Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler Extension Beef Specialist University of Kentucky 2009 ANR Update

1. General Nutrition Updates Cowculator for Rations Dr. Jeff Lehmkuhler Extension Beef Specialist University of Kentucky 2009 ANR Update

2. Mineral Issues • Coproducts – Feeding Corn Gluten Feed and/or Fuel Ethanol derived Distillers Grains • Need add’l Calcium • If = or > than 20% of Diet DM, no PhosSuppl • Looking at ~ 1 to 1.5% limestone or a 20-25% Ca mineral supplement • Sulfur – Can exceed max tolerable levels (0.4%) increasing risk to polioencephalomalacia (PEM) or “Brainers” – Hydrogen Sulfide as toxic as cyanide

3. Sulfate Reduction in the Rumen H2S and S2- High Sulfur / Sulfate Intake (Feed + Water) Eructation H2S Inhalation Lung Tissue Damage Cell Damage S2- Absorption ? PEM Secondary Viral or Bacterial Infections Poor Animal Performance Adapted from Kung et al. 1998

4. Prevention = Manage Risk • Provide a balanced ration – Threshold 0.40% S • Use of a coproduct specific mineral / supplement package • Thiamine may assist - Most coproduct supplements contain thiamine, may not work • Avoid use of high sulfate water – blend and/or restricted use of coproduct feeds

5. Mineral Demo Update • Strategic Supplementation of Beef Cows / Stockers • Concerns over Environment + Economics • Looking for Agents + Producer herds • Contact me later if interested

6. 2009 Demonstration Farms Lactating Dry

7. Strategic P Supplementation • Cow Herd w/ Managed Pasture Fertility • Using a Custom Trace Mineral Salt Mix • Monitor Intake of Mineral, Forage P Conc. Pre-Calving Calving 3-6% P & Hi-Mag Breeding / End 1 – 3% P 2 – 0% P Wean / Gestation 1 – 0% P 2 – 3% P

8. Cowculator • Oklahoma State University • Ration software for Beef Cows • Based on Recent Beef NRC • Not as detailed output as UK Beef Ration • Advised to use as an Evaluator

9. Cowculator • Download at: • http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/exten/cowculator/ • Excel based spreadsheet