Beef & Dairy Nutritional Solutions
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Protein in excess of energy.
It is very common to have protein in excess of energy in the ration causing alkalosis. Protein in excess of energy will increase health problems and in many cases is responsible for slow breed back. If the urine pH of your animals is > 7, this condition exists in your herd.
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Imbalance of vitamins and minerals.
The correct vitamins and minerals, in proper proportions, are responsible for transferring protein to milk and energy to fat. Wrong or unbalanced vitamins and minerals do the opposite. Most of all the problems we see are ultimately caused by an excess. For example, cattle have the ability to overeat by 50% to overcome deficiencies or dilute excesses in the ration.
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Slow or low antibody production.
Antibodies are the body’s natural warriors, which control undesirable bacteria. The precursors of antibodies are protein, fat, and mineral elements (calcium, zinc, copper, manganese, and selenium). A deficiency of any one of these elements will result in low antibody production, which directly leads to health problems and low disease resistance.
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Bacterial contamination in water.
Bacteria in the water affect cattle in two ways. Harmful bacteria (e.g., E. Coli and Salmonella), produce ideal conditions for scours, pneumonia, etc. Other bacteria (e.g., iron and sulfur bacteria) create an undesirable taste and reduce water intake. A 50% reduction in water intake results in a 50% reduction in production. Interestingly, we have only found three water sources in our research that did not have a bacterial problem.
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pH of the water supply.
Since 70% of the cow is water then 70% of the cow’s diet must consist of water. This has a great effect on the acid-alkaline balance of the cow. The "good bacteria", which digest roughage for the cow and produce B vitamins to transfer energy, must have a near neutral media to thrive on. If the pH becomes either too acidic or alkaline, "good bacteria" go dormant and undesirable bacteria thrive. Large manure piles and water belly are signs of improper water pH. In addition, the acid-alkaline balance of water also affects mineral availability to the animal.
