Cows that are too thin lose milk production and fertility, while overweight animals often experience difficult births and metabolic problems. Pasture management, mineral supply, feed quality, and proper animal observation also play a crucial role.
In this episode of “Agricultural Science – Knowledge in brief”, PD Dr. Andreas Steinwidder talks with Johann Häusler from the HBLFA Raumberg-Gumpenstein about how to feed suckler cows according to their needs and what mistakes can occur in practice.
A practical episode with many directly applicable tips for suckler cow husbandry.
Tip: In the next podcast episode, we will take a closer look with Johann Häusler at which factors particularly influence fertility and metabolism on suckler cow farms.
Further links:
Seasonal calving in suckler cow husbandry
New ÖAG information - Fertility and health care in suckler cow farming
Crossbred animals as mother cows - Podcast 49
Crossbreeding in suckler cows - effects of breed or crossbreeding on suckler cow and calf
Suckler cow - adjust weaning date to the feed base!
Pictures
Podcast summary: Optimal feeding of suckler cows – the most important findings
Note: This summary provides a concise overview of the podcast's key content. For a comprehensive understanding of the connections, additional practical tips, and expert explanations, we recommend listening to the podcast or watching the video.
Feeding suckler cows forms the basis for successful, animal-friendly, and economically viable suckler cow husbandry. A needs-based supply of energy, protein, minerals, and vitamins significantly influences the fertility, animal health, milk production, and rearing performance of the herd.
In the podcast, Johann Häusler explains the importance of the animals' body condition for herd management and how over- or under-feeding can be avoided. Especially around calving and breeding season, an adapted feeding strategy and high-quality forage are of central importance.
Key success factors include:
- Demand-oriented energy supply in the various performance phases
- regular assessment of physical condition
- adequate mineral supply
- high quality of forage and pasture
- early detection of feeding errors
The episode demonstrates in a practical way how optimized feeding can ensure fertility, reduce health problems and improve the profitability of suckler cow farms .
