8/12/2023 0 Comments Hairy cow calf![]() All cattle tend to get rougher hair coats in late winter, but by April to early May, hair coats should have slicked off. Discuss this with the your local Cooperative Extension agricultural agent. Cattle producers whose cattle have hair coat problems should consider whether they should upgrade their mineral supplement. Copper and other minerals must be supplied in supplemental mineral mixtures. In fact, it is possible that copper deficiency may be a predisposing factor in parasite infestation as well as early calf death loss and increased susceptibility to respiratory disease in weaned calves. Deficient levels of copper also have a detrimental effect on the immune system. Besides depigmentation and impaired keratinization of hair (rough hair coats), signs of copper deficiency are poor growth, low reproduction, and anemia. The tall fescue fungus mentioned above is a factor in making copper less available to cattle. It is likely that copper deficiency is an important factor leading to poor hair coats in Tennessee cattle. Recent forage surveys have shown than copper levels are low, and other minerals (especially sulfur), which decrease copper availability, are high. Another factor that causes rough hair coats and decreased performance in cattle on tall fescue is copper deficiency. This fungus produces toxins that decrease production and make rough hair coats in cattle that consume infected fescue, especially in the summer. Tall fescue is the nutrition base for beef cattle production in Tennessee, and approximately 90% is infected with an endophytic fungus. Rough hair has long been associated with tall fescue toxicosis, a condition in cattle that consume endophyte-infected tall fescue. Heavily parasitized animals will have an unthrifty appearance, including discolored, lifeless hair and will exhibit decreased performance. Parasites, both internal and external, rob the body of the nutrients needed to make healthy hair coats. Several specific conditions cause rough hair coats. Hair is an indicator of general health and a predictor of performance. The same nutritional ingredients that make healthy hair are also responsible for efficient reproduction, immune function, and growth. Healthy hair in cattle is not a fashion statement. Unhealthy hair coats are sometimes described as rough and are likely not to shed in a timely manner in the spring. If any of these ingredients for building healthy hair are limited, the hair coat may become dull, off-colored, and brittle. Healthy hair is produced by hair follicles that are supplied with adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals. The spring may be the best time to evaluate the hair coat of cattle. One not to be overlooked is the hair coat. Contact us by email ) for availability.Good cattle management requires careful observation, and there are many important things to watch for. These include Scotch fillet, Porterhouse Steak, Rump or Topside, Cross Cut Blade, Schnitzel, Roast, Silverside and Mince, Sausages and Salami. Vacuum-packed cuts are sometimes available. To thank you for your contribution we may send you a Knapdale Highland Beef parcel when we process a male animal. This contributes to the grazing and maintenance costs of our herd. Calf prices are between $350 and $800 depending on their grade and age.įor $2 you can also become a shareholder in the Knapdale Highland Beef Shareholder’s Register. Our Highland cows cost between $600 and $800. A and B Grade cows with calves at foot.A Grade cows scanned in calf (A grade cows are 87.5% Highland, 12.5% Hereford). ![]() B Grade cows scanned in calf (B grade cows are 75% Highland, 25% Hereford).With the exception of some bulls to keep our bloodlines clean, all our cattle have been born at Knapdale. The decision to farm Scottish Highland Cattle was to keep the roots with Scotland - Knapdale is the name of the lands the McMillans farmed in Scotland.
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