I started paying attention to animal behavior, and what it can mean for graziers, about 25 years ago. Unfortunately, this really good research has never made it into the mainstream of farmer/rancher knowledge, so as an industry, we still don’t benefit from it. But it’s never too late to start. Here are some things that it pays to know about your livestock. (And, yes, it says “Cows”, but this applies to all animals, including human beings.)
You think you know what your animals eat, but do you really?
Let’s start with the basics. I think you’ll enjoy the videos of animals demonstrating principles at work.
Now that we have the basics, let’s take the next step to explore the insides of our animals and what that means for our success.
An Animal’s Early Experience Outside Can Change Its Body Inside
It’s not the Breed, it’s the Life They Lead
No, there is not a special breed you can buy that will do what you want. It all depends on where they’ve lived before.
Did You Know Your Herd Has Its Own Culture? Yep – And That’s Why They Eat What They Eat!
Should you offer free-choice/cafeteria-style minerals?
The researchers who figured out how animals choose what to eat also checked out this question. Their answer could save you money.
If you have questions about how you might apply some of this knowledge to benefit you and your heard, let me know in the comments below. I’ll be happy to try to answer.
Thanks for reading!
Kathy
P.S. The Funnies! This one goes out to my friend Alan Kraus who has enough firewood to build some of these creative stacks!
