Importance of a Year-Round Mineral Program
The importance of a year-round mineral program for a beef herd is becoming more evident as the new research continues to demonstrate improved cattle productivity. Traditionally, many producers have followed the 90-day rule when feeding mineral; which is to feed it at least 30 days prior to calving and for a minimum of 60 days after calving. Also, many nutritionists have recommended that you should utilize a more fortified reproductive mineral after calving to help prepare your cows for the upcoming breeding season. This is all true, but the importance of having your cows’ mineral nutrient levels up to the ideal nutritional standards while they are in calf is often being overlooked.
So, what is the most important factor in having a healthy calf?
Arguably, there are probably many, but when you talk with veterinarians, they will tell you high quality colostrum is one of the most important feeding factors in a young calf’s life (the first 8 weeks). A balanced nutritional diet includes providing the right amount of minerals/vitamins and this is key to a cow producing the highest quality colostrum as she prepares to give birth. Colostrum carries all the nutrients and immunoglobins (aka antibodies) necessary to boost the calf’s immune system, without these it will be a defenseless calf. So, why should you feed a high quality mineral after the cow calves? Below is some recently published research that answers that question, which introduces the concept of “Fetal Programming”.
What is Fetal Programming and How Does it Relate to Mineral Nutrition?
Fetal programming refers to the many factors that impact fetal growth and development which may cause long term changes in tissue structure and function in a developing fetus. Multiple studies have shown the importance of minerals and proper nutrition (protein/energy) at all stages of fetal growth. During the first and second trimester, the fetus’ heart, lungs, liver, and reproductive organs are being developed (YES - a calf’s full genetic potential can be affected as early as the first trimester). The calf’s immune system starts developing in utero as early as 42 days into gestation; therefore, the calf is affected by its mother’s nutritional intake and environment conditions before it is even born. The development of the immune system has a lower priority than other developing components in the fetus because it is protected within the cow’s placenta. As the beef industry tries to move away from mass medication, it becomes clear that how we feed the cow plays a significant role because it impacts the calf’s performance post-weaning. It takes between 45-90 days to fully realize the nutritional benefits of a mineral to a cow that has been stressed. Since cows are the maternal supply line of nutrients to the fetus, it is extremely important to ensure you are not restricting her ability to provide her unborn calf with all the nutrients it needs early on.
What are the most effective minerals?
We know that in late gestation, trace (micro) minerals are just as important as in the first trimester. Trace minerals are essential for developing the reproductive, immune and nervous systems, not to mention the importance of the colostrum production. Studies have shown that cows that were fed highly bioavailable trace minerals (ie: organics or chelates) have improved performance. A research trial demonstrated that when cows were fed organic mineral pre-and post-calving, the resulting calf crop had less respiratory disease at weaning and a higher 205 day weaning weight. This reiterates the importance of feeding highly bioavailable trace minerals and the positive nutritional effects that the cow can transfer to its calf, which can be realized later in the calf’s life cycle. Knowing that when we stress the cow at any time during her pregnancy, we are inevitably affecting the long-term health of the calf. Clearly, new research is helping the beef industry to understand that there is no stage in a cow’s pregnancy where sub-optimal nutrition does not potentially negatively impact her or that unborn calf’s performance.
How can we help?
We have a talented team of beef nutrition consultants who can guide and consult on farm to develop a customized nutritional program for your herd. As more studies continue to look at “Fetal Programming” and the importance of prenatal nutrition, we (the beef industry) will keep challenging the status quo. Our nutritional programs will allow you to feed your cows with a positive impact to your calves potential even during the early stages of pregnancy and for the rest of its life. A sound nutrition program is a key component to the overall herd health and productivity of your cow herd and next year’s calf crop.