SOUTH FLORIDA WINTER SUPPLEMENTATION SEMINAR

Proposed by: Christa L.Kirby

Presenters: Kirby*, C. L., Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Palmetto, FL 34221
Carlisle, B. , Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Bartow, FL 33831
Davis, C. B., Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Hersom, M., Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Animal Sciences, Gainesville, FL 32611
Hogue, P. J., Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Lancaster, P., Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Ona, FL 33865
Prevatt, T. R., Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension, Moore Haven, FL 33471
Vendramini, J., Extension Specialist, UF/IFAS Range Cattle REC, Ona, FL 33865
Wiggins*, L.J., Extension Agent , UF/IFAS Extension, LaBelle, FL 33975

South Florida is a unique environment to raise cattle. Producers are able to graze year-round providing forage for their cattle. Issues arise when forage quality and quantity declines and cows begin declining in body condition score (BCS) when suckling a calf. The extension agents in South Florida noticed a need for providing information that producers could use to properly and economically supplement their animals through the winter months. The South Florida Winter Supplementation Seminar was developed to meet these needs. The seminar covers cattle nutritional requirements, forage supplementation, winter supplementation programs and managing cost of supplementation. Each topic is explained by extension specialists and agents to assist producers in gaining a full understanding of how to properly provide supplemental nutrients to their animals. Research has shown that BCS is directly correlated to reproductive efficiency. In a state where the cow-calf enterprise is the predominant sector of the cattle industry this becomes important. When explained to producers that the difference between a cow in a BCS-3 versus a cow in a BCS-5 can mean a difference of $223 or more in calf weaned per cow exposed they begin to understand the importance. In two years 87 producers have attended the course. In response to post program surveys 45 percent have reported an increase in knowledge and 89 percent plan to implement techniques they learned during the seminar. One of the techniques which producers are implementing is to begin the supplementation program before you begin to see BCS decline in your cattle.

All Accepted Proposals