PASTURE SUPLEMENTATION. Division Forage Science and Pasture Technology

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1 PASTURE SUPLEMENTATION Division Forage Science and Pasture Technology

2 Why supplement cattle consuming forage based rations? Improve Animal Performance Stretch the Forage Supply Improve Economic Return

3 When I need to supplement, does it matter what I supplement? Does it matter when I supplement?

4 The most common pasture supplement - Grain Is it the right one for my situation?

5 Factors Affecting Nutrient Requirements 1. Stage of Production 2. Age 3. Size and Body Condition 4. Milk Production 5. Weather / Topography 6. Length of Breeding Season 7. Breed

6 Why determine mineral & vitamin inadequacies, interactions, and toxicities? Cellular level Act as co-factors, co-enzymes metabolic processes Structural component (bones/teeth) Nerve impulses Osmotic balance Co-transporters

7 Why determine mineral & vitamin inadequacies, interactions, and toxicities? Economic Level Reduced reproductive performance Reduced growth rate Suppressed immune function Nutritional disorders Milk fever Grass tetany PEM White muscle disease Goiter

8 Is Something Going On We Can t Always See?

9 Variation in mineral content of forages Soil type,ph, soil nutrients Seasonal variation Spring season cool season forages Mg deficiency Type forage Ca: Legumes > grasses Plant stage of maturity

10 Mineral Interactions Also Play A Role in Deficiencies. Calcium - Phosphorus Copper Sulfur Molybdenum Copper Iron Copper - Zinc

11 Other minerals of importance Iodine Cobalt Molybdenum

12 Comparative Capacity of the GI Tract of Different Species Gastrointestinal Tract, % BW Man Pig Cattle Sheep & Goats Horse

13 Forage preference by herbivores Forage type Cattle Sheep Goats Horses Grasses (Pastures) Forbs (Weeds) Browse (Shrubs) 70% 60% 20% 90% 20% 30% 20% 0.04% 10% 10% 60% 0.06%

14 Hours spent grazing / browsing per day C S G H C = Cattle S = Sheep G = Goats H = Horses

15 Associative Effects on Forage Digestion Effects may be negative or positive High starch containing feeds have a negative effect on forage digestibility Highly digestible fiber feeds do not have this negative effect

16 Guidelines for Supplementation Management Forage is the foundation Successful nutrition is almost always based on forage Pasture, browse or hay must be of adequate quality and quantity

17 Guidelines for Supplementation Management Manage for quality hay Harvest at optimal stage of maturity Forage test to assess quality Store in barn or under cover Minimize soil contact during storage

18 Guidelines for Supplementation Management If needed, supplement efficiently Provide quality mineral supplement Base supplements on forage tests Replacements, first kid does and thin does may need additional supplementation Low quality hay or forage may require supplemental protein Avoid high levels of corn (>0.4% BW)

19 The Nutrition Program Should be as simple as possible and supply nutrients for the doe to: Give birth to strong healthy kids Produce an adequate amount of milk to maintain kid s growth Maintain body condition score Rebreed on schedule

20 Principles of Nutritional Management Nutrient needs of goats vary throughout the production cycle Quantity and quality of the feed needed vary throughout the production cycle Forage availability and quality also vary throughout the year. Understanding the above and planning and managing the nutrition program is key to success

21 Steps in Balancing Rations Identify the animals to be supplemented Classify the animals by Weight Age Purpose Lactating Wean-offs Slaughter Vegetation management

22 Steps in Balancing Rations Select nutrient allowances to fit the animal s need

23 Steps in Balancing Rations Select feeds and supplements to meet nutrient requirements Pasture and hay are the least expensive base feeds in Tennessee (most of the time) Supplemental ingredients should be selected for nutritional value, local availability, price, palatability and safety

24 Steps in Balancing Rations Determine the amounts of each ingredient to use Begin by testing base forage Estimate the amount of base forage, then calculate the nutrients that are lacking A trial-and-error approach works for most common rations

25 Environmental Stress Plan for additional feed during cold weather stress Forages produce more heat of fermentation than concentrates Provide shelter Heat stress effects intake, digestibility and the rate of passage

26 Feed Additives Available to improve performance, prevent disease or improve feed or forage efficiency Not many approved for goats Products and guidelines are constantly changing Follow manufacturers and Quality Assurance guidelines

27 Evaluation of Nutritional Status Reproductive success and optimum health are linked to nutritional status Nutritional Status Evaluation Body Condition Score Forage Analysis Blood and Liver Analysis Fecal Egg Count and FAMACHA Water Qualtiy Analysis