In order to make a profit in today’s beef industry all production costs should be considered.  One of the primary costs in all beef cow operations can be directly related to the forage consumed by cows on a daily basis.  Brood cows, depending on stage of production, are capable of eating 1.6 to 2.0% of their body weight on a dry matter basis.  This forage intake may be increased when cows are exposed to cold and wet weather.  It’s been estimated that the current costs for harvesting, hauling, and feeding hay can range from $66.00 per ton to $99.00 per ton.  One effective way of saving money would be to have your cattle better utilize the forage base they are consuming.  You can accomplish this in two ways.  First, extend the cattle’s grazing period on standing forage and second, better utilize the harvested forage that will be fed after the grazing season is over.

The unique rumen digestion system that allows beef cattle the ability to extract nutrients from forage fed diets requires degradable protein.  Degradable protein, the protein required by the rumen microbes, often times is in short supply in late fall and winter feeding programs.  Supplementing protein when feeding protein deficient forages has a positive impact on both intake and digestion.  As a result, feeding supplemental protein is a necessary and justifiable cost when the diet does not meet the animal’s requirement. 

A research project conducted at Kansas State University feeding 900 pound steers the SmartLic and Feed in A Drum supplements realized a tremendous benefit on poor quality forages versus no supplementation.  The research revealed a 50% improvement in the rumen protozoa population resulting in a 40% improvement in dry matter intake and a 266% improvement in forage digestibility in a 24 hour period.

In addition to supplemental protein a balanced mineral program can also prove beneficial.  Research conducted at the University of Missouri shows that feeding a balanced mineral can have a major impact on nutrient digestibility.  A 5% improvement on protein digestibility, a 12% improvement on fiber digestibility and a 19% improvement on TDN digestibility was realized when a balanced mineral program was fed to the cattle versus no mineral.

The SmartLic and Feed in A Drum supplements are formulated to provide both supplemental protein and minerals.