One of the most common questions asked by cattle farmers in winter is, “How can my cows be losing condition when there is still plenty of grass in the camp?” The issue isn’t quantity, it’s the nutritional quality of the grazing.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
In spring and summer, rainfall and warmer temperatures stimulate active grass growth, says Ernest Makua, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS). The veld produces fresh green material rich in energy and protein, giving cattle the nutrients they need for growth, reproduction and milk production.
As autumn turns into winter, however, things change dramatically. “The grass remains standing, but its nutritional value declines sharply. What appears to be abundant grazing can actually become a poor-quality feed source. Dry winter grass contains less protein and becomes more fibrous. Although cattle continue grazing, they are no longer receiving the same nutritional benefits they enjoyed during the growing season,” says Makua.
This, he adds, creates what livestock specialists refer to as the winter nutrition gap. Simply put, the nutritional requirements of the cow remain relatively high, particularly for pregnant animals, while the nutrients supplied by the veld continue to decline. As a result, cows may begin losing body condition even when there appears to be plenty of grazing. This is often the hidden reason behind reduced productivity in winter.
Also read: The cattle farmer’s manual | Why winter feeding is critical for pregnant cows
Looking beyond the quantity of grazing
Makua stresses that the challenge facing farmers is therefore not always finding more grass. It is ensuring that cattle can effectively use the grass that is already available. Many producers make the mistake of judging winter grazing by what they can see. Although camps may still appear well covered, the nutritional value available to cattle may have fallen significantly.
Understanding this is the first step towards improving winter herd performance. Once farmers understand the winter nutrition gap, they can choose the right supplements and feeding methods to keep their cows healthy and productive throughout the colder months.
Also read and watch:
The right grazing strategy for your farm
Tlhokomela Mobu Farm: How cattle and sheep transform landscapes through strategic grazing
Summer grazing danger: How ryegrass is poisoning dairy herds
