Late Summer Cow Nutrition

Late summer in Iowa means county and state fair season, hot dry conditions, and our yards and pastures begin to turn brown and dry up. For most of our cow-calf producers, this can create a variety of challenges as we finish up breeding season and calves are at peak milk consumption. We are asking the most from our cows during the hottest and driest part of the year. Most days we talk about creep feed for the calves and a good mineral program, but there are times when the cows themselves simply need a little more protein and energy to maintain body condition and reproductive performance.

Crystalyx's new Breed-Up line of tubs is designed to provide both a complete mineral package and supplemental protein in one product. If cows are falling behind or simply need an extra nutritional boost, the Breed-Up 30, 25, or 20 protein tubs are excellent options. They contain 4% fat along with a full package of organic trace minerals to support reproductive health and overall performance. These tubs have an intake similar to loose mineral, typically around 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per head per day. Many producers also find that cattle which are reluctant to consume loose mineral will consistently eat from a protein tub instead. On our own operation, we offer Breed-Up 30 to our replacement heifers alongside loose mineral so they can consume whichever product they prefer while still receiving the nutrition they need.

For cows that are already in good body condition and do not need the added energy and protein, the Breed-Up Mineralyx tubs may be a better fit. These tubs contain about 4% protein but function much like a traditional loose mineral program. Cattle typically consume around 0.25 pounds per head each day, and one tub is recommended for every 20 cows. Under normal conditions, a tub should last approximately 10 to 12 days and costs around $0.18 per head per day. With a nutritional profile similar to Blueprint mineral at a comparable cost, mineral tubs provide a convenient way to deliver consistent mineral intake while reducing concerns about weather or cattle sorting through loose mineral.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to monitor cow body condition and maintain cows at a body condition score of 5 to 6 going into the fall. Every operation is different, and the quality of available forage can change quickly during a hot, dry summer. We can take forage samples and evaluate your pasture or hay quality to determine its feed value and recommend the product that best fits your operation. Stop by or call any SFG location, and we would be happy to help you develop a nutrition program that keeps your cows productive throughout the season.