Cattle Health Archives - American Cattlemen

How to Formulate a Successful Fall Deworming Plan

Posted on September 30, 2024October 1, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

How to Formulate a Successful Fall Deworming Plan

By M. Wayne Ayers, DVM, Beef Cattle Technical Consultant, Elanco Animal Health

A fall deworming program that reduces unseen nutrient-robbing parasite load can increase cattle health and improve growth and productivity.

Parasites can have visual impact, but more often the impact is hidden in decreased performance and efficiency. A well-designed treatment program can result in the capture of many more dollars at the end of the day.

Understanding the risk

There are at least 15 internal parasites that affect cattle in the U.S., with five typically blamed for the most serious economic losses.

The parasite that causes the most economic loss, and if left unchecked can cause permanent reduction in performance, is the brown stomach worm (Ostertagia). Untreated calves that experience a heavy Ostertagia load in early life may be less efficient because of damage done to the lining of the abomasum. Reduced growth rates and increased incidences of disease, such as respiratory disease, are also potential issues.

How to time parasite management

Internal parasites behave differently depending on geographic location and environmental conditions; therefore, treatment timing can vary by location and even pasture to pasture.

Treatment timing should be dictated by the life cycle of the parasite and producers are encouraged to work with their local veterinarian to help assess the most effective time to treat parasites in their regions, which parasites are of greatest concern for their herds and which product or combination of products are recommended.

There is no one gold standard for treating parasites, therefore treatment protocols must be dictated by risk and the opportunity to handle cattle. Begin with the ideal treatment plan for your specific location and parasite risk, then adapt that ideal to the operation’s management style and restrictions.

Cattle grazing in actively growing green grass consume and ingest parasite larvae causing active infection and production losses. Spring-born calves, having picked up internal parasites throughout the summer months, will likely come into the fall with heavy loads, making pre-weaning deworming programs especially critical.

A dewormer such as Cydectin, which is highly effective against inhibited and resistant parasite populations including Ostertagia can eliminate those worms and return calves back to a state of increased growth and weight gains.

Choosing a treatment plan

Choosing a parasite control product(s) depends on local risk, handling opportunity and other pests affecting cattle. This may mean choosing between a pour-on or injectable product.

If deworming cattle in late summer or early fall when fly pressure is still heavy, a pour-on product might provide the highest return on investment. When temperatures are cold and flies are not a concern, an injectable product would have the highest return, especially when treating lice with a pour-on product.

A toolbox of options

Elanco’s extensive portfolio of insecticides and parasiticides, which can control various parasites like flies, ticks, lice, mites and internal worms, includes Cydectin.

Cydectin, a pioneer macrocyclic lactone in the milbemycin subclass is effective against both internal and external parasites, and is available in different formulations for various applications, including pour-on, injectable and oral for sheep. By reducing parasite loads, cattle are expected to have an increase appetite utilizing nutrients more efficiently with increased growth rates and reduced disease incidence.

M. Wayne Ayers, DVM, Beef Cattle Technical Consultant, Elanco Animal Health

Moxidectin, the active ingredient powering Cydectin, is the latest molecule available in the macrocyclic lactone class and in the milbemycin subclass allowing it to be more effective against and less resistant to cattle parasites than its predecessors in the avermectin class.

If one has been using any of the avermectin products repeatedly or in rotation with each other, it is possible that resistance has been building and it may be time to reach for something unique, such as Cydectin.

Visit CydectinBeef.com or talk to your veterinarian or local Elanco representative about how Cydectin can benefit your strategic fall deworming protocol.

Keep Cydectin out of reach of children.

The Need for Feed Supplements

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

The Need for Feed Supplements

By Maura Keller

Though the need for supplemental minerals has long been understood, it historically has been relegated to the meteorological fall through winter season when good grass forage isn’t available. As grass comes up in the spring, producers begin pulling cattle off mineral supplements. But as Brad Thornberg, the President of SweetPro explains, this conventional practice is now undergoing a reevaluation.

“Producers are becoming increasingly aware of the beneficial impact year-round mineral supplementation has for improving cattle health and breeding performance,” Thornberg says. “Supplements help fill in gaps where important minerals are missing, even in good forage. This plays an important part in improving breedback/preg rates and supporting the calf in reaching its full genetic performance potential.”

