Beef

*This is an excerpt from Beef Cattle Management in Uncertain Times

Consider alternative feeding strategies when forage resources are limited. In situations where access to forage resources may be limited, alternative roughages or management strategies are sometimes needed to meet beef cow nutritional requirements. During these times, it is important to design a feeding program that fully utilizes local feed resources.

In times of limited forage availability, consider the following tips when feeding cattle.

• Analyze forages and feed resources to determine nutritional value.
• Balance rations with animal requirements. Consult your local Animal Science and Forages Regional Extension Agent to determine the appropriate supplementation strategies based on these factors.
• Match nutrient needs as much as possible. Determine the body condition score of cattle to better determine the energy status of the animal.
• Feed higher-value feedstuffs to those with greater energy requirements such as lactating cows, replacement heifers, and growing calves.
• Use lower-quality feedstuffs for dry cows in mid-pregnancy, and save better feed for the last third of pregnancy.
• For more information, refer to Alternate Feeding Strategies for Beef Cattle.

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