Vitamin Supplementation Pays
Dividends to Cow/Calf Producers
By Dr.’s Mark Engstrom and Will Seymour, Roche Vitamins Inc.
Vitamins were first identified in the early 20th century and yet scientists continue to discover new roles of vitamins in animal health and productivity.
Vitamins A, D and E are essential for normal vision, growth and development, reproduction and immunity in beef cattle, and yet these nutrients are not always supplied at optimal levels in beef cow and calf feeding programs. Vitamins constitute less than 2% of the cost of feeding beef cattle but are involved in virtually 100% of the essential body functions. Recent studies demonstrate that optimum vitamin supplementation is a nutritional management tool that pays.
Supplemental Vitamin E Increases Weaning
Weight
in Calves from Winter-Calving Cows
 For the examples shown, I've estimated that a dry cow
weighing 1,000 pounds, during last trimester of gestation, will consume about 18 lbs. of Bahia dry
matter. Similarly,
I've estimated that a 1,000 lb. cow producing 20 lbs. of milk at the peak of her lactation will consume about 23 lbs. of
Bahia dry matter. This cow should average about 13 lbs. of milk over her entire lactation and be capable of weaning a
500 lb. steer calf. The nutrient values shown are averages for Bahia over the last three years (actual samples taken, n=264).
Individual pastures vary substantially. The heavy horizontal lines labeled either "Dry" or "Peak" identify the nutrient
requirement for protein and minerals or in the case of energy, the estimated intake of dry
matter for dry and peak lactation cows. Nutrient requirements are those defined
by the National Academy of Sciences, Committee on Animal Nutrition (NRC).
The amount of nutrient required was divided by the estimated dry matter intake of Bahia to obtain the
dietary concentration.
MSU Recommended Weaning
Strategy Includes Vitamin E
 In a cooperative study involving 12 ranches and 2,300 calves, Montana State University researchers Fennewald et al compared a MSU-recommended weaning supplement (providing 200 IU of vitamin E/hd/day for 28 days) to the ranches’ standard program(s). Health and performance records were analyzed per ranch, and subsequent feedlot performance compared. Initial results from this ongoing study showed improvements in calf health, post-weaning gain, and feedlot ADG. As shown at right, calves receiving the MSU supplement (either liquid or pelleted form) gained faster and were considerably healthier than calves on the control programs.
Feedlot Studies Show Benefits to Vitamin E
Several researchers have investigated the effects of supplemental vitamin E on health and performance of incoming feedlot cattle. In three sets of studies, cattle receiving 400-1,600 IU of vitamin E per day gained faster and were healthier in the first 28 days (Gill, 1986; Hays, 1987; Lee, 1985). These improvements were due to better immunity and maintenance of antioxidant status in a challenging, stressful environment for incoming feeder cattle. What about these responses in cattle already up on feed, healthy, and eating and growing normally? One researcher analyzed 21 feedlot studies in which cattle received 400-500 IU of vitamin E during the entire feeding period. In these studies, ADG improvement in the E-fed cattle was 12.6 lb/hd for the feeding period (Secrist, 1997).
Economics (Ratio of Return over Investment)
As shown in the table on the following page, the relatively low investment cost of additional vitamin E often returns value five or more times the cost of the investment. Furthermore, responses are often additive: healthier calves gain faster and incur less
medicine costs.
*Economic values used: $.02 per 1,000 IU of vitamin E, $.80/lb for weaned
calves, $.60/lb for fed cattle, $5/treatment for sick calves
References:
Bass, et al, 2001. AJVR, Vol 62:921-927.
Fennewald, et al, 2000. MSU Cattle Report, pg 53-59.
Gill, et al, 1986. OSU Animal Science Research Report, pg 240, Stillwater, Okla.
Hays, et al, 1987. OSU Animal Science Research Report, pg 198
Lee, et al, 1985. KSU Cattle Feeders Day Report, 474:14.
Secrist, et al, 1997. Effects of Vitamin E on performance of feedlot cattle: a review.
The Professional Animal Scientist, 13:47-54.
Price Shopping for a Few Bucks
a Ton Could Cost You a Ton!
By Pat Whidden, PAS
Making supplement purchasing decisions can be perplexing. Comparisons can be difficult. Perhaps, price shopping becomes “the path of least resistance.” Cheap gets confused with value and may lead to some cattlemen losing sight of their goals. Being a low cost producer does not mean searching out cheap feed supplements. Being a low cost producer means getting the most value.
What is important to you? Productive cattle? Being profitable? Regarding supplement purchasing decisions, it is important to first understand what your cattle need. Florida cattle need some supplemental nutrients every month of the year because no forage is ever a complete feed. Further, it is proven that during the typical time of year cows are lactating (and, which you are also trying to rebreed them), cows need supplemental energy, protein, minerals and vitamins in certain amounts and balances. Next, it’s important to understand what the product is and how it works. U.S. Sugar’s Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® liquid supplements are formulated to supply the nutrients your cattle need but forage lacks (see Feed for Thought Summer 2002, Winter 2001, Fall 2001, etc.).
It’s important to understand the feed label. When evaluating supplements, consider the amount intended to be fed (should be stated on the label). The nutrients should be listed on the label and daily intake of each can be calculated. Regarding liquid supplements, pay particular attention to dry matter (or moisture) and sugars...these are value indicators. Finally, a cost comparison might be necessary.
Sometimes the "cart gets put before the horse"...which is asking price first. This can be really costly. Here’s why.
If cattle performance is not achieved, a feed is expensive at any price.
If "performance" is defined as calving percentage, a 2% decrease in performance results in one less calf for 50 cows. Here’s some perspective: Let’s say an individual uses a 32% protein liquid supplement for his cow herd and "price shops" while ignoring the important factors discussed above. Let’s say his "price shopping" locates a product $5 per ton cheaper than Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik.® If the feeding rate is 3 lb/hd/day and he supplements for 150 days, 50 cows should consume 11.25 tons of supplement and he’d save $56.25. However, he risks performance due to lower nutrient intake! If he does experience only that 2% reduction (one calf!!), he’ll lose approximately $400. So, he is not a low cost producer. His feed cost actually went up compared to his production.
What is your definition of "performance"? Likely it’s a combination of two or three things. Be sure to keep your eye on the value of those performance measurements compared to supplement feed cost. Our operating philosophy here at U.S. Sugar’s feed business is clear. Our products have to help you make money, or we won’t survive...because you won’t. We’re in this thing together!
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