Of course, not all mineral supplements perform the same. There is a significant difference in types of mineral, delivery systems and bio-availability to the animal.

SweetPro Feeds has a range of bio-available vitamin and mineral supplements that match the condition of forages consumed. As Thornberg explains, they are designed to support cleaning and breedback while improving forage-feed efficiency, energy, gain and overall herd health. SweetPro also offers products for backgrounding and feedlot operations. SweetPro minerals are available in solid no-molasses, DDGS-based blocks and the loose form MINEX. The blocks are built for even delivery to the entire herd as boss cattle do not “camp” on the products. All SweetPro supplements come with high omega3 and the postbiotic and multi-prebiotic yeast culture, ProBiotein^® to support rumen health.

Tim Starbuck, membership manager at Ruma-Lic Animal Products & Ruma-Lic Farms, adds that over the years, the supplements and mineral industry has evolved from simply addressing basic nutritional needs to offering highly specialized solutions.

“Initially, the focus was on broad-spectrum supplements, but now we’re seeing a shift toward precision nutrition. Supplements and minerals are crucial for maintaining optimal cattle health and productivity. They help address specific nutritional gaps that can affect growth, reproduction and immune function. Investing in the right products is essential because it ensures that cattle get balanced nutrition, which translates to improved feed efficiency and better overall performance,” Starbuck says. “From my perspective, this investment pays off by enhancing herd health and boosting productivity, ultimately leading to greater profitability for producers. It’s about making informed choices that support the long-term success of their operations.”

At Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed Liquid Feed and Ruma-Zyme Probiotics +, they’ve pioneered this shift by developing targeted formulations of proteins, fats and advanced enzyme technologies. As Starbuck explains, these innovations allow them to tailor supplements to the specific needs of each herd, enhancing feed efficiency and overall cattle health. This evolution reflects a broader trend towards personalized nutrition, which helps cattlemen achieve better performance and productivity.

Specifically, Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed specializes in advanced feed formulations that are customized to support specific herd requirements, enhancing both health and performance. Meanwhile, Ruma-Zyme Probiotics + provides eight beneficial species of bacteria and cutting-edge enzyme products that improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

“Our program is designed to help ranchers achieve optimal feed utilization, better growth rates, and enhanced reproductive success,” Starbuck says. “Our products are the result of rigorous research and are tailored to provide the best possible outcomes for each unique herd.”

According to Matt Luebbe, as a representative of NEMO Feed, many of the advances made in the supplement and mineral industry have evolved because of a better understanding of nutrient requirements.

“Public and private research has identified the need for supplementing nutrients based on the rations fed or region cattle are located,” Luebbe says. “By determining the gaps or missing nutrients in a specific ration we can now customize supplements or mineral packages for an individual farm or ranch based on the resources they have for a base ration.” Luebbe adds that technology used by feed manufacturers has improved the efficiency of production to build custom feeds for producers.

“Hand-calculations and phone calls were replaced by improved means of communication and feed balancing programs to expedite the process,” Luebbe says. “This technology is very useful but only as good as our understanding of the fundamental requirements and principles of nutrition. Computer programs do not understand biology, so the nutritionist needs to use the program along with experience.”

NEMO Feed is an independent, full-service feed manufacturer that provides nutrition and feed services to the Midwest. The company offers a full line of non-GMO multi-species feed, with the commitment to provide products and programs that promote more profitability to your operations. Products that manipulate nutrient use in the animal are rigorously evaluated prior to release into the marketplace. These value-added products are offered by NEMO using a state-of-the-art micro nutrient machine system to assist with specific supplement formulation.

Exploring Latest Advancements
The traditional way of feeding supplements has been with molasses as a mineral carrier/binder. However, the understanding of gut health has led to supplementation that does not contain simple sugars from molasses, but are rather designed to support rumen bacteria with complex carbohydrates and prebiotic fiber.

“The addition of yeast cultures has boosted cattle immune systems,” Thornberg says. “MOS and ß-glucan from the yeast cell wall help remove pathogens, while other prebiotic fibers from the yeast growth media support important rumen and lower-gut bacteria. In another development, support for weaning, heat and transportation stress has led to the use of natural anti-stress blend additives in supplements. Garlic too has found a place in the fight against flies, ticks and lice alongside feed-through IGR.”

