Cattle Winter Feeding Tips

Following is a summary of information provided by Dr. Jason Banta, Extension Beef Cattle Specialist, Overton.

• Hay should be tested for protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) so producers can calculate their herds nutritional requirements and determine which supplements are most appropriate.
• To maintain body condition, a lactating cow needs an 11.5% crude protein hay with a 62-63% TDN.  A dry pregnant cow needs 8% CP and 55% TDN.
• If you need both energy and protein, a 20% cube is pretty hard to beat from a cost standpoint.  If you only need protein, a 40% protein cube would be more cost effective.
• Start feeding supplements slowly and be consistent each day to avoid digestive problems like acidosis, foot abscesses, damage to the rumen wall, ect…
• If cows are in good body condition (5-6) 1-1.5 pounds/head/day of a 40% cube is a good place to start for dry cows.  Bump that up to 2-3#/hd/day for lactating cows.
• For cows needing protein and energy with average quality hay, consider 2-3# of something like a 20% protein cube for dry cows and 4-6# for wet cows.
• 2-3 year old cows should be in a body condition of 6 at calving while cows 4 years old and older should be in a body condition of at least 5.