We have all noticed that input prices have increased substantially over the last year. Fertilizer, feed and fuel have given us sticker shock, but in reality, prices for all necessities have increased, with prices for herbicides, seed, parts, tires, equipment and trailers all going up.
Based on current feeder cattle futures prices in October (currently trading at $180/cwt), 550 pound steers could be selling at $200/cwt (based on a $10/cwt slide) this fall. Now is not the time to stop spending money on inputs, but we need to be ready to spend our money on inputs wisely.
Growth-promoting technologies provide an even higher impact on net returns when costs are high. As I stated in a previous article, implants administered when the calves are between 2 months and 4 months of age will increase preweaning average daily gain of calves by approximately 0.1-0.2 lb. per day. This will result in a 20-30 lbs. heavier weaning weight, worth $40-50 per calf.
If an operation is currently using creep feeding to increase weaning weights, alternatives should be considered this year. With typical free-choice creep feeding programs, we expect creep intake to be 6-7 lbs. per day. Free-choice creep feeding normally requires 8-10 lbs. of creep for each additional pound of gain. Also, if these creep feeds are fed for more than 60 days, calves may be discounted for excessive fleshiness at market. Limit-fed creep feeding programs targeting a creep intake of 1 percent of the calve’s body weight should be considered. The limited creep supplements should be designed to match forage conditions. We use a moderate protein supplement (20-25 percent) when calves are on Bermuda grass pastures with adequate protein but low energy. On native pastures with inadequate protein and energy, we use a high protein supplement (35-40 percent) to match the forage deficiencies. The supplements contain 8-10 percent salt to help limit intake, and the targeted amounts can be fed in creep feeders two to three times per week.
Limited creep supplements will increase gains by around 0.5 lb. per day, requiring 4.5-5 lbs. of supplemental creep per pound of added gain. Including an ionophore, such as monensin or lasalocid, in creep supplements will improve gains by 0.1 lb. per day on top of the creep feed, further improving supplemental efficiency to 3.5-4 lbs. of supplemental creep per pound of added weaning weight. Providing a limit-fed creep supplement during the late summer with an ionophore will result in a 50-60 lb. heavier calf at weaning worth $100-120 more. Depending on the cost of the creep supplement, this should boost net returns by $50-60 per calf (using $500 per ton of supplement in this example).
Now is not the time to completely pull back from spending money on inputs for our cow herd, but we do need to carefully consider the costs and impacts on net returns for all management decisions. — Paul Beck, Oklahoma State University Extension beef nutrition specialist
