Cow-pie-ology

   There is no better method of determining the nutritional condition of cattle than the visual observation of manure. The manure, unlike hair coat observation, indicates what is going on with cattle today, yesterday and the day before yesterday. Observing the dullness or shine of the hair coat reflects what is going on in the past week or several weeks.

   Years of research in the pasture has documented the conclusion that as manure piles stack up more protein is needed. Passage rate through cattle’s digestive system slows down thus stacking the manure and excess protein brings about thin manure.

   Beginning three weeks pre-calving, it is a good idea to attempt to have the average manure piles between 2 to 4 inches high, flat and without layers. As piles begin to stack higher, layers will begin to be evident. Average is the key. Regardless of the nutrition level, there will always be some thin piles as well as some stacked piles.

   Also, years of research in the pasture has proven that manure piles should be read where cattle are at rest. The water troughs are  perfect locations to observe “Cow-pie-ology”, because if cattle trot only a couple of hundred yards to the cake wagon, the manure piles will be thinner than if the same cattle were observed at rest.

Adequate Protein

Inadequate Protein

Excess Protein