When it comes to growing calves, the crude protein system doesn’t work well for cattle feeders. That’s the message Dr. Mary Drewnoski, University of Nebraska – Lincoln (UNL) professor and beef systems extension specialist, hopes beef producers understand.

If a cow does not get bred, she does not have a calf. That fact alone makes reproduction the number one driver of profitability in a cow-calf operation. But the conversation should not stop there.

As temperatures drop and winter sets in, beef cattle face increased stress due to cold weather, fluctuating feed intake and higher energy demands for thermoregulation. These stressors can suppress the immune system, making cattle more susceptible to respiratory diseases, digestive issues and other illnesses.

As dairy producers evaluate the economic, agronomic and nutritional demands on their farms, they ask, “How can I make best use of my acreage for the greatest return on investment?” That question challenges farm consultants to rethink traditional approaches.

We often don’t realize that like the football team, the microbes in the rumen have their own “positions” and responsibilities. The success of the ruminant digestive system is dependent on each microbial team member performing its function.

A well-balanced mineral and vitamin program is the foundation for healthy, productive and profitable cattle. However, when specific challenges arise, the strategic use of mineral additives can provide targeted solutions.

We’ve made it through another breeding season, and the constant hot temperatures are in full swing. The “dog days of summer” not only take a toll on your mood, but also become a consistent stressor to the cow herd.

Working alongside external mitigation, nutrition interventions can help to reduce the impact of heat stress. Together, they help keep internal processes balanced and alleviate some of the stress from higher heat and humidity.