An Employee-Owned Company

Winter 2006

Production Information For Florida Cattlemen From Suga-Lik®
A Product of U.S. Sugar Corp.
 

Along The Path To A Twelve Month Calving Interval

Most ranchers share some goals in common. Among these goals is a calving interval of twelve months; attained in an economical manner. Most cattlemen would agree that maintaining a cow body condition score between five and six (BCS 5 and BCS 6) will go a long way in helping attain that profitable calving interval goal.

The predominant improved warm season pastures are Bahia grass. While Bahia grass offers agronomic advan-tages over many other types of forage, it is typically lower in protein, energy, and some minerals than many other grasses. U.S. Sugar has strived over the last eight years to develop a nutritive data base for Bahia pastures throughout Florida.

Application of these data to nutrient requirement equations published in the National Academy of Sciences, National Research Council, Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle (2000 ed.) has provided us with justifiable insight on supplemental nutrients needed to assist you in attaining your goal of a twelve month calving interval.

The example data in the Table below was developed by inputting the average monthly Bahia nutritive data into a “nutrient adequacy” model that considers the cow weight, stage of reproductive cycle, level of milk production, daily gain desired (if any), and calf birth weight. Based upon the nutrient level in the pasture forage, the model estimates forage intake, and predicted level of milk production and daily gain (or loss of weight). The model presumes forage availability is adequate for the consumption predicted and minimum expended energy for grazing. For the example in the Table, I used a “theoretical” cow herd with a cow full body weight of 1100 lbs and capable of weaning a steer calf weighing 500 lbs at 205 days of age. This equates to a cow with a “peak” milk production of about 20 lbs of milk per day.

Immediately prior to calving on January 1st all cows weighed 1100 lbs. Upon calving both unsupplemented and supplemented cows are predicted to lose 136 lbs (80 lb calf + 56 lbs associated gestation related tissues). It is important to understand that the nutrients used by the cow to produce the newborn calf and associated gestation tissues, and the weight gain of the calf until weaning MUST be replenished or body condition score will be lost!

The example in the Table illustrates performance predicted to occur under two scenarios. The “top” group of cows in the table receives no nutritional supplement. The “bottom” group receives a Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® supplement appropriate for the cow’s body weight, stage of reproduction, milk production, forage intake and forage nutrient composition. The model predicts by the end of January the unsupplemented cows will weigh 15 lbs less than the cows supplemented with 5.5 lbs of Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® Grass Mate HD/16 (#500). Continuing this comparison by month shows the average daily gain (loss) and the cumulative post calving weight gain (loss).

By the end of December the unsupplemented cows have lost 86 lbs and the cows on the Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® supplement program have gained 41 lbs. This equates to about 1.7 units difference in body condition score! If both groups of cows calved at a BCS 5, then by the end of the following December the Fully Fortified® Suga-Lik® supplemented group would have a BCS of about 5.5 and the unsupplemented group would have a BCS of about 3.8. Thus, as you know and research shows, the cows with a BCS<4 are significantly less likely to breed and ruin the opportunity for an economical 12-month calving interval. Supplementation pays, not costs. Supplementation is a year round process; not just after calving.

Stice Joins the Suga-Lik® Team

James Stice is the newest member of U.S. Sugar’s Suga-Lik® team and will focus much of his efforts in Northern Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Florida and was active in intercollegiate livestock judging and Block and Bridle. James has extensive experience in the beef cattle industry and is well prepared to provide valuable help toward your cattle business success.

His professional background includes the purebred cattle industry and UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. James places a high value on his family and friendships. When it’s time for enjoyment, James likes to head outdoors for a little fishing or hunting.

Call the dealer nearest you or 800-940-7253 or visit www.suga-lik.com

 
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