Bulls fed grain prior to joining or for sale preparation are no better or worse than those that are not fed grain. In fact, done properly, partial grain feeding will actually enhance positive fertility outcomes. This myth that feeding grain to bulls is taboo and will affect both semen quality, ability to walk and ability to serve is simply that: a myth. Continue reading →

While genetic gains in some livestock industries have been as much as 30% over the last 20 years, inadequate nutrition and knowledge of feed conversion have meant that these advances have not been realized in actual stock performance. Continue reading →

The efficiency of both energy and calcium metabolism in the dam at parturition is critical to the survival, health and growth rate of newborn progeny. It also fundamentally determines the reproductive efficiency, productive life and stocking rate potential of breeding units in most enterprises. Cows & heifers at the point of calving are at a significant risk of both clinical and subclinical deficiencies in a range of critical nutrients because of the rapid increase in nutrient demand precipitated by the onset of milk production. Not least of these is, of course, energy. Continue reading →

Whilst milk is an excellent source of nutrition and immunity for the newborn animal it becomes an increasingly inefficient way to meet the nutritional requirements for growth. The process of a cow or ewe converting feed into milk and the progeny then converting milk into meat and other products for growth is not as efficient as providing each with their own specific requirements. Continue reading →

If you have problems at calving you risk losing the calf and the heifer, but the hidden costs are sometimes even greater. These include the sub-clinical effects of poor colostrum transfer and milk production plus more difficulty getting the female back in calf due to infections, prolapses and stress. Continue reading →

Right across Australia there has been an increase in calving problems in the beef and dairy herds despite better pastures and the identification of calving ease genetics. The reason for this is a lack of understanding of the physiological requirements of a heifer pre-calving in regards to nutrition and management. The fact is, that as our pastures become more productive and higher in nitrogen and potassium, it is counterproductive to the requirements of the calving heifer or cow, especially those chosen for higher growth and milk. Continue reading →