The Rural Voice, 1978-09, Page 33pastures are normally poor sources of
phosphorus.
Range cubes or pellets, with or without a
urea base, can also be used to ,supplement
pasture. These cubes contain up to 32 per
cent crude protein and 65 to 70 per cent
total digestible nutrients (TDN). Supple-
ments containing urea, particularly those
containing high levels, should not be fed on
pasture without fairly high levels of grain.
Another method of supplementation is to
feed protein blocks, 30 to 50 pounds each,
at a rate of one block per 15 animals in
grazing areas. Feed consumption can be
limited to about 2 pounds per animal per
day. by choosing blocks with the desired
hardness „salt and fat content.
"Liquid protein supplements (LPS) in a
lick tank can be offered free choice,
providing the animals don't eat more than
they need." says Mr. McKnight.
Since molasses and urea are the major
components, care must be taken to ensure
that the animals are accustomed to the
supplement over a day or two.
"High urea supplements may not be
well utilized on pastures because they lack
readily available energy," says Mr.
McKnight. "Traditionally little LPS has
been used to supplement dry grass."
Using salt to limit grain consumption on
pasture is an old practice. Salt content may
vary from 5 to 40 per cent, although 30 to
33 per cent is most common. Actual intake
of feed supplement may be altered from
one pound to liberal feeding, by decreasing
the salt from 40 to 5 per cent.
Mr. McKnight says that, in general. the
lower the percentage of legumes in the
pasture, and the later the stage of
maturity, the more protein required in the
grain mixture.
Use pasture rotation, fertilization, and
stubble fields. and avoid early grazing to
delay the need for pasture supplement-
ation.
First lactation cow needs
different food
The first lactation cow needs to be fed
differently from the mature cow because
she is still growing. A Holstein heifer will
gain from 100 to 200 pounds or more
during her first lactation if properly fed.
She will not eat as much as a mature
cow -only about 70 to 80 percent as much -
sothe total ration may need to be richer in
energy.
Current recommendations are to feed a
two-year-old heifer an extra 2.5 to three
pounds of grain per day for growth. If
quality of forage is not high she may need
more. Short-changing a young cow on
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energy not only reduces milk yield and
makes her a candidate for culling, but
lowers her reproductive performance.
If the grain mix is well balanced in
protein, minerals and vitamins for the rest
of the milking herd, you don't need a
special grain mixture for two-year-old
cows. Just feed more of it.
Prepare the yearling heifer for lacatation
by not over, or under-feeding.The fat,
grain -fed heifer has more trouble with
edema and mastitits, and she will not last
as long in the milking herd. On the other
hand the undernourished heifer probably
calves later, has more difficulty calving,
and doesn't give as much milk as the
properly fed heifer.
Bring the spring heifer into the milking
barn several weeks before calving to
accustom her to the new surroundings.
Anticipate calving by putting her it, the
maternity pen in good time and provide
assistance as needed. Bring her onto feed
gradually but don't be afraid to give extra
grain if and when she is milking well.
Watch for signs of heat and if these are
not apparent, check the ration. Pregnancy
test as advised by veterinarians. When the
animal comes into second lactation she will
continue to grow but will be better able to
meet requirements, so feed her just an
extra pound of grain daily for growth.
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THE RURAL VOICE/SEPTEMBER 1978 P6.33