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Beef Tips

Author: Jessica Jensen

March 2022 Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“The Basics of Mineral Nutrition”

Most beef cattle producers recognize that mineral nutrition is important. However, a mineral program is only one component of an operation’s nutrition and management plan. An exceptional mineral program will not compensate for deficiencies in energy, protein, or management. Additionally, the classical signs associated with clinical deficiency of a particular mineral (wasting, hair loss, discoloration of hair coat, diarrhea, bone abnormalities, etc.) are not often or are rarely observed in production settings. The production and economic losses attributed to mineral nutrition in many situations are the result of sub‐clinical deficiencies, toxicities and antagonisms between minerals which are often less obvious (reduced immune function, vaccine response, and sub‐optimal fertility). The figure below, adapted from Wikse (1992), illustrates the effect of trace mineral deficiency on health and performance and the margin between adequate mineral status and clinical deficiency.

Many producers erroneously assume that the science of mineral nutrition is relatively complete. However, mineral nutrition is complicated, and our knowledge of mineral nutrition is actually relatively incomplete. There are 17 minerals required in the diets of beef cattle. However, no requirements have been established for several minerals that are considered essential (Chlorine, Chromium, Molybdenum, and Nickel). Minerals may be broken down into two categories. 1. The macrominerals whose requirements are expressed as a percent of the total diet (calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorine, and sulfur). 2. The microminerals or trace minerals (required in trace amounts) whose requirements are expressed as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per kilogram of dry matter consumed (chromium, cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc).

Mineral status of an animal is a function of the total diet (both water and feed) and stored mineral reserves within the body. Water may be a substantial source of mineral; however, the variation in water consumption makes estimating the contribution of mineral from water sources difficult. Mineral content of forages is influenced by several factors including plant species, soil, maturity, and growing conditions. These factors, and others not mentioned, make estimating the dietary mineral content of grazing cattle challenging. Most commercial mineral supplements are formulated to meet or exceed the requirements for a given stage of production. This ensures that deficiencies are unlikely, but providing supra‐optimal levels of minerals may be unnecessary unless specific production problems exist. A mineral program does not have to be complex or expensive to be successful. Minerals are an important component of beef cattle nutrition that should not be over‐looked as sub‐clinical deficiencies of minerals likely contribute to more production and economic losses than we realize.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

March 2022 Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Continuing Education”

As a manager or small business owner, “What’s your policy on continuing education for your employees…Do you have one?” If an employee comes to you and asks for time away from the operation or business to attend a three‐hour seminar on a topic that is directly relevant to what he or she does, would you support it? Would you pay for the seminar? Would you compensate the employee for the time away from the job? If you do not have an existing policy on continuing education, it may be something to consider. Now that millennials make up the workforce, the data clearly indicates that it is going to take more than just a steady paycheck or salary to keep them engaged. Allowing employees to attend seminars and expand their knowledge often benefits the organization. Individuals who have the opportunity for professional development reportedly experience greater job satisfaction, and are more engaged and committed to the business than those who do not. Additionally, allowing your people to pursue continuing education opportunities demonstrates that the business is willing to invest in its people. If you don’t have a policy in place, give it some thought.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

February 2022 Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Receiving Protocols”

Receiving cattle management and the process of adapting cattle to grain‐based finishing diets are important components of managing feedlot cattle that can ultimately impact cattle performance for the remainder of the finishing period. What does a typical industry receiving protocol look like and how does the feeding industry transition cattle to a finishing diet? A survey of consulting nutritionists conducted by Samuelson et al. (2016), which summarized responses from 24 consulting nutritionists (servicing more than 14 million head annually), reported that 66% of the feedyards they service allow cattle to rest 12 to 24 hours prior to initial processing and nearly 30% allow cattle to rest more than 24 hours. The majority of the consulting nutritionist (64%) suggested that cattle should be provided access to hay for 4 days after arrival. Approximately 56% of the nutritionists surveyed used multiple step‐up diets with an average forage concentration of 40.7% roughage. On average, four transition diets were used with diets being fed for 6 days before moving to the next diet. Thus, cattle on average are transitioned to the finishing diet within 24 days of feeding the first step‐up diet. Alternatively, approximately 40% of the nutritionists utilize a two‐ration blending program to adapt cattle (effectively a starter and finisher diet). Those that used a two‐ration program recommended 38% roughage in the starter ration and cattle adapted to the finishing diet within approximately 27 days.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

