Chris Cassady, Ph.D., BioZyme® Inc., Beef Technical Sales Manager Profitability in beef production is dependent upon output revenue exceeding input costs. Elevated calf prices have pushed gross returns yet profit margins have shrunk due to the rising cost of production. A general rule of thumb is that at least 60% of your operational expenses are […]
Tag: Nutrition
Prebiotics vs. Probiotics: How are They Different
Prebiotic and probiotic sound similar; in fact, with just one letter difference, you might even believe they function equally too. However, that is not the case. Both prebiotics and probiotics do play a role in the health of the bacteria found in the digestive tract. Yes, there are good bacteria in there. But they are […]
The Real Cost of Limiting Nutrients
– Dr. Les Anderson, Beef Extension Specialists, University of Kentucky Fall is rapidly approaching, and all cow-calf producers need to access the body condition score, or BCS of their herd. Spring-calving cows are weaned off and the fall is the most economical time to put weight back on. Now is also a key time to […]
How to Get Cows Bred Back the First Time
Bringing a new life into the world is perhaps one of the most exciting moments ever. However, it can be one of the most stressful too, because no matter how many books you read or classes you take, there is nothing to prepare you. That statement is true for humans, but even truer for the […]
How to Manage Consumption of Loose Mineral
Loose mineral has definite advantages in your cow-calf enterprise. It is a cost-effective way to supplement your cow herd, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need. However, too few vitamins and minerals won’t get the job done; and too much of a good thing will cost you, the producer, more than you budgeted for in […]
The Power of Protein: How to Determine Your Cow Herd’s Needs
Protein is a powerful nutrient for your cow’s digestive system and rumen to function properly. However, spending money on protein supplementation may not always be the best investment a cow-calf producer makes. You need to know when to supplement protein and how much to provide your herd to make it a wise investment in your […]
How Nutrition Works to Amplify Your Animals’ Health
Health and nutrition. To some livestock producers these terms might seem like the “chicken and egg” expression, and leave you wondering which one came first. Do you amplify your nutrition program to get your animals to perform to their highest potential? Or does a high-quality nutrition program help keep your animals healthy and therefore performing? […]
How Shortening Your Calving Intervals Impacts Profitability
When it comes to your cow herd’s reproductive performance, shortened calving intervals should be a proactive part of your management protocol. But, did you know that the fewer days you calve each year, the more profit potential you are looking to add back into your pocket book? There are several ways that shortening your calving […]
One Mineral Does It All: Keeping Calves Alive and Getting Cows Bred
Cattle producers rely on reproductively sound females to provide them a live calf every 365 days. With proper management, good nutrition and sound breeding decisions, a live calf is typically delivered, and the mama cow keeps her baby alive and thriving. However, what if a hidden culprit wiped out a big percentage of your calf […]
Give your Calves a Jump-Start the Natural Way
Taking chances usually isn’t easy. In fact, it can be down-right scary. Cody Murphy, owner of Standing M Livestock at Greenville, Ala., faces a lot of challenges, as he preconditions high-stressed, high-risk, weaned calves straight from the sale barn and prepares them for backgrounding on rye grass. Throughout the year, Murphy contracts load lots of […]
