We have covered proper nutrition in previous columns here. In this breeders’ issue of the Bull Pen, we thought an expansion of the previous articles was in order.

We have discussed in several previous articles the need for proper nutrition to be supplied to the cow herd. In this breeders’ issue of the Bull Pen, we thought an expansion of the previous articles was in order. Many comments were received and questions generated by the article, so hopefully we can satisfy some of those questions with the following discussion.

Of particular importance is the need for adequate nutrition 60 days before calving and the 60 to 90 days after calving. Cows should be gaining at least one pound per day before calving and carry this on through and beyond calving. Nutritional requirements are multiplied when the cow starts lactation. Both protein and energy consumption will increase. There is a fail-safe mechanism built into the cow—if nutrition is not adequate, she will not start the next reproductive cycle and breed back until her body is capable of maintaining it.

For those of us with the misfortune to be living and ranching in central America during one of the worst droughts on record, it will be especially challenging to provide proper nutrition to the cow calf pair. Some creative feeding strategies along with very useful feed additives are available to provide the needed nutrients for the cow. The breeder needing assistance should contact a professional with experience in dealing with these circumstances. Care should be given to fully evaluate some supplemental feed sources as the convenience they provide can be very expensive as well. Feedstuffs are becoming more economical to purchase if the producer is willing to do with a little less convenience.