Feb 29, 2024
Liquid feed is a molasses-based supplement for livestock that provides added minerals, vitamins, protein, and energy in a convenient, cost-effective and easy-to-handle form. It complements cattle's primary forage and grain diets, ensuring they receive a well-balanced nutrition profile.
Liquid feed is commonly pre-mixed to precise nutritional specifications based on the specific needs of a herd. This customization allows producers to optimize performance and address nutritional deficiencies.
There are various methods available to deliver liquid feed to cattle, including:
Incorporation into Total Mixed Rations (TMR)
Top-dressing
Free-choice access
In this approach, liquid supplements are mixed with dry ingredients like forages and grains to create a complete and balanced TMR, ensuring a consistent blend of nutrients.
Top-dressing involves pouring or spraying feed directly onto the surface of existing dry feed, which enhances the palatability of the diet. This method ensures a uniform distribution of nutrients and doesn’t require significant changes to your feeding infrastructure.
Liquid supplements can also be provided in specialized lick tubs or troughs, allowing cattle to access the liquid feed as needed. This helps to reduce feeding-time competition and stress among cattle, promoting a more relaxed feeding environment.
Several liquid feed options are available to meet specific nutritional requirements and production goals. Their usage depends on factors such as the cattle’s age, production stage and nutritional deficiencies.
Protein-based liquid supplements contain various protein sources like soybean meal, cottonseed meal, or urea to meet the needs of growing cattle or lactating cows. They are especially valuable during periods of increased nutrient demand.
Liquid energy supplements often include molasses, corn syrup and other high-energy components. Particularly beneficial for working cattle, these supplements increase the energy density of their diet during strenuous activities like cold weather, which increase energy demand in order to maintain a steady body temperature.
These supplements address mineral deficiencies in the local forage or when additional vitamins are required for reproduction or enhanced immune function. They also contribute to optimal growth and weight gain, and can provide critical nutrients during calving season.
Complete liquid feeds are pre-mixed solutions that balance protein, energy, fiber, minerals and vitamins. They provide a one-stop solution for cattle nutrition when forage quality is poor or during specific production phases when precise nutritional control is required, such as in feedlot finishing.
Using liquid feed supplements on your operation improves feed quality and convenience by helping to:
Liquid feed blends seamlessly with other feed components so that every animal receives the same essential nutrients. This promotes consistent growth and health across the herd.
Liquid feed can be quickly added to other feed components, allowing producers to streamline the process and focus on other critical aspects of herd management.
Spillage and wind dispersion can lead to unnecessary expenses and losses. Liquid feed reduces the chance of waste because it adheres directly to the feed components, leading to cost savings and overall efficiency.
Liquid feed provides a consistent texture and flavor, stimulates a cattle’s appetite and leads to better feed intake, improved growth and performance.
Liquids can help cattle better absorb and break down nutrients leading to an increased uptake of vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the cow’s bloodstream. This plays a vital role in cattle immunity, reproduction, bone development and overall improved metabolic processes.
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FBN Direct® has the right liquid feed supplements, lick tubs, and minerals to set your operation up for success. With a straightforward online ordering process, transparent pricing and direct-to-farm delivery of liquid feed, your herd will always stay healthy.
Here are a few popular feed products to help you get started with a proactive and healthy diet:
FBN 18 STRESS Tub, 1 Ton (8 tubs)
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Feb 29, 2024
Complete the form below or call (877) 218-9411 to connect with a member of our livestock team about FBN’s liquid feed supplement.