Several extension Web sites offer tools that you can download to determine mineral, feed and other supplement needs in your herd.
Mineral Profile Evaluator - This Excel spreadsheet from the University of Arkansas compares the mineral composition of a mineral supplement to the requirements of lactating beef cows and growing calves. Value of Gain- This tool from the Samuel R Noble Foundation calculates the value of the gain of an animal. Supplement conversion calculates the cost on a per lb of additional gain basis of using a feed supplement.
Excel spreadsheets from the University of Arkansas you can use in your PDA for everyday, common tasks on the farm:
Beef Producer Pocket Tools - Six calculators: (1) Beef Cow Energy Supplement, (2) Calving Date, (3) Weaning Weigh Dates, (4) Calf Breakeven Prices, (5) Frame Score Calculator and (6) Pelvic Area Calculator. Feed Storage Requirements - Provides common bulk density of feedstuff to help determine storage space. Livestock Feeds - Tabular book value of common feed ingredients. Rotational Grazing Calculators - Three calculators for rotational grazing: (1) grazing period, (2) paddock size and (3) stocking density. Click here to access other tools from University of Arkansas.
