What is happening out in the pastures?

Gary Sliworsky
Ag. Rep.

Most cowherds are out on pasture now or will be shortly. What is happening out there and how are they doing? It is a good idea to check regularly, especially in light of the constant rains and saturated conditions that we have had in the past couple of weeks.
Water is very essential but shouldn’t be a problem this year – except for perhaps too much of it. Check your watering systems, pumps and lines to make sure that everything is still in working order.
Is salt and mineral available? Many cows are bred on pasture. Salt and mineral helps them to cycle and improves chances of rebreeding. Providing it in the loose form every few days increases intake. It is also a way of bringing the herd to one location. They begin to expect it. This increases the chances of getting a count on numbers and getting a look at the cattle for developing problems such as foot rot and pinkeye.
Keeping an eye on the herd means catching and treating sick animals early. This can improve the chances of saving an animal. It means less stress resulting in less weight loss. A corral and headgate are helpful.
Placing salt and mineral in a corral area helps the herd feel comfortable there. At roundup time it is a familiar area to them and the job can go easier.
Some farmers also locate salt and mineral away from the water. This discourages them from standing around and making a muck hole. Along streams or ponds this improves the quality of water. Chances of developing foot rot are reduced if the animals’ hooves are not in mud for a long period of time.
Check fences, again especially after some of the flooding we’ve had and the amount of debris left along some fence line.. Electric fences may be shorting out. Cattle soon notice and escape. A broken rail or wire cut by people on recreational vehicles provides an opportunity to visit greener pastures.
Studies have shown that happy, contented cattle are better producers, cause less stress for the owner and result in more pounds of calf to sell. Good grazing, water, salt and mineral, a little shade on hot days and no pressure from predators encourage contentment. Restless cattle can be the result of one or a few animals stirring up the others. Sending the troublemakers to market will quickly settle the rest of the herd.
Dates to Remember
June 29 – Farm tour with Mike Cowborough, OMAF Weed Specialist. Tour begins 9:00 am at the Emo Research Station.