Call us Weekdays 9-5(800) 949-9997
Shipping World Wide
Serving the Livestock Industry Since 1982

Raising Quality Beef To Receive the Greatest Return on Your Investment

If you are looking to raise cattle that can provide high-quality beef for your customers, we have some tips (and livestock equipment) that can give you food for thought. For the best return on your investment, you want your cows to be healthy and happy so they can produce the tastiest beef and milk possible. Here are some tips to help your cows thrive:

1-Quality nutrition: To avoid malnutrition, make sure your soil and feed provide the minerals and proteins your herd needs. Adding salt mixes via mouth or injection can make up for a deficiency. Separating the heifers from the older cows, particularly in the winter can help provide much-needed extra nutrients for your growing heifers.

2-Vaccine protection: A regular vaccine schedule helps prevent diseases while also lessening the need for antibiotics that could be passed on to the meat.

-Pasture feeding: Giving your cows access to pastures for silage and hay helps them produce the most natural and best-tasting beef.

-Legume hay: This hay that is grown for your herd and then cut is essential for their best health. Grown correctly, this hay comes with an ample supply of protein for your cows, having higher concentrations of protein than regular grass hay. Alfalfa is great legume hay and while it is pricier than feeding your cows strictly on pastures, it’s well worth it if you are wanting to supply the best beef for your customers.

NOTE: When it comes to hay, avoid feeding your beef cattle alfalfa that is dairy quality. Its richness is more than your beef cattle require and is one of the costlier options for hay.

At D-S Livestock Equipment located in Frostburg, Maryland, we are pleased to be one of the only providers of hot-dipped galvanized livestock equipment. What does this mean for you? There is no paint and no rust, while also being priced affordably. This means you will be purchasing high-quality equipment, cost-effectively. Whether your cattle operation is in the U.S. or across the world, we can help. Check out our products or call 800-949-9997 for assistance. We also offer financing to help you get the equipment you need now rather than later!

A Beginner’s Guide to Goat Care

Are you considering caring for goats? If so, we’re happy to give you a few ideas on how you can care for your goat’s nutritional needs.

Goats need a different amount of water depending on the season. This means you should make sure your goat constantly has access to an adequate supply of fresh water. We recommend using a heavy container to prevent your goat from knocking the water over. Similarly, a water system can help you avoid these problems, and can help you cope with below-zero temperatures.

Your goat will also need hay or pasture to ensure that they get enough good. If you plan on having your goat graze only, you should have a combination of grasses and clovers.  Typically, goats will need eight hours of grazing time every day, but it is important to ensure that they do not overgraze. Also, make sure your goat does not eat wet food, because this may cause them to bloat. If you do not have a large enough pasture, you may supplement their diet with hay, such as timothy. Unlike some animals, you should only give alfalfa to goats that are pregnant or ill.

Finally, it is important to give your goats loose minerals or mineral blocks. These minerals are important for goats. In fact, without them, your goat’s body will not function correctly. The minerals they need include salt and selenium, which they should have constant access to. You may also need to give your goat magnesium.

If you would like to learn more about the food and minerals goats need or about how you can ensure their water supply is adequate, please feel free to contact us today. We are eager to hear from you.

A Beginner’s Guide to Cattle Care

Are you thinking about raising cattle? Do you know where you should start? While the best way to learn how to deal with cattle is to work with then, there are a few places you can look to find a good start. We recommend speaking with someone experienced, reading livestock journals, and selecting the principles that can help you get started.  But to help you get started, we’re happy to offer you three important pieces of advice.

  1. Please make sure your cattle have a clean, plentiful water supply. Cows tend to drink about twelve gallons of water every day. During the winter, you may want to use a tank heater to prevent your water from freezing. Also, you may place copper sulfate in your water if you notice algae growing.
  2. Some people believe that is extremely important to build a shed or barn for their cattle, but all you really need is a windbreak. In reality, most cattle need no shelter at all. However, if you decide that a shelter is important, please make sure there are no drafts. If there are drafts, your shelter may hold moisture that can lead to health problems.
  3. Remember to provide your cattle with high-quality hay. Alfalfa is generally considered the best hay. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive. However, if you decide to use alfalfa, please mix in timothy or other types of grass to protect your cattle from bloating.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you soon!

Search for products

Back to Top
Product has been added to your cart