“We have here a demonstration on four practices usually implemented at this time of year when forages begin to green up,” said Shane Gadberry, Arkansas Extension cattle specialist whose primary responsibility is ruminant nutrition. “Some may not have such greenery available yet and are in a situation like we’re standing in right now — predominantly dormant bermudagrass — unlike the cattle across the road grazing on fescue.

“March surprised us this year. Bermudagrass wanted to begin growing, but Mother Nature caught up with us. The recent cold spell set forage production back.”

For the Batesville station demonstration fields, Gadberry’s objective was to “identify any benefit to supplemental feeding of these fall-calving cows. To compare the scene to your operation, you need to consider the cattle’s stage of production, body condition score and the quality of forage (hay versus pasture).

“From there, is supplemental feeding required? What type of supplements? Is there a protein deficiency, an energy deficiency, a combination? Also find out the level of supplementation needed to overcome that deficiency.

“In times like these — with drought and the impact of ethanol on the grain and byproduct feed markets — can you supplemental feed economically?”

Source: Delta Farm Press