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Managing high feed costs

A livestock nutritionist has some advice for cattle producers challenged by high feed costs.

NT Cosby with Purina Animal Nutrition says widespread drought has limited hay supplies while grain prices remain elevated.

“Making decisions very tough for producers to decide either how to feed their through this, or whether they need to take some harder decisions such as culling cows and culling deeply into their herds.”

He tells Brownfield producers attempting to feed through this difficult cycle can early wean calves.

“For every three calves you’ve got out there at this point, they’re consuming as much forage as one mature cow. Early weaning can extend grazing for the cows, and those calves at this weight are very efficient at converting feed to gains.”

After weaning, Cosby recommends supplemental grain feeding and says feeding smaller amounts in well-drained areas can reduce waste. For operations in dryer climates, he suggests unrolling hay or processed forages.

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