It is officially fall! Time for harvest, feeding calves, and hunting!!
Premier Ag is proud to carry Exclusive Signature 30% Protein 20% Fat Sport Dog Chow for your hunting buddy this fall! Ask us about our frequent purchase program! (Buy 8 bags get 1 free).
This is also the time of the year to background your calves. Premier Ag hosts an on-staff Livestock Production Specialist to assist producers with your feeding programs. Forage testing services and ration balancing are available free services through Premier Ag!
Should I be supplementing protein to my cows right now? The short answer is yes… With the drought like conditions we have been seeing these past few months, the nutrient quality in local grasses have decreased. This decreases not only the palatability of the grass, but the protein content of the grass. Reduced available protein reduces average daily gain and lowers body condition in cattle. Generally, the best policy for producers to save money is to keep cows in good condition rather than try to play catch up in the wintertime before calving. We can achieve this by supplementing protein as the grass begins to dry up.
What are some good options for supplementing protein in the pasture??
- Protein Tubs- Protein tubs are an excellent way to supplement digestible protein to your cows in an easy, convenient method. We have many options, but our most popular tub is our Rangeland 30% protein tub.
- Liquid Protein Supplement – Liquid feeds are a low-cost way to add not only protein but utilize other additives (Rumensin, Bovatec, Availa 4, etc.) if you choose in a simple, low input way. This is a universal supplement that can be used in lick wheel tanks for pasture supplementation, mixed in a feed wagon for a TMR, or even sprayed on hay using a hay processor unit. This allows for enhanced forage digestion and low-cost protein supplementation. Our most popular liquids are our QLF feedlot liquids for TMR’s and our Purina Accuration Range HI-FAT Liquid.
- Cattle Cubes– Many producers choose to utilize cattle cubes or “cake” to supplement protein to their cows throughout the year. Cubes are generally a low-cost dry supplementation method that works great for grazing range especially in areas where tubs and liquid may not be good options (sandy/erodible/difficult to navigate terrain). Our most popular cubes are our Purina Heartland 20% protein cubes. We also have high fat options as well!!
All of these options are excellent for utilizing fall grazing situations whether grazing after grass, corn stalks, dry lotting, etc. Contact our staff at Premier Ag to discuss your options for protein supplementation.
For more information on any of our other feed products, contact us at:
Premier Ag Main Office- (605) 842-3619
Avery Davis- (605) 610-7721
Purina Livestock Production Specialist