Proper Winter Feeding
Increases Gains
KANSAS CITY, Mo. Since winter feed
costs make up a high percentage of total cow
costs, it’s important to develop a feeding prog
ram that allows the herd to be carried through
the winter at least expense while still maintain
ing health and body condition.
Dr. John Hough, research and performance
director for the American Hereford Association,
said nutritional requirements of dry, mature pre
gnant cows are only slightly above maintenance
and lower than other periods in the annual pro
duction cycle. Because of these low nutrient
requirements, this group is able to utilize a lower
quality bf forage than any other group of cattle..
Feed of only 5.8 percent to 6.4 percent crude
protein and S 3 percent to 56 percent total diges
tible nutrients (TDN) is sufficient This provides
an opportunity to cut winter feed costs by using
feed such as crop residues, mature grasses, low
quality hay, and other lower-quality feeds.
“Nutrient requirements, as well as manage
ment, increase dramatically after calving. Nutri
ent requirements are directly related to the
cow’s milk production. If adequate milk produc
tion and rebreeding are to be achieved, feed
quality and quantity must be increased,” Hough
said. “You must be sure nursing cows are get
ting good forage and feed supplements.”
Research shows that for maximum lifetime
production, heifers should first calve as 2-year
olds. Adequate nutrition and management are
essential if heifers are to reach the ideal breed
ing weight of 600 to 750 pounds.
“Replacement heifers must have greater pro
tein and energy percentages in their feed than
mature cows,” Hough said. “In addition, newly
weaned heifer calves require closer observation
to detect weaning stress or lack of nutrition.”
By supplying your herd with adequate nutri
tion without overfeeding, you can more easily
maintain a healthy herd, reducing the risk of
sickness, keep feed costs in line, and realize gre
ater profits.
Gelbvieh Breeder
Recognized
WESTMINSTER, Colo. Dunwalke Farm,
Far Hills, NJ. was recently recognized by the
American Gelbvieh Association (AGA) as the
owner of three Gelbvieh cows exhibiting the
consistent maternal efficiency typical of “The
Mother Breed of Beef.”
The AGA has designated these outstanding
beef females as dam of merit or dam of
distinction.
Maternal productivity plays a major role in
profitable beef production, as nearly 60 percent
of the cost of producing a pound of beef can be
attributed to the cow herd. Research has demon
strated that fertility and calving ease followed
by milk, growth and carcass cutability have the
biggest influence on profit in a retained owner
ship (conception to carcass) system.
Cattlemen agree that Gelbvieh have strong
maternal attributes with the added benefits of
growth and carcass cutability. Given the
increased emphasis on the efficient production
of lean beef, the Gelbvieh breed is in an excel
lent position to increase its influence on the beef
industry.
The title “Dam of Merit” recognizes cows
with at least three calves that meet strict selec
tion criteria including early puberty and concep
tion, regular calving intervals and above
average weaning weights. The “Dam of Distinc
tion” honor recongizes cows that meet the same
high standards for superior, long-term produc
tivity with at least eight calves.
For more information on Gelbvieh cattle and
AGA programs, contact the American Gelbvieh
Association at 10900 Dover Street, Westmin
ster. CO 80021. (303) 465-BEEF.
OCTOBER IS CO-OP MONTH
WHEN IT
COMES TO
DESCRIBING
AMERICA’S
CO-OPS,
THE SKY’S
THE LIMIT
The nation’s 47,000 co
operatives are big and
small. They serve 120 million
people in all 50 states. And,
they’re located everywhere -
cities, towns, suburbs and
throughout rural America.
Providing goods and services as
economically and efficiently as
possible is their first order of business.
And as locally owned and controlled
businesses, co-ops are unique
because of their commitment not only
to the people they serve but also to
their communities.
You’ll find co-ops for credit and
financing, electric and telephone
adc
1225 Industrial Highway
Southampton, PA 18966
215-322-0200
Pairylea
Cooperative Inc. $
P.O. Box 4844, Syracuse, N.Y. 13221
coopemms
EXPANDING * .
PEOPLES SMI
RIZONS
The Milk Cooperatives serving the dairy
farmers in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New
York and Virginia are proud to be a part
of this great cooperative enterprise.
8257 Dow Circle
PO Box 368017
800-837-6776
800-654-8838
service, insurance, housing, day care,
health care, food, farm marketing and
supply, news services, florists and
much more.
For years co-op have been expanding
horizons for the people they serve. In
their own words: “It’s just good
business, and it works for the benefit
of our neighbors, our communities
and for our country too.”
# MARYLAND AND VIRGINIA MILK
PRODUCERS COOPERATIVE
' ASSOCIATION, INC.
1985 Isaac Newton Square
Reston, VA 20190-5002
703-742-6800
mwj MID AMERICA
DAIRYMEN, INC.
600 Liberty Road, Sykesville, MD 21784
800-735-2025
Mount Joj
Co-op
Route 230
M#lj West of Mt. Joy, Pi
AAtT 717-653-5431
lil / O ver 60 years
]| U of service