Formulating a ration for cattle is critical to any successful beef operation. There are times when forages alone will not supply what the cows need for their stage. When it comes that time, you will need to provide a supplement that will fill in the gaps to keep them producing.
Supplements are typically the most significant on-farm expense producers will have all year. Most estimates have it at around 70% of the yearly costs. Some may think the lowest price is the way to go, but that is not usually the best answer. With that high of an expense, it is in your best interest to have your feed be as efficient as possible. Going with the lowest cost could cost you more in the long run.
In order to make it as efficient as possible, you will need to balance both costs and performance. Getting the feed ration right is a delicate balance of providing the best quality and the lowest price possible. You set your cattle up for success when you get the ration right. Here are some things to consider when building your next cattle ration.
Roughages, often overlooked but crucial, are an essential part of a cow’s diet. While the focus is usually on crude protein, energy, and mineral content, understanding the role of roughages is equally essential. A certain amount of roughage is necessary to keep the rumen functioning and aid in the digestion of protein, energy, and minerals, contributing significantly to cattle’s overall health and production. This knowledge empowers you, the reader, to make informed decisions about your cattle’s nutrition.
Minerals 
Protein supplements are often needed during the fall and winter months. This need is because, during this time, most of your tame pasture forages go into dormancy. When this happens, things like their protein content will go down.
Nutrition is essential year-round. Everything hinges on the cow’s nutritional needs being met, from putting on weight for the market to reentering the reproduction cycle. However, meeting these demands can be complicated.
It’s hard to believe that we are almost to September, which means that summer is almost over. The temperatures will be getting cooler (
Though the weather may not feel like it, temps are still in the 100s with no end in sight here; the fall season is almost upon us. The soon-to-be-changing weather reminds us of the changing season. Along with a new season comes a further need for supplementation for your pasture cattle. But did you know there is a way to use hay to improve your efficiency?
Introducing protein tubs into your pasture is a convenient way to provide additional nutrition. Once it’s in place, you don’t need to check it daily, which is particularly beneficial for those with other commitments, such as a job in town, who can’t be on the ranch daily.
The breeding season places significant demands on our cows, who play a crucial role in this process. They are not just animals in our operation but critical contributors to our success. During this time, they are expected to provide adequate nutrition for their calf and allow their bodies to recover from giving birth. Then, they are expected to return to estrus just before they are bred again. All of this is likely to occur within 90 days after calving to maintain a yearly calving interval. This cycle is essential for our operation’s success.
Protein tubs have been gaining popularity here lately with producers of all sizes. People who use them appreciate the convenience of having a supplement designed to be self-fed in the pasture. This not only provides balanced nutrition but also eliminates the need for extra labor, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of cattle management.