February 2022 Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“What’s the Culture of Your Organization? Is it Always Safety First?”

The data tells us that agriculture is a high‐risk industry, where “near misses,” accidents, and even fatalities unfortunately occur. What is the culture of your organization or business? Is employee safety at the forefront? I certainly hope so. However, if it is not, how do we change that and create a culture of safety? Some say that the safety culture within an organization starts with the organization’s leaders and trickles down. Other sources indicate that training has to be a continual and ongoing process to create an organizational culture of safety. These are both correct.

However, with safety, it is very easy to find examples of “here is how we do it when the boss isn’t looking” and examples of great people who had the proper training and still made a bad decision. In both of these situations, the formal leaders of the organization were engaged in the process and the employees had the proper training. So how can we make progress? Leadership is an essential component of creating a safety culture, but the formal leaders within the organization are not the leaders who are likely the greatest influencers. Safety is an everyday, in‐the‐minute issue on most operations. Thus, the informal leaders within the organization or business are those who can have the greatest impact in creating a culture of safety. Leading by example, in those “in the heat of the moment” situations is critical. Who are the informal leaders in your organization? Do they exemplify the core values of your safety culture? Identifying and engaging informal leaders is an essential and powerful component of initiating any change within an organization.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

January 2022 Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Cold Stress Increases Energy Requirements”

The New Year often brings with it some of the coldest months of the year. Cattle are most comfortable within the thermonuetral zone when temperatures are neither too warm nor cold. During the winter months, cattle experience cold stress anytime the effective ambient temperature, which takes into account wind chill, humidity, etc., drops below the lower critical temperature. The lower critical temperature is influenced by both environmental and animal factors, including hair coat and tissue insulation (body condition). The table below lists the estimated lower critical temperatures of cattle in good body condition with different hair coats. In wet conditions, cattle can begin experiencing cold stress at 59°F, which would be a relatively mild winter day. However, if cattle have time to develop a sufficient winter coat, the estimated lower critical temperature under dry conditions is 18°F. Cold stress increases maintenance energy approximately 1% for each degree below the lower critical temperature, but does not impact protein, mineral, or vitamin requirements. Thus, maintenance energy requirements of cattle may increase by 15-20% on those exceptionally cold and windy days that commonly occur in January and February. Increased maintenance energy requirements essentially means that less energy is available for production (gain), which translates to lower ADG, increased Feed:Gain, and greater Days on Feed.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

January 2022 Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Winter Safety”

January and February are some of the coldest months of the year and often bring extreme weather conditions that can be challenging for agricultural workers that work in the elements. Falls, slips, and trips continue to be one of the leading causes of workplace injuries (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019) and although falls and slips can occur anytime, extra precautions are required during the winter months. Hypothermia is real, especially for those that work outside for extended periods. Safety experts suggest that clothing be worn in layers to retain body heat. However, how and what type of layers those clothes are made of is important. At least three layers is recommended, cotton or other breathable synthetic fiber should be the first or base layer. Wool or down is suggested for the middle layer, and the third or outer layer should be composed of material that will block the wind, such as the nylon outer shell found on many ski-jackets.

Portable heaters are often used as heat sources in many shops and barns. Portable heaters are one of the most common causes of carbon monoxide poisoning and structural fires. If heaters are used in confined spaces, always remember that ventilation is required to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, the areas where heaters are used should be checked for combustible materials and heaters should never be left unattended.

