Are you maximizing your cattle's growth potential in winter? Discover how strategic feeding can significantly enhance calf performance and profitability.
Understanding the Impact of Distillers Grains
Feeding Dry Distillers Grains (DDGs) has proven to dramatically enhance the average daily gain in calves. Research indicates a significant difference: calves fed a standard diet averaged a meager 0.18 pounds per day, while those supplemented with DDGs achieved an impressive 1.32 pounds daily gain. This remarkable statistic underscores the commercial viability of incorporating DDGs into cattle feeding regimens, providing a stellar opportunity for producers to boost profitability.
Effective Feeding Strategies for Optimal Growth
The method of feeding DDGs is equally crucial. It's recommended to utilize feeders instead of ground feeding, as research suggests ground feeding can lead to waste levels up to 40 percent. By adopting efficient feeding practices, producers can ensure maximum feed utilization and minimize losses, further enhancing cost-effectiveness in raising calves.
During a recent Winter Stocker Tour near Lexington, Nebraska, participants gleaned valuable insights from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) beef systems specialist, Dr. Mary Drewnoski. She discussed the importance of winter feeding and backgrounding, particularly the benefits of strategically using DDGs while grazing on corn residue, which can typically provide excellent nutrition for calves.
The Role of Implants in Winter Backgrounding
Adding another layer of strategy, using Ralgro implants during winter backgrounding can further increase gains. By switching from an average gain of 1.19 pounds to an elevation of 1.34 pounds per day, the economic incentive becomes compelling. Dr. Jim MacDonald from UNL highlighted how feeding methods combined with implants can create impressive outcomes, asserting that these enhancements maximize growth and efficiency.
- Implant Strategies:
- Increased daily gain during winter backgrounding: 1.19 to 1.34 pounds
- Enhanced weight gains during summer with implants: 0.20 to 0.25 pounds per day
- Consistent positive outcomes over multiple years
These strategies are not merely theoretical. In real-world applications, a study indicated that calves with Ralgro implants showed significant performance improvements, promoting not only immediate weight gain but also sustainable growth trajectories going into the summer months.
Calculating Economic Benefits
Economic calculations are crucial for cattle producers. The decision to implement DDGs and Ralgro or other implants must take into account the overall weight gains achieved and the input costs involved. Historical data reveals that using Ralgro consistently resulted in positive financial outcomes over 20 years, making a strong case for its integration into cattle management plans.
Dr. MacDonald emphasized the importance of understanding both winter and summer rates of gain as this knowledge allows producers to make informed choices leading to increased profitability. Utilizing implants offers an opportunity to maximize feed intake efficiently while minimizing the cost per gain.
Nutritional Needs of Cattle Exploring Corn Residue
The grazing of corn residue is another avenue that can be explored for cattle feeding strategies. Drewnoski noted that adequate planning is necessary to meet the nutritional needs of cattle. As residue management plays a crucial role in the growth of calves, producers are encouraged to assess the corn yield to optimize grazing time. The more bushels harvested correlate directly with the duration of grazing available, confirming the significance of strategic feeding and efficient pasture management.
Utilizing Supplementation Wisely
Supplementation plays a pivotal role when addressing calf weights and overall animal health. Drewnoski's research compared various supplementation strategies, showing a progression in daily gains
- Corn only: 0.31 pounds per day
- Corn plus urea: 0.53 pounds per day
- DDGs: 1.32 pounds per day
This progression emphasizes the superior protein content and energy provided by DDGs, making them indispensable for cattle raising. The supplementary feed's effectiveness is accentuated with the utilization of effective feeding structures, underscoring the need for producers to reconsider their feeding methods.
Contacting Experts for More Information
Cattle producers seeking more information on effective strategies can directly reach out to the experts involved in these studies for tailored advice or additional insight. Dr. Mary Drewnoski is available via X (Twitter) @Cattlenerd and through email at mary.drenowski@unl.edu. Dr. Jim MacDonald can be contacted at jmacdonald2@unl.edu to provide guidance on managing cattle feeding operations effectively.
Overall, understanding the benefits of DDGs, strategic feeding, and the effective use of implants present cattle farmers with sustainable solutions to maximize both calf growth and overall profits. By employing these tactics, producers can ensure their business remains competitive in the ever-demanding livestock industry.