Nutrition
7L management knows that to have good cattle you have to raise good forages. In addition to growing dryland corn silage and high-moisture wrapped rye grass silage as the principal energy feeds, 7L experiments with pastures seeded with a mix of native grasses, legumes and exotic forages, always in search of combinations that enhance nutritional harmony between the cattle and the land. With the high cost of fertilizer it has become increasingly important to plant forages that complement each other or have a symbiotic relationship and provide the nutrients that each need to grow and thrive. Wet and dry forage analysis is used to determine forage feed values so that Total Mixed Rations (TMRs) can be assembled that meet the accelerated demands of high genetic merit cattle. 7L consults with individuals with expertise in constructing high forage diets balancing requirements of minerals, energy and protein which maximize animal performance in the south while maintaining the right body growth rate and condition for the customers it serves. Grain diets are combined with forages when needed to meet the needs of growing animals especially as they are prepared for sales and in the early years of their reproductive life. Particular care is made to avoid getting replacement animals too highly condition so as not to exacerbate reproductive performance.
7L Farms explores the growing and feeding of non-conventional forages such as high sugar sorghum sudan grasses, high sugar hybrid corn varieties, Teff grass, intermediate crab grass, turnips, sweet peas and various clovers. We are ever evaluating our land production capabilities balancing soil enrichment programs and products with the nutritional needs of the animals that depend on the forages grown.
| always in search of combinations that enhance nutritional harmony |