Bonus Tydskrif AUTUMN 2024

How on-farm service can improve extensive beef production By Robert Vigne, technical advisor extensive ruminants, De Heus The success of extensive beef cattle farming relies on a combination of factors, and one crucial element that cannot be overstated is the importance of on-farm services. These services encompass a range of support mechanisms, all geared towards ensuring the health and productivity of the livestock. With De Heus being an integral part of any customer’s farming operation, we supply various on-farm services. De Heus believes that by creating a partnership with our customers we can improve profitably and share knowledge. Innovation/entrepreneurship is but one of the five cornerstones we build a business on. The following on-farm services can make a positive contribution to any farming operation. Nutrition optimisation Historically speaking, cattle that graze natural pastures have not been given intricate nutritional attention. Fortunately, on-farm nutritionists nowadays collaborate with farmers to develop balanced diets that will meet the nutritional requirements of the cattle. This involves assessing the quality of available forage, supplementing with minerals and vitamins when necessary, and adapting feeding strategies to different seasons. Through on-farm services, beef producers can enhance their cattle’s feed efficiency, leading to healthier and more productive cattle. A lick is a specially formulated supplement which improves the utilisation of the forage source. Note that it is not a substitute for feed. A self-regulating lick supplement must be prescribed in accordance with the specific forage type, cattle type, and production goal for best results; one lick does not fit all. Lick efficiency Different lick programmes can accelerate the time to market of weaners or the time to calving of heifers. Early supplementation of protein licks and strategic use of energy licks optimise the cow herd’s efficiency based on the farm and system. Licks for breeding animals are vastly different to that of terminal animals. Preparing a bull for auction requires high energy supplementation Autumn / Herfs 2024 BONUS www.agribonus.co.za 34