New to MIG looking for some imput

[Mike Fronczak]

We have a mix of pure Highland & Highland Angus crosses. This spring we started using MIG, in place of standard grazing with free choice hay. The cattle have adjusted well to the method. Starting with a pasture roughly a foot tall & moving once it is grazed to 3-4",( ussually 2 days). Most of the cattle seem to be doing well, actully getting fat. I'm noticing the three cows (Highland) with calves seem to be loosing condition the calves appear fine but the moms appear to be loosing weight. I'm thinking to either shorten the time up and/or let them graze one day ahead of the rest in the rotation so they get to eat what they consider the best pasture.

 

[Chris Stelzer]

We have a mix of pure Highland & Highland Angus crosses. This spring we started using MIG, in place of standard grazing with free choice hay. The cattle have adjusted well to the method. Starting with a pasture roughly a foot tall & moving once it is grazed to 3-4",( ussually 2 days). Most of the cattle seem to be doing well, actully getting fat. I'm noticing the three cows (Highland) with calves seem to be loosing condition the calves appear fine but the moms appear to be loosing weight. I'm thinking to either shorten the time up and/or let them graze one day ahead of the rest in the rotation so they get to eat what they consider the best pasture.

Mike, you might want to give them a larger area to graze a little more selectively. If you want to get density for the herd effect, try locking them in a smaller area using polywire at night. Then you can let them out in the more to graze more selectively.

If you want to get more advanced, you can monitor their urine pH. I'm guessing their pH is 8-9 if they are losing condition. Urine pH is affected by the diet of the animal. If the urine pH is 8-9, they are getting too much protein. If it's 6-7, this means they are getting the ideal protein:energy (hydrogen) ratio. You can try feeding some loose hay (Which costs money) or giving them a larger area. Is their manure runny? This is also a sign of too much protein. Hope that helps.

Chris

 

[Mike Fronczak]

Yes, Manure is runny.
We ended up giving them hay as well since I posted this, better to be safe than sorry. It's just the mature cows that look thin, my guess is I'm worrying to much to a mature cows body type is different than a steer, bull, or heifer.