Strong performance starts with strong foundations. By focusing on the essentials, you can help your herd reach its full potential. These small but powerful steps can lead to big improvements in your herds’ health, reproduction and overall productivity across your operation.
1. Water First
Water often gets overlooked, yet it’s the most essential nutrient your cattle consume. Without clean, plentiful water, even the best feed programs can’t deliver the results you expect.
Good, clean water is the starting point for every successful nutrition plan. Poor-quality or dirty water can reduce intake, slow gains and cause reproductive challenges.
Water tips for success:
- Clean automatic waterers on a regular basis
- Sanitize with bleach or Clorox solution to prevent build-up and bacteria
- Check for proper flow, temperature, and cleanliness year-round
2. Balanced Rations
After proper water quality, nutrition is the next critical piece of the puzzle. Balancing rations and minerals ensure cattle are getting the right amount of nutrients. Make sure they are not receiving too much, but also not too little. The right amount keeps your herd in top health, improves immune function and supports reproductivity.
With proper rations, you’ll see improvements in:
- Animal Health
- Feed Efficiency
- Performance and Profitability
3. Utilize Five Star Feed Testing Services
At Five Star, we know that not all feeds are made equally. That’s why our team members are able to visit your farm to test your feed rations to help identify nutrient gaps. We use Dairyland Labs to test on-farm feed forages and use Dalex Ration Balancing Program supported by Purina Animal Nutrition, for your cattle nutritional needs.
Healthy cattle are productive cattle. Whether you are managing a cow-calf operation or a feedlot, proper water management and balanced rotations will directly impact gains, reproductive success and long-term performance. By maintaining clean water sources and using tested, balanced feed and mineral programs, you are setting your cattle operation up for success.
