16 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN February 2024 BEEF UP Beef up with BOVAMINE DEFEND® Plus. An innovative combination of four proven strains of good bacteria, BOVAMINE DEFEND Plus supports cattle gut health and immunity, allowing cattle to be more productive. Research also shows improvements in feed efficiency, cattle performance, dressing percentage and hot carcass weight — all helping to beef up your profit potential, too. It’s the power of good bacteria at work. Scan to learn more. YOUR CATTLE. YOUR OPERATION. YOUR BOTTOM LINE. Chr Hansen BDP_Half page_NECattlemen_Fall2023.indd 1 10/10/23 11:07 AM Identifying what your forages are lacking will help with planning ahead in procuring supplementary sources of energy and protein before cold stress or inclement weather create dire need. Supplement for Success “We live in the land of distillers grains,” McCarthy says. “It’s a versatile byproduct that can pack a punch on energy and protein, especially when lower quality forages are at play.” Additionally, soil types, forage quality and bioavailability of minerals all play a role in determining which mineral supplements may be best for your herd. Talking with your mineral supplier is a good place to start. “Mineral is one of those supplements that is often overlooked,” Herrick says. “Because it’s not something you see right away, it’s hard to know immediately that action is needed. But a moderate mineral deficiency over years and years will show up as issues in reproduction, foot health and a number of other areas, so managing it consistently will only be of benefit.” Probiotics can also be of benefit when it comes to “maintaining normal” regarding herd health. “With probiotics, the goal is maintaining normal herds,” Schutz says. “Wind, rain, snow, mud and low-quality forages are all examples of potential stressors that can cause economic losses. Supplementing with probiotics can minimize economic losses due to these often unavoidable stressors.” Probiotics are nothing new in feedlot nutrition and have grown in popularity for range cows as product shelf life has improved. “Tubs, blocks, liquid supplements and mineral mixes are all viable options, depending on each operation’s needs,” Schutz says. “Probiotics are easy to feed and ensure cows and calves alike stay healthy with fully functioning immune systems.” Range probiotic products offer live bacteria in a more stable form, allowing for easier application and still guaranteeing the levels of live bacteria needed for ruminant systems. NUTRITION IS HEALTH CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 BCS Post-Partum Interval (Days) 3 89 4 70 5 59 6 52 7 31 80 55 › HOW BODY CONDITION RELATES TO INTERVAL FROM CALVING TO FIRST HEAT ›
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