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SOUTH FLORIDA WINTER SUPPLEMENTATION SEMINAR

Animal Science

Christa Kirby
Extension Agent IV Livestock
U.F./IFAS.-Extension
Palmetto

Abstract

South Florida is a unique environment to raise cattle. Producers are able to graze year-round providing forage for their cattle. Issues arise when forage quality and quantity declines and cows begin declining in body condition score (BCS) when suckling a calf. The extension agents in South Florida noticed a need for providing information that producers could use to properly and economically supplement their animals through the winter months. The South Florida Winter Supplementation Seminar was developed to meet these needs. The seminar covers cattle nutritional requirements, forage supplementation, winter supplementation programs and managing cost of supplementation. Each topic is explained by extension specialists and agents to assist producers in gaining a full understanding of how to properly provide supplemental nutrients to their animals. Research has shown that BCS is directly correlated to reproductive efficiency. In a state where the cow-calf enterprise is the predominant sector of the cattle industry this becomes important. When explained to producers that the difference between a cow in a BCS-3 versus a cow in a BCS-5 can mean a difference of $223 or more in calf weaned per cow exposed they begin to understand the importance. In two years 87 producers have attended the course. In response to post program surveys 45 percent have reported an increase in knowledge and 89 percent plan to implement techniques they learned during the seminar. One of the techniques which producers are implementing is to begin the supplementation program before you begin to see BCS decline in your cattle. Authors: Wiggins*, L.J., Kirby*, C. L., Carlisle, B. , Davis, C. B., Hersom, M., Hogue, P. J., Prevatt, T. R., Lancaster, P., Vendramini, J.
  1. Wiggins*, L.J. Extension Agent , UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33975
  2. Kirby*, C. L. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 34221
  3. Carlisle, B. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33831
  4. Davis, C. B. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 34972
  5. Hersom, M. Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Animal Sciences, Florida, 32611
  6. Hogue, P. J. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 34972
  7. Prevatt, T. R. Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Florida, 33471
  8. Lancaster, P. Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865
  9. Vendramini, J. Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Florida, 33865