Author: Jess Seeliger, Alltech Lienert Australia
There is increasing evidence that the nutritional management of the dam during pregnancy can influence the health, growth and performance of her offspring throughout its entire lifetime. Poor nutrition may impact development and organ function leading to poor feedlot performance and even carcass quality. In addition, female replacement stock develop their lifetime supply of oocytes (eggs) during gestation, meaning maternal nutrition may influence their reproductive potential.
After birth, cows and ewes with young at foot face additional nutritional demands to produce milk. Ensuring adequate nutrition to the dam assists with milk quality and quantity to her young. Calves and lambs with adequate nutrition in early life have a better chance of reaching weaning weights quicker, giving the dam a rest period between pregnancies. Maintaining condition on cows and ewes assists with ease of getting pregnant again at her next joining.
Along with meeting energy and protein requirements, it’s essential to ensure that animals receive adequate levels of vitamins and trace minerals. These micronutrients play a vital role in supporting health and immune function and optimising overall performance, this is especially important when drought conditions persist.
During extended dry periods, the quality of feed and water becomes even more crucial. Getting your water tested to monitor quality is important in prolonged periods of low rainfall, as low rainfall can lead to increased salinity and concentrated levels of minerals and other compounds forming in the water supply. Good quality water is essential in maintaining feed intakes, especially during dry times.
Forages can be contaminated with toxins, contain poisons or have palatability issues. Mycotoxins should be suspected anytime you experience less-than-ideal harvesting conditions or poor storage and/or if your forage is exposed to environmental stressors. Mould growth can seriously impact the health and performance of your cow herd or sheep flock. If you suspect the presence of mould or mycotoxins in your feed, it’s important to act quickly. Reach out to your Alltech Lienert representative for assistance with sample collection, testing, and interpretation of laboratory results. Early detection and proper management can make all the difference.
As well as solutions to combat the threat of mycotoxins, Alltech Lienert offer a comprehensive range of nutritional products containing the essential vitamins and minerals, available in the form of loose licks and feedlot additives.
Our team of experienced nutritionists can assist with formulating sheep or cattle rations tailored to your operation, whether paddock-based or confinement feeding. We can help develop supplementary feeding programs utilising available feedstuffs to support production and reproduction goals during these difficult times.
Contact your local rep or call 1800 649 231.
