Producers have high reproduction expectations for their cow herds. Different for each operation, but maintaining a short breeding season between 42 to 63 days, a 95% or higher pregnancy rate with 65 to 70% of the calves born in the first 21 days of the calving season are some of the goals many operators try to achieve.
The Western Canadian Cow Calf Management Survey 2 completed in 2017, reported an open cow rate of 8.2% and heifers at 11.9% with 80% of the respondents using a breeding season longer than 63 days. There are multiple factors that can contribute to higher open cow rates, but this article will focus on how nutrition, in particular trace mineral nutrition can influence the ability of a cow or heifer to become pregnant early in the breeding season.
Before any decisions can be made on what is needed in a supplementation program, feeds need to be tested for nutrient content. This includes protein, acid detergent and neutral detergent fibre (to determine energy content and feed intake), macro and trace minerals. It is important to include sulfur and molybdenum in the analysis along with the standard trace mineral package.
In the May 3, 2019 issue of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Magazine, Dr. Ron Clarke (Dealing with Uncertain Times) mentioned that blue salt should be used to supply cobalt and iodine. I agree that this product does provide these trace minerals, but it does not contain copper, manganese, zinc or selenium. As mentioned previously these trace minerals can be deficient in Canadian feedstuffs. If this product is used as a stand alone product, it does not supply a balanced program. If blue salt is fed in conjunction with a mineral program, or when a mineral or pelleted supplement is provided in a grain or a total mixed ration, and the blue salt is offered free choice for animals wish to consume more salt, then the product fits into a feeding program.
For more information on trace mineral supplementation and a balanced feeding program, contact Barry at 403-741-6032 or bjyaremcio@gmail.com.
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