One of the exciting advancements Starbuck is seeing is the development of precision probiotics and enzyme products with enhanced efficacy. For instance, Ruma-Lic Liquid Feed has introduced new probiotic formulations designed to optimize gut health and nutrient absorption specifically within the small intestines. Additionally, Ruma-Zyme Probiotics + has launched innovative enzyme products that significantly improve the breakdown of complex feed components, enhancing digestibility and overall nutrient uptake.

“We’re also utilizing data analytics to fine-tune these formulations based on real-time herd health data. These advancements are helping ranchers achieve unprecedented levels of productivity and efficiency in their operations,” Starbuck says.

Identifying the Ideal Solution
So, how can producers determine the best supplement and minerals that are ideal for their herds? Thornberg says forage sampling is a good indication of the current condition of pastures and what nutrients and minerals are needed. There are many factors that the producer needs to take into account.

“Chiefly, are they getting their money’s worth? Is the mineral available to the body and will it meet that animal’s needs in their current forage conditions?,” Thornberg says. “Cattle age is also a factor, as young developing calves and heifers will need a more accessible product than mature cattle.”

For Starbuck, determining the best supplements and minerals involves a comprehensive approach. He says producers should start with a thorough nutritional assessment, which includes analyzing forage quality and feed composition. Working with a livestock nutritionist can also provide valuable insights into specific needs.

“Additionally, using diagnostic tools and monitoring herd performance can highlight areas where supplementation is needed. By combining these methods, producers can select products that precisely match their herd’s nutritional requirements, leading to improved health and productivity,” Starbuck says.

Luebbe points out that the cost of production or the return on investment for producers is a very tight margin and constantly evaluated. Well managed operations look at many of the costs associated with supplementation on a cents per hd/day basis in addition to their return on investment.

“For crop production, farmers are using GPS to apply fertilizer or other products based on requirements for each row, or even a portion of the row,” Luebbe says. “We do not have the ability to individually feed each animal based on their specific requirements but still can tailor what is fed to each pen for most animals and remain profitable. The ‘one-size fits all’ mentality was used far too often for beef production in the past.’”

Continuous Improvements
The future of mineral supplementation is evolving towards use throughout the year, not just the fall and winter months. According to Thornberg, supplement products will target cattle gut health, the microbiome of the rumen and the lower gut tract, to support the reduction of antibiotic use.

“While the initial costs of year-round supplementation are higher, the boost in animal performance in all areas, from feed efficiency to fertility creates a greater return for the producer,” Thornberg says. “Nutrients from stools worked into the soil by dung beetles will increasingly improve the fertility of the pastures. The land is then benefited from enhanced feed efficiency. All stakeholders, producers, land managers and consumers benefit from these advancements in cattle health.”

Starbuck is optimistic about the future of supplements and minerals in the cattle industry. He says the industry is on the threshold of even more personalized and data-driven solutions that will revolutionize how we approach cattle nutrition.

“I foresee genetic advancement and data analytics leading to even more precise supplement formulations that enhance feed efficiency and overall health,” Starbuck says. “Furthermore, there’s a growing emphasis on sustainability, which will drive the development of environmentally friendly products. Overall, these innovations will significantly boost productivity, improve digestion, and support the long-term health and success of cattle operations.”

Don’t Stress About Cold Stress

Posted on September 18, 2024September 18, 2024 by Twin Rivers Media

Don’t Stress About Cold Stress

By Jaclyn Krymowski

The science is clear – cattle suffering from cold stress are less productive and don’t reach their potential, much like heat stress. But because the symptoms of animals suffering in cold weather aren’t always immediate, it can be an easy one to pass us by. After all, many of our major beef breeds are relatively hardy to cooler climates.

Taking care of your cows and their replacements is important for longevity and the impact on the cows and replacements can be a ripple effect in the years to come.

Cold stress is essentially defined as when the cattle’s body temperature drops due to a combination of metabolic processes and natural insulation not enough to protect against the low temperatures.

By and large, cattle have great resilience to cold weather for a decent length of time, especially if they can stay dry and out of harsh wind.

Exploring Cold Stress
Protecting against the cold is challenging, especially when winter weather can be all over the board.

In a University of Nebraska-Lincoln bulletin, Pasture and Forage Minute: Cold Stress Preparation, Feeding Brown Hay and Silage Safely, educators Samantha Daniel and Ben Beckman note the threshold points which cattle have to use energy to maintain or generate body heat against the cold. Providing additional protection in the form of a shelter can help keep their coats dry and limit the wind chill effects.

“Shelter can also help in other ways. Calving success can increase by 2% behind a windbreak, according to a Kansas study,” they write. “In Montana feedlots during severe winters, cattle behind windbreaks gained 10.6 lbs. more than cattle that did not have windbreaks.”

In the grand scheme of things, we are doing more than just protecting against the cold. It’s also helping set the animal up for success in other parts of its herd life—calving, breeding, lactation, weight gain, etc.

Likewise, there is a reason that body condition scores are stressed going into winter and out of winter with the proper body weight. Maintaining cattle through these peak cold stress periods can be a key to keeping that body condition score where it needs to be.

“Cold stress increases a cow’s energy requirement which, if not met, can pull down body condition,” note Daniel and Beckman. “A general rule of thumb we can use is that for every degree of cold stress a cow faces, they increase their energy requirements by 1%.”

High-quality hay (while very important in heat generation) during extreme cold can’t meet the increased energy demands, however corn is a great high energy option.

How Cold Stress Impacts Animals
The big pillars that keep cattle warm in cold weather are simple enough: good body condition, dry coat, shelter, and adequate nutrition. But a multitude of factors, including windchill, snow, and freezing rain, and the availability (in some cases logistical hurdles like transportation) of quality feedstuffs can quickly cause one or more of these pillars to collapse.

Nutritional needs are arguably the most important as they can impact not only the health of your cows and youngstock, but also the calves they may be pregnant with.

In Lingering Effects of Cold Stress, a West Virginia State University Extension bulletin by livestock specialist Kevin Shaffer discusses this in detail.

“The effects of cold stress on cows are hard to quantify, but can include abortions, weak calves and retained placentas. These impacts are primarily the result of inadequate nutrition during late gestation; however, the most significant impact of cold stress on cows is fertility during the subsequent breeding season. Cows that experienced cold stress and/or were lacking in available nutrition at, or around, the time of calving will often have a longer postpartum interval. Because calving causes significant damage to the uterine tissue, it has to be repaired before the cow successfully conceives again. Protein, energy and other nutrients are necessary for the cow to heal effectively. Furthermore, fertility is known to be lower in the first cycles after calving, so it is necessary for the cow to cycle two to three times to achieve maximum fertility before being exposed to a bull.”

As Shaffer alludes, requirements for an animal’s maintenance and reproduction vary and can compound cold stress if unmet.

Having a Preventative Mindset
If you raise cattle in a region with notorious winters, you are well acquainted with the importance of windbreaks. While a powerful asset, there are many times when windbreaks alone are not enough.

While they can keep out the wind, they may not be as successful in keeping animals (or their laying areas) dry, especially during freezing rain events. Wet coats are unable to provide the natural insulation effect that dry hairs standing on end provide. Not only does this initially make the animal cold, but it will also allow the animal to rapidly lose body heat generated by the rumen even with adequate feeding.

A bedded pack with straw or cornstalks can be a useful accompaniment to a windbreak that may help reduce excessive wet coats. But to be effective, the pack must be kept thick with a dry layer on top at all times.
Nutrition that matches the dropping temps can also be a strategy to help battle against cold stress.

According to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, when cattle are below their bodies’ critical temperature (this is 32 degrees F with a dry coat and 18 degrees F with a thick, heavy winter coat, without factoring in windchill), feed intake will increase from 2% to 25%. And that can even go up in extreme conditions.

It is best to test your forages before the season, so you know your cattle also meet their nutritional needs as they consume more. Remember, they are less likely to graze when there is snow and have lower energy due to the cold.

Making strategic herd management decisions that can weather the harshest winter conditions doesn’t happen by accident. And often, the most brutal losses are those you don’t prepare for – winters can be unexpectedly harsh or long. If you don’t have the measures to meet your herd’s needs in advance, it will be too late when you find yourself in the midst of a deep freeze.