Nebraska Extension to host March 17 Webinar on Confinement Feeding Cow-calf Pairs

Wondering about options for feeding the cow herd if it stays dry this spring?

Nebraska Extension will host a webinar titled Confinement Feeding Cow-calf Pairs in the Face of Limited Perennial Grass Options on March 17 at 6:30 p.m. Mountain time.

As drought continues to expand across Nebraska and the western Great Plains, pasture rental and purchase prices remain high while many harvested feed commodities are moderately priced. The webinar will explore the potential of adding a confined cow operation to an integrated cattle and crop system, along with nutritional and management considerations when drought limits or delays perennial grass growth.  

“Both the feed needs of the cow and calf have to be accounted for,” said Karla Wilke, Nebraska Extension cow-calf systems specialist. 

“Either the calf needs to be fed in a separate creep area, or the feed delivered to the pair needs to be increased as the calf grows to meet its needs.”

Wilke said lactation requires significantly more protein and energy than gestation. “While we can use low-quality forages or residues in confinement diets, we have to add a source of energy and protein to meet the needs of the pair appropriately,” she said.  

The webinar will provide practical information producers can use this spring and summer as they evaluate drylotting operations. Wilke will highlight lessons learned from university research and from producers who have utilized drylot systems for cow-calf pairs.  

Topics will include: 

• Logistics for drylotting pairs, including needed bunk space, water, fence, shade, and creep access for calves

• Ration examples and feed cost estimates based on current commodity prices

• Limit feeding versus full feeding

• Use of annual forages to complement drylot feeding

• Health considerations for cows and calves

• Breeding strategies in a drylot setting 

A computer and internet connection are required to participate in the webinar. 

The webinar is free, but registration is required. To register, contact Aaron Berger at [email protected].