Keeping
Cows Productive: How to Determine When & What
Chet Fields, Ph.D., PAS
and Patrick B. Whidden, M.S., PAS
 We
frequently hear the questions, “When should I start
supplementing?” and “What product should I use?” There
is no such thing as nutritionally perfect
forage relative to the mother cow’s nutritional requirements.
This is true regardless of time of year, geographical
location or stage of cattle production.
With this in mind, consider these
questions on four key factors:
1) How much forage do I have
available?
2) What is the nutrient composition
of my forage throughout the year?
3) Considering variation in forage
quality with time of year, how
much forage (nutrients) are my
cows likely to consume at
different stages of production?
4) What are the nutrient
requirements of my cows?
 If we can answer ALL four
key factors questions and are willing
to “push a pencil,” the answer to the
“What and When” questions are readily
determined. We’ll help and work with
you to answer these questions.
June through
October are typically“
wet” months of abundant forage
supply in Florida. Therefore, forage
quantity isn’t a problem during this
period in “average” years. Forage
quality, as measured by how well the
forage nutrient composition meets the
nutrient requirements of the cow and
her calves (the one on the ground and
the one she’s pregnant with), can be a
challenge. The chart at right shows the
variation in the ratio of total digestible
nutrients (TDN) to crude protein (CP)
in Bahia with time of year. Research
demonstrated that anytime the ratio
of TDN to CP is greater than about 7:1,
protein is likely limiting the rumen
digestion of the forage. When this
occurs, forage intake is estimated to
decrease by about 2 lbs. or approximately
10%. If you calve in December
and your cows are suckling calves in
August they’re likely to be producing
about 10 lbs. of milk. In August, Bahia
alone will meet about 65% of her protein
requirement and 80% of her TDN
requirement. Without adequate supplementation
of rumen degradable protein
and energy, body condition scores* will
decrease and reproduction efficiency
will suffer. This will occur even if you
have an adequate mineral and vitamin
supplementation program. The TDN:
CP ratios shown in the chart indicate
that typically, protein and energy
supplementation should begin in
August and continue through March.
 *BEWARE: During the last trimester
of gestation, spring-of-rib and fetus
weight gain may be confused with
adequate body condition.
There is a Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® product formulated
to meet all of your cow’s nutrient requirements at any
time of the year and for any stage of
production. Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® formulations
are based upon knowledge of nutrient requirements as
published by the National Academy of
Sciences, an extensive nutrient database
of Florida forages, realistic predictions
of forage and supplement intakes and
wholesome, nutritious ingredients. We
believe this is a sound approach to
developing your nutrition program.
Commitments
Pat Whidden
We are committed to mutual success...yours and ours. Our
approach: “If it’s good for your business, then it’s
good for
ours.” To accomplish this approach, we’ve made commitments.
First, we’re committed to the cattle industry, We are
active members and supporters of the Florida Cattlemen’s
Association, Florida Cattlemen’s Foundation and National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association. We intend to be knowledgeable
of your industry’s problems and opportunities. Along with
that, we’re committed to discovering improved feeding
practices and programs for beef cattle. U.S. Sugar invests
heavily in university as well as private research.
Recently, our company demonstrated a major commitment
to the feed business by implementing an expansion
and further modernization of our Clewiston liquid feed
manufacturing facility. We’re committed to producing
wholesome, safe Suga-Lik® products. We take advantage of
our membership in the American Feed Industry Association
to learn new techniques and technology; we’re committed
to continuous improvement.
U.S. Sugar’s most important commitment to you is
its staff of employees. The feed production staff, led by
Matt Beatty, endeavors to deliver a quality product in an
efficient, timely manner. Our manager of nutrition and
product development, Dr. Chet Fields, is one of the highest
skilled commercial nutritionists in the world. The office
staff, coordinated by Chris Beatty, work to make your
ordering and invoicing experience “hassle free.”
Finally, I’d like to tell you about our field representatives.
They are the finest in the industry. Their objective is to do
their professional best to ask you the right questions so they
may deliver pertinent, meaningful information and make
sound feeding and management recommendations that yield
your desired results. Many of you know Terry Weaver, who’s
been with us about 15 years or so. He and his family live in
Lake Placid; he primarily concentrates his efforts in the
southern half of Florida.
Meet Our New Guy
 Charlie
Hofer has recently joined our team and will focus much of his efforts
in Northern
Florida. He is a graduate of the University of
Florida and a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho
Agricultural Fraternity. He has extensive
experience in agribusiness, particularly the
feed industry and is certified by the American
Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Charlie’s skills
in cattle feeding and management, ration balancing, forage
analysis and fertilization will be valuable to our customers.
He and his wife, Kelli, live in Ocala and are involved in their
community, including the Marion County Farm Bureau.
Charlie’s played polo and team roped, and really enjoys
water sports.
Our team will miss Randy Samko. One of our many great
customers, Seminole Feed, recruited him to join its team. It’s
special when a customer recognizes value. We wish Randy
and his family the very best.
Again, we
aim to be successful by helping you toward your cattle business
success. These are some of the commitments
we’ve made to increase our effectiveness. My old
football coach called it “paying forward.” We do it hoping
that you will “pay back” by choosing U.S. Sugar and Fully
Fortified® Suga-Lik® as your feed supplier.
Call the dealer nearest you or 800-940-7253 or
visit www.suga-lik.com
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