Cattle | Feed Management

Good bunk or self-feeder management means providing cattle with fresh, nutritionally balanced, palatable feed and keeping it available to them at all times. Cattle establish consumption patterns early in the feeding pens — usually within the first two weeks. The dry matter intake of feedlot cattle can be a key to animal performance and profitability. Each pound of ration you add, over and above that needed for maintenance, increases gain by approximately .25 pounds/head/day

1. Keep fresh feed constantly available to cattle.
2. Feed cattle two to three times a day.
3. Don’t let cattle stand without feed longer than 30 minutes to an hour. They will charge the bunk, loading up on the ration to the extent that acidosis and bloat can become a serious problem.
4. It’s ok to let cattle clean up bunks at least once a day — but make sure they are not out of feed to the extent that they turn restless or engorge at the next feeding.
5. Clean bunks at least once a week to remove old, stale feed. It’s preferable to clean them three or four times a week.
6. Mix rations properly because improper mixing can mean:
   • A protein content that varies from 2-3%
   • Poor delivery of feed additives
     
7. Remember the mixing order:
   For finishing rations: Grain ® Supplement ® Roughage
   For growing rations: Roughage ® Grain ® Supplement
   
   

Principles of Self-Feeder Management

1. Mix rations properly.
2. Adjust gates to maintain a two-finger width.
3. Use pellet concentrates with corn.
4. Inspect the feeder every day for:
   • proper feeding of ration through the gate
   • signs of stale feed
   • physical separation of ration mix
     
5. Clean feeders regularly to avoid a build-up of fines in the bottom of the self-feeder which cattle usually reject until they become quite hungry. If forced to consume these fines, bloat and acidosis will occur. Remember this rule of thumb: A 5% reduction in feed intake reduces gains by 10%

We carry an extensive line of animal health products to improve the wellbeing of your animals and pets, to ensure they stay healthy and productive. A solid worming program is an important aspect of animal health, and we carry a large variety of wormers, such as Ivomec, Zimectrin, and Safeguard worming products. We also carry products from Agrilabs, Farnam, and Absorbine. If you are in need of ear tags for your cattle we carry Agritags to help keep your operation organized.

We also have a varied line of insecticides that have been proven safe and effective for use on your animals. Endure by Farnam has had good results for flies. In addition, we carry Pyranha wipe or spray, Duragaurd by Absorbine and Bronco.

Effective fly baits can help deter the problem as well. Whether you choose Quickbayt or Golden Malrin, you won't have to say "Shoo fly, don't bother me!" Pour-ons also included are Permethrin-Synergized and Ivermectin-based pour-ons.

When it comes to people and their dogs, it's like talking about family. To help keep your dogs healthy and happy, we carry products such as Happy Jack mange medicine, Canine Red Cell, performer-brand Earmite killer, Nustockn Sulfodene, Pet Tabs, and Esbilac...just to name a few.

Our employees will help you make the best decision for your animal's health, and your pocketbook's health as well. Remember, we are here to serve you, and we appreciate your consideration.