Every cattle producer wants to get all they can from their land and cattle. Sometimes that means running a temporary fence to keep cattle in certain areas they just don’t care to go. What if there was a way to lure cattle to the other end without having to get out the T-posts and post driver? Why not use the supplement you already have to move your cattle around the pasture?

Dr. Derek Bailey, New Mexico State University, has spent many years researching the connection between supplement type and pasture utilization. Research trials in Montana and New Mexico, have shown that cattle accustomed to low-moisture blocks will spend the majority of their day within 600 yards of the barrel; even in rough terrain.

These studies also showed a change in forage utilization in areas surrounding the barrel. As the cattle were following the barrel, they consumed the forage in that same area.

Moving cattle around your pasture isn’t as simple as just putting product in the back corner. Cattle need to be made accustomed to the barrels first. This may take a week or 2 to accomplish. When your cattle are hooked, slowly move the barrels across the pasture. Dr. Bailey’s research suggests no more than 600 yards between new feeding areas. If moving cattle into a wooded or rough terrain area make sure the lead cow knows where you have put the barrels.

Improving distribution in your pastures doesn’t have to mean chasing empty barrels. Cattle producers have the option of feeding low moisture blocks in biodegradable containers. This allows the producer to make a single trip to the pasture and eliminates additional costs and excess labor necessary to retrieve reusable steel or disposable plastic containers. These biodegradable containers eliminate the need to get out of the warm pick-up to see how much product is left, or wonder which side of the hill the empty rolled down.

Visit www.crystalyx.com for more information on the BioBarrel® container and how CRYSTALYX® supplements can improve your grazing distribution this winter.

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