Practical Cattle Raising In Backyard Paddocks (2nd of a Series)

Consistency In Cattle Feeding
Critical In Growth, Weight Gain

One of the most common problems raised by ruminants farmers is the slow growth of their animals and the periodic diarrhea manifested by very wet manure.

In this second video presentation which I and Outstanding OFW and cattle nutritionist Arnel Corpuz prepared with the help of videographer Pastor Julius Cuaton Paler, farmers will learn more on the formula for effective feeding to achieve maximum growth and weight gain.

First, while Arnel Corpuz recommends Silage as the best feed for Cattle and Goats, including sheep, in confined areas or paddocks, he does not discourage farmers from the old practice of "Cut and Carry" where fresh roughage are given to ruminants, especially goats.

He, however, points out that the secret to successful feeding is consistency which means that if the "Cut and Carry" feeding technique is used in the goat farm, the farmer must make sure that the roughage materials are consistent.

This means that if the "Cut and Carry" roughage consists of Madre de Agua, Rensonii, Flemingia or Napier, this should be the consistent feed formula because any change in the feed material would affect the pH level in the rumen of Cattle, Goats or Sheep.

Silage is the best feed material for the ruminants, according to Arnel because of the consistency in the moisture, dry matter and nutritional content.

The best silage materials that he recommends is Young Corn, Sorghum and Napier or similar pasture grass which must be chopped and kept in bunkers or anaerobic bags to promote fermentation.

After 15 days, the Silage would be ready for feeding and in well-maintained anaerobic storage areas, the Silage could last up to 5 years or even more.

In areas where the ideal roughage is not available, Arnel says Sugarcane Tops and even Rice Straws could be used as hay but with heavy nutritional supplement because both materials have very low nutritional value.

Transitioning from one feed material to a new Silage should be done in careful graduation so as not to upset the rumen and affect microbial growth and population.

Arnel recommends a 9-day transition where on the first three days, 25% of the new feeds is mixed with the old. feeds, 50-50% on the second three days and 75% of the new feeds on the third three days, after which the transition is complete.

To determine whether the feeding is correct, Arnel says the farmer must always check the manure as an indicator.

Too wet or too dry are indicators of inferior feeding.

I hope these pointers shared by Arnel Corpuz who spent 11 years as Feedlot Manager of a 50,000 head Wagyu fattening facility in Australia could help our Cattle, Goats and Sheep farmers.

#farmingisendlesslearning!

(Video material produced by Pastor Julius Cuaton Paler.)