Low Prices and Drought
The cattle industry in Alabama has faced some challenging periods since the record high prices a few years ago. The prices experienced from 2014 until 2016 seem like a distant memory, and the prospect...
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Preventing Ruminal Acidosis When Using Supplemental Feeds for Beef Cattle
Ruminal acidosis is a digestive disorder characterized by low rumen pH (more acidic than normal). Cattle are at greatest risk for acidosis when consuming feed that is high in rapidly fermentable...
View ArticlePrussic Acid Poisoning of Livestock
Prussic acid poisoning, also known as cyanide poisoning, is a metabolic condition in livestock that can periodically occur in operations. Forages such as Johnsongrass, sorghum, sudangrass, and...
View ArticleNitrate Poisoning of Cattle in Alabama
Nitrate poisoning in cattle is caused by the consumption of feed or water containing high levels of nitrate nitrogen. Under most circumstances, forage crops do not contain levels of nitrates high...
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Protein Supplementation: Natural vs. Non-Protein Nitrogen Sources
Protein is an important nutrient in beef cattle diets. Young, rapidly growing animals and high-performing lactating animals often require protein supplementation. Because of the high cost of protein...
View ArticleAlternative Feeding Strategies for Beef Cattle During Drought
Dry climatic conditions that persist into the summer and early fall may limit grazed and stored forage availability in beef operations. When dealing with dry periods, it is important to design a...
View ArticleTax Consequences Related to Drought Related Sales of Livestock
Parts of Alabama are experiencing moderate to severe drought issues (according to the US Drought Monitor). Six primary counties and 15 contiguous counties were declared secretarial disasters as of...
View ArticleKeeping It Clean: Livestock Water Tank Maintenance
The quantity and quality of water required by livestock are important considerations for the overall maintenance of herd health and productivity. If water is suspected of causing a health problem,...
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Calculating the Energy Requirements of Brood Cows in Cold Weather
How much do the energy requirements of cows increase during the cold weather? This depends on the magnitude of the cold, and if it occurs under dry or wet conditions. See the calculations below. Under...
View ArticleManaging Weeds Crucial During a Drought
Recent drought conditions have made herd care difficult for Alabama livestock producers. As conditions worsen and desirable vegetation declines, established weeds are often the last plants standing....
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