BEEF CATTLE WINTER FORAGE CALCULATOR
Animal Science
Joseph Walter
EXT AGT III MS
University of Florida
COCOA
Abstract
Winter feeding requirements for cow-calf operations in Florida constitute 40-60 percent of the annual operating budget. Often, cow-calf operators either over or under estimate their winter feed needs resulting in surplus resources being wasted or more often improper nutrition being provided the herd. Objectives: To raise producer awareness of the importance of accurate estimations, to provide them with an improved understanding of basic beef nutrition, and to enable them to improve enterprise efficiency through calculated winter feed estimations. Methods: Five programs have been delivered to producer and agent groups around the state. In these programs, participants were provided a “how to” EDIS publication AN244 Winter Feed Estimator: A Practical Tool for the Beef Cow-Calf Producer and a corresponding slide chart to be used to calculate herd dry matter requirements. Results: As a result of these programs 100% (n=120) of the participants indicated knowledge gain and 65% indicated that the results were significantly different than was expected (most indicated that the calculated value was much larger than expected). Conclusion: Producers who rely on uncalculated estimations typically under estimate herd requirements. The effect of this error results in longer calving seasons, lower weaning weights, and increased secondary health issues. By properly feeding their herd producers will see improved operating efficiencies.
Authors: Walter, J. H., Warren, M. W., Hersom, M. J., Jennings, E. W.
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Walter, J. H. Ext Agt II MS, University of Florida, Brevard County, Florida, 32709
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Warren, M. W. Ext Agt II MS, University of Florida, Flager County, Florida, 32110
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Hersom, M. J. Extension Beef Cattle Specialist/Associate Professor, University of Florida, Florida, 32611
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Jennings, E. W. Extension Agent IV, University of Florida, Pasco County, Florida, 33513