Managing grazing beef cattle on pasture is all about the balance between the land, the beef cattle, and the farmer. Each element is intricately linked, creating a tapestry of challenges and opportunities. The pursuit of optimal health and fertility of grazing beef cattle is a journey filled with twists and turns. Hindgut health, adaptation to seasonal changes, rumen acidosis, and heat stress are all formidable hurdles. Yet, with the right approach, these challenges can be transformed into stepping stones for success.

When we think of cattle digestion, the rumen often takes center stage. However, the hindgut of beef cattle is an equally crucial player in the digestive system. This part of the digestive system is responsible for fermenting fibers and absorbing water and electrolytes, contributing significantly to overall health and productivity of beef cattle. Poor hindgut health of grazing beef in pasture systems can lead to conditions like colitis and laminitis, which can drastically reduce cattle performance and welfare2. Maintaining hindgut health of beef cattle on pasture starts with diet. Fiber is essential, and its role cannot be overstated. Forages rich in fiber promote a balanced gut microbiota, which is vital for preventing the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. Regularly rotating pastures and managing grazing intensity can help maintain the quality of forage, ensuring that cattle always have access to the best possible nutrition.

The introduction of probiotics and prebiotics into feed supplements for beef cattle can further improve hindgut health, fostering a gut environment that enhances nutrient absorption and immune function of beef cattle on pasture. Selko LactiBute, a prebiotic for beef, containing rumen protected calcium gluconate, has been shown to increase the pH of the hindgut8 (see Figure 1), resulting in an improvement hindgut health of cattle7,8,9,10.

Seasonal changes bring about a plethora of challenges for grazing cattle. The transition from one season to another often means shifts in forage availability, weather conditions, and even social dynamics within the herd. These transitions can be stressful, impacting both health and fertility. Fiber concentration in grass can vary greatly during the growing season. During the early spring or at the start of the rainy season when fresh growth is at its peak, fiber content of grass is typically low. Later into the season, when the sward is producing reproductive seed heads rather than vegetative leaves, fiber content is typically high. There is a clear relation between fiber content and grass intake of cattle on pasture (see Figure 2). The principle target for beef cattle on pasture is to maximise voluntary intake of grass, whilst ensuring sufficient rumen digestion time. For grazing, the optimum NDF content of grass should be 30-40% of total dry matter, with dNDF being around 20-30% of total dry matter. 60-75% of the total fiber content should be available to grazing beef in a digestible form. When the amount of fiber falls below these optimum levels, supplementation with a source of additional fiber may be necessary to prevent grass passing through the rumen too rapidly.

A gradual transition approach can help cattle adapt to new forages and conditions. Introducing new forages slowly allows the rumen microbiota to adjust without causing digestive disturbances. Monitoring cattle closely during these periods is crucial. Early signs of stress or malnutrition can be addressed promptly, preventing long-term health issues.

Social structure plays a significant role in the adaptation process. Cattle are social animals, and changes in group dynamics can cause stress. Managing these transitions smoothly, perhaps by keeping familiar groups together or ensuring adequate space to reduce competition, can help mitigate this stress.

Grazing beef cattle on pasture are usually supplemented with trace minerals. Trials5,6 have shown that the source and of trace mineral fed can have an impact on the ability of grass fed beef to adapt to changes in feed composition typical for the change in season. Beef cattle fed Selko IntelliBond had less variable intake of supplement and did not lose as much bodyweight during the dry season compared to animals on sulphates5. Beef cattle on Selko IntelliBond also had a higher dry matter intake and a better NDF digestibility after a period of 48 hours of starvation6.

Heat stress is a formidable challenge, especially in warmer climates. High temperatures can reduce feed intake, impair reproductive performance, and increase mortality rates. The impact of heat stress is multifaceted, affecting not just the immediate health of cattle but also their long-term productivity3.

Mitigating heat stress starts with providing ample shade and access to cool, clean water. Shade structures, whether natural or man-made, can significantly reduce the heat load on cattle. Watering points should be strategically placed to ensure easy access and encourage frequent drinking, which helps regulate body temperature.

Innovative cooling systems, such as misters or fans, can also be used in holding areas to reduce heat stress. Adjusting grazing schedules to cooler parts of the day, like early mornings and late evenings, can further help cattle cope with high temperatures. These adjustments are not just about comfort; they directly impact feed intake and reproductive performance.

Nutrition is the cornerstone of beef cattle health and fertility. The right balance of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for maintaining optimal body condition and reproductive performance. However, achieving this balance in animals on pasture is a complex task that requires continuous monitoring and adjustment. Mineral and vitamin supplements for beef cattle are often necessary to address deficiencies. This is particularly important in regions with known soil deficiencies, which directly affect the nutrient content of forages. Regular forage and soil analysis is crucial.

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a valuable tool in managing nutrition (see Table 3). Regularly assessing BCS helps farmers adjust feed intake and ensure cows are neither under- nor over-conditioned. Both extremes can negatively impact fertility. Cows with optimal body condition are more likely to conceive and carry pregnancies to term4.

Disease management is another critical aspect of maintaining health and fertility in grazing cattle. Proactive disease management involves regular health checks, vaccinations, and stringent biosecurity measures. Vaccination programs should be comprehensive, covering common diseases that pose a risk to cattle. This preventive approach can significantly reduce the incidence of disease outbreaks. Biosecurity measures are equally important. Quarantine protocols for new animals and strict sanitation practices can prevent the introduction and spread of diseases within the herd. Routine health checks by veterinarians can catch and address health issues early. Early intervention often means less severe outcomes and quicker recovery times, minimizing the impact on overall herd health and productivity.

Beef grazing is a journey fraught with challenges, but each challenge presents an opportunity for innovation and improvement. By focusing on hindgut health, managing transitions effectively, preventing rumen acidosis, mitigating heat stress, and ensuring nutritional balance, farmers can navigate the complexities of grazing management successfully.

Embracing a holistic approach to cattle health, considering both the rumen and the hindgut, allows for more comprehensive management practices. Understanding and facilitating adaptation to seasonal changes can reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Proactive measures against rumen acidosis and heat stress safeguard productivity and animal welfare.