Home > Crops & Livestock > Livestock > Beef Cattle > Economics of Creep Feeding Calves Currently, with regard to beef calves, heavier calves are retaining a considerably higher percentage oftheir value when compared to their lighter counterparts. For instance, there may be only a ten tofifteen percent difference in the price/lb between a 450 and 750 lb calf. Many beef cattle producers aretherefore exploring means to add additional weight on their calves economically and at the same timenot placing too much expense involved with infrastructure (pens, water’s, feed troughs, 2008 Post Weaning Options for Calves Without question, in 2008, for cow‐calf producers to maintain profitability, adding weight to light calves, post weaning is an outstanding way to add value and put more dollars in your pocket. Here are some current trials that highlight supplements and other areas for consideration when backgrounding or developing cattle. 2008 Projected Production Costs for Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle and Forage [Image: 2008 Beef, Dairy and Forage Budgets] This report presents estiamtes of projected 2008 production costs associated with the production of beef cattle, dairy cattle and forage crops in Louisiana. Meeting the Nutritional Needs of Cattle with Hay This page provides information on hay quality, supplements and how to ration hay.  more articles... Cottonseed Meal Improves Beef Cow Performance [Image: Cows were supplemented with different levels of cottonseed meal] Beef cattle feed goes through a microbial fermentation process in the rumen before being digested by the animal.Since the majority of the cow’s diet is forage, efficient fermentation of this fiber is critical. Diet supplements provide additional nutrients to improve utilization of the fiber. Winter Options for Beef Cattle in Louisiana [Image: Hay bales for cattle.] Southwest and south central Louisiana beef cattle producers have endured a devastating hit from Hurricane Rita. The Louisiana Ag Summary suggests that more than 175,000 cows reside in the parishes that were hardest hit. Saltwater intrusion coupled with fence damage has greatly limited the options for wintering beef cattle in these areas. This article provides various winter options for beef cattle in Louisiana. Beef Update [Image: beef newsletter image] LSU AgCenter provides a monthly newsletter with production tips, monthly planning calendars, articles and highlights to help our state beef producers stay up with events and news! Louisiana Hay and Feed Suppliers Directory [Image: Hay and Feed Suppliers] The Lousiana Hay and Feed Supplier Directory has been developed as a tool for farmers and ranchers to do two things: 1.) promote the availability of hay and feed sources to surrounding areas and people in need; 2.) find available sources should you need hay or feed in case of drought or other reason that would limit resouces. 2007 LSU AgCenter Beef and Forage Report [Image: Publication cover] Report of beef cattle and forage research and extension projects completed over the past two years. For more information on a particular report, contact the author directly from the list in Appendix C. Dry Cow Management Dry cow management is an integral part of total herd management. There are five keys to maintaining an excellent dry cow program. Cattle Producers Nervous About Feed Prices Cattle producers are nervous about the upcoming year because the possibility of corn prices exceeding $5 a bushel could mean higher prices for livestock feed. An LSU AgCenter economist recently advised, however, that those fears could be based on some assumptions that may not develop into realities. The Louisiana Master Cattle Producer Program [Image: Herford Cattle] The Master Cattle Producer Program is designed as a follow-up to the Master Farmer Program. It is a commodity-specific program to enhance the profitability of beef producers by equipping them with important information on all aspects of beef production. 2007 Louisiana Projected Beef Cattle, Dairy and Forage Crop Production Costs [Image: 2007 Beef, Dairy and Forage Budgets] This report presents estimates of projected production costs for beef cattle, dairy and forage-crop production in Louisiana for 2007. Disaster Preparedness and Recovery - Beef & Dairy Producers [Image: Publication Cover] In the early fall of 2005, two of the most powerful hurricanes on record, Katrina and Rita, slammed into the Gulf Coast within three weeks of each other. The area of devastation extended from East Texas to Alabama. Tens of thousands of animals perished, suffered illness or production losses, or had to be sold. The impact on beef and dairy producers and the veterinarians who serve them was enormous. More...