As the drought continues, cattle producers are asking how to stretch their pastures. Two major techniques may be pursued, according to Iowa State University Extension beef specialist Denise Schwab. One is to reduce the grazing pressure from the animal side, and the other is to supplement the amount of feed available.
"Animal grazing pressure can be reduced in two ways, reducing cow numbers through selective culling and weaning calves early," Schwab says. "Consider culling any cows with structural, health, reproductive or attitude problems. Early pregnancy checking with ultrasound may be another tool to help tighten the calving period and cull very late cycling, open cows."
There are two ways to stretch pastures in prolonged dry weather conditions. Reduce grazing pressure on pastures and supplement the amount of feed available.
Tighten the calving period and cull the very late cycling, open cows
Research has shown calves can be successfully weaned as young as 90 days or less, but consistently weaned at 100-120 days of age. Some of that success depends on giving one round of vaccinations to the calves prior to weaning, and creep feeding for 10-14 days prior to weaning. Weaning reduces the nutrient requirements of the cow 30% to 50%, allowing for energy intake to go toward cow maintenance rather than milk production. Creep feeding is another tool to reduce the feed requirements on the cow, but feed efficiency of creep feeding is extremely variable. Calves tend to be more efficient after weaning when fed directly.
"The second technique is to supplement the cow while on the pasture," she says. "There are several considerations for this, including labor and equipment to feed, controlling feed waste, and the cost of the supplemental feed."
Feed cost is your major consideration, and how to control feed waste
Feed cost really needs to be the major consideration, followed by the issue of how to deliver and control feed waste. Many producers will want to feed hay as the supplement, which seems like the logical solution, Schwab says. However, if feeding hay on pasture, producers need to be extremely conscientious about control waste and limiting intake. If allowed full-time access to hay, cows can easily consume far more than is needed.