Basic Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle

It can be measured in the laboratory or estimated from nutrient content (using fiber alone or multiple nutrients). In ruminants, there are 5 classes of vitamins that are important when considering nutrient requirements. Vitamins D, E, K, and some of the B vitamins are also known to be essential. Monitor water consumption, especially during hot weather or lactation when requirements are higher. Additionally, ensure that water sources are easily accessible to all cattle, including calves and those with limited mobility.

Some of these sources such as egg protein and soy protein concentrates or isolates are effective alternatives for whey protein generally making up no more than 50% of the protein in the milk replacer. Caution Teeth of herbivores needs to be considered when using these non-milk protein sources because they can result in diarrhea. Pasteurization of colostrum will help reduce the number of bacteria present in colostrum.

The RDP fraction has several fates – it is typically degraded to amino acids, dipeptides, and ammonia by the microbes present in the rumen. Excess ammonia in its unionized form can be absorbed across the rumen wall and transported to the liver via the hepatic portal vein for detoxification to urea. Urea will enter the blood and can be present in the blood, milk, and other bodily secretions. Urea can also be recycled through saliva and back into the rumen for potential reusing by the microbiome. As described in the carbohydrate section, fermented carbohydrate can be utilized by bacteria along with ammonia to make bacterial protein.

This is commonly found in two-row barns (two rows of free-stalls) that are not overcrowded. Three-row barns are also common but reduce bunk space by six inches. It is now recommended that these barns have headlocks or some means of allowing the cow “space”. Open areas with rails or cables do not provide for cows to be able to eat as cows are hierarchical animals and a boss cow can control a large part of the bunk. Allowing cows access to feed through headlocks decreases this effect. Supplementing cows with 22 mg has been shown to improve hoof health and indirectly milk production through the cow’s ability to compete at the feed bunk.

Lactating cows fed monensin are less prone to ketosis due to the presence of more propionate and ketosis is essentially a deficiency of glucose. Ionophores disrupt the cell membrane of Gram-positive bacteria resulting in their death. They also work similarly against coccidia in the intestine of calves and heifers and aid in the reduction of this protozoal disease.