Long, cