Nutrition An Investment In Generations Of Beef Cows

Investing in the health of individual cows is not just an short-term investment for producers, but an investment in the generational health of their operation.  Ted Perry, Director of Beef Technical Services at Purina Animal Nutrition said when it comes to reproduction, their research shows there is a hierarchy of nutrients cows need.

And, he said, that starts with minerals.

“If the cows don't have enough phosphorus in their system, the rumen microbes need phosphorus to generate energy, ATP, just like our cells do, if they're low on phosphorus, their fermentation rate slows down," Perry said.  "If the fermentation rate slows down, they're not digesting as much forage, therefore they're not getting as much energy and protein out of the forage as they normally do. So the number one issue is make sure she's on a good mineral program.”

Perry added that mineral program is especially important for momma and baby, especially into the summer months.  Perry said a focused nutrition plan will benefit the operation now and well into the future.

"Historically we thought we, get the cow bred, she's on cruise control till 30 days before calving. What we're finding now is as we feed mama all the way through the gestation program, the calf that she has is more fully developed, has a better immune system, and gets off to a better start," Perry said.  "They've also shown that those heifers that are developed under good fetal programming, they literally are more productive cows their whole life.” 

One of the biggest questions for all livestock producers is how to keep those cows pregnant when they’re fertilized.  Perry has tips on that important topic as well.  For his thoughts listen to our podcast with Perry:

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