ANN 121: Applied Animal Nutrition-I (2+1)

REDUCING NUTRIENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE HERD

• Lactation represents the greatest nutrient demand for animals during a production cycle.
• Lactation increases demand for energy, protein, and other nutrients.
• One of the simplest ways to reduce nutrient requirements is to wean the young ones.
• This practice can cut nutrient requirements by one-third to one-half depending on milk production of the animal.
• Early weaned animals can achieve adequate rates of growth if given access to a high quality ration.
• Dry animals will eat less than lactating animals further reducing demand on feed.
• By removing the nutrient requirements for lactation, growth and reproduction will receive a greater proportion of the nutrients available.

Drylot Feeding

• If pasture conditions are extremely poor, producers may consider feeding animals in drylot. This may be more cost effective than supplementation.