Lip-Licking Winter Treat
Southern States liquid feed is a molasses-based liquid protein that makes dry grass and hay more digestible.

Above: The co-op's tank feeder provides liquid feed supplement for Johnson's cows. Below: Ralph Puckett, left, reviews liquid supplement needs with Danny Johnson.

Whether you have a few head or several hundred, trying to keep beef cows in condition on pasture during the winter is no easy task. And shorting your cows during this critical period not only can affect the calves they are carrying, if they are bred, but also cows' ability to rebreed for the following season.

"Going into November, most of our grass is pretty well gone, except for some fescue, so our cows have to make it through the winter on hay," says Danny Johnson, a Virginia cattleman. He runs crossbred cows in the mountainous area of southwestern Virginia. "Hay gives them a little protein and a lot of filler, but not much of anything else."

Two years ago, working with Ralph Puckett, Field Sales Associate with Washington Farmers Cooperative, Johnson tried putting out Southern States liquid feed in tanks provided by the co-op for some of his cows. He was so pleased with the results that this past winter he expanded use of the supplement.

Southern States liquid feed is a molasses- based product that Johnson buys from Washington Farmers Co-op,his local Southern States retailer in nearby Abingdon. According to store manager Shannon Caudell, the liquid feed contains a minimum of 32% protein and is very high in calorie content. The co-op uses a formula with added magnesium, to help prevent grass tetany.

Mike Peacock, the co-op's Beef Feed Sales and Marketing Manager, explains that the protein stimulates the growth of microorganisms in the rumen that are responsible for fiber digestion. As a result, animals can consume more forage and better utilize the nutrients in the forage. "In other words," Peacock says, "liquid protein makes low quality forages more digestible." That's important to Johnson who buys hay from many different sources and concedes he has no idea of its protein or feed.

He says he likes the fact the liquid feed is available to cows regardless of weather conditions. "Southern States folks do a good job of trying to keep the tanks filled," he says.

"When it's muddy, it's a challenge to get feed to the cows. With these liquid tanks, cows get fed whether we can get to them or not." His goal is to have one tank for 30 to 40 cows. That helps insure that even timid animals have access to protein at a cost he estimates to be less than 30 cents per cow per day.

Peacock emphasizes the importance of making free-choice minerals available to cows that are on liquid protein. He explains that some animals have higher mineral needs than can be achieved from the supplement and will overconsume to get minerals. Having adequate minerals available keeps them from overeating and supplies the needs more economically.

HAY SUNDAE?

Here's a tip from Mike Peacock of Southern States on how to get better utilization of low quality hay. Pour liquid feed over a round bale of hay and let it soak overnight before feeding it to cows.

"This makes the hay more palatable, increases consumption and cuts down on the amount that is wasted," Peacock says.