The U. S. Department of Labor, OSHA website offers other tips and resources for working outside in the winter and may be accessed at https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/preparedness.

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

Tips to Aid Cost Conscientious Producers on Commodity Prices

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City

The increased commodity prices we are experiencing have many cattle producers considering the costs associated with their feeding and management programs. Here are a few tips that might aid cost conscientious producers. Continue reading “Tips to Aid Cost Conscientious Producers on Commodity Prices” →

Why Do You Do What You Do?

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist, Garden City

Have you ever given any thought to what your organization, farm, feedlot or operation is really about? Do you have a mission statement, a set of core values that you believe your organization or operation embodies? Previously, I used to think that mission statements and core value statements were idealistic and a waste of thought. However, my attitude has changed. These statements provide the organization with a foundation, a clear objective that serves to guide the organization as it makes decisions that hopefully move the organization forward into the future. Regardless of the size of the enterprise, putting some thought into what an organization or business is really about has value. These statements do not have to be long or dramatic. I recently visited a family livestock operation in which the sign on the front lawn (along a major highway) simply said “Our Family Feeding Yours”. This simple statement tells everyone that drives by that this is a family operation that is foremost engaged in the process of sustaining not only themselves but other people. So, challenge yourself a bit and ask yourself “Why do you (or your business) do what you do?”

For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

November 2021 Management Minute

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Traits of Successful Teams in the Workplace”

Most of us have had some experience with being part of a team or different groups of individuals. Some teams of individuals are highly successful, and some are not. What makes some teams more successful than others? The tech giant “Google” has invested a great deal of time and resources into studying teams and reported (http://www.businessinsider.com/google‐explains‐top‐traits‐of‐its‐best‐teams‐2015‐11) that their most successful teams have the following traits.

Successful teams

  • Establish psychological safety within the team. The team creates an environment where all members of the team feel free to bring new ideas forward to the group.
  • Are dependable. The team holds its members accountable, getting things done on time and up to the standards of the group.
  • Have structure and clarity. The members of the team know their role in the team and have a clear vision of the team’s structure and the expectations associated with their role on the team.
  • Have a purpose. The team members believe that what they are doing matters.

A wealth of information on building teams and characteristics can be found with a simple internet search. For more information, contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.

November 2021 Feedlot Facts

Posted on by Jessica Jensen

By: Justin Waggoner, Ph.D., Beef Systems Specialist

“Estimating Placed Cost of Gain using the Focus on Feedlots”

The K‐State Focus on Feedlot has many uses, foremost it provides many of us that are not directly connected with the cattle feeding industry a means of staying abreast of cattle performance and closeout data from commercial feeding operations. The historical data may also be used to build economic budgets for cattle producers considering retaining ownership or placing a group of cattle on feed as commodity and input prices change. One of the simplest ways to estimate placed cost of gain is to look at the relationship between reported corn price and reported projected cost of gain for steers and heifers. The data obtained from the Focus on Feedlots from 2009 to 2019 is shown in the graphs below.

The relationship between corn price and placed cost of gain is expressed in the following formulas:

Projected Steer Cost of Gain ($/cwt) = $33.28 + ($11.16 x Corn Price).

Projected Heifer Cost of Gain ($/cwt) = $34.83 + ($11.57 x Corn Price).

These formulas may be used to forecast the projected cost of gain if corn price is known. The table below lists the projected cost of gain at various corn prices from $3.00 to $7.00 per bushel. Projected Cost of Gain for Steers and Heifers Based on Corn

There are many factors that influence cost of gain, primarily cattle performance (ADG, Feed conversion. etc.) which is not necessarily taken into account with this method. However, this does provide a simple method that can easily be adjusted up or down to fit specific groups/types of cattle and expected weather conditions during the feeding period. For more information contact Justin Waggoner at jwaggon@ksu.edu.