," he said. "You know I can I can round up cattle in five minutes with a with about half a dozen four-wheelers, but that doesn't mean it's the best thing for the cows, right?”