– Neighborly Advice –
Winter needs for cattle rations
Colder temperatures mean nutrient demands increase
By Todd Steen, ProTrition Ruminant Nutritionist
Wintering cattle in our area using predominately lesser-quality forages rarely provides enough nutrition to satisfy nutritional essentials. Cattle health/reproduction/milk production/body condition maintenance relies on proper support of nutrient needs, especially during colder weather, which increases energy requirement simply for body temperature management. Estimates suggest at least 75% of cows will calve during the spring season, putting added pressure on nutrient demands for gestating cows when exposed to lower temperatures. During this time, supplementing protein will aid in cattle performance parameters. Consider the following: Forage digestibility is imperative in maintaining nutrient supply, and since forage quality suffers during colder months, providing necessary protein increases fiber breakdown for usable energy. Minimal protein supplementation always limits digestion and nutrient assimilation and availability. As a secondary benefit, added dietary protein increases feed acceptance and potentially lowers feedstuff wastage.
Colder months typically produce a heightened metabolic need in our cattle and calves. Any meeting of expected genetic expression will require essential nutrients from a balanced ration. Additional protein will be crucial for any desired weight gain during this period.
Fueling the immune system during stressful weather conditions is critical to optimize health without sacrificing performance or maintenance. Late winter is challenging for livestock, and their immune response puts a drain on the overall protein status of animals.
The most efficient management option is to consistently provide a balanced ration. Consider the following:
It is always best to characterize forages to determine nutrient failings. This allows for specific supplementation without deficiencies or over-feeding expensive nutrients. Forage testing, generally, costs around $25 and can be invaluable to identifying areas where supplementation is vital.
Fueling the immune system during stressful weather conditions is critical to optimize health without sacrificing performance or maintenance. Late winter is challenging for livestock, and their immune response puts a drain on the overall protein status of animals.
While forage testing is valuable, identifying forage availability and supply is a must. Cows generally consume feedstuffs to meet their energy needs. Since colder weather conditions increase the necessity for energy, having ample supply of forage/roughage is critical. The time frame between late winter and spring is not a good period for limited forage availability.
Keep a close watch on the body condition of your animals. This is the best determination of the energy status of the animal and can provide key evidence if forage supply and supplemental ration are adequately meeting the intended needs.
For efficiency of feeding, recognize specific production stages to provide essential nutrients. Weaned calves have different requirements than dry cows versus maintaining body condition on lactating cows.
Your local Co-op feed representative is a vital source of information and knowledge for balancing diets. For help developing an effective feeding plan, visit with the feed representative at your local Co-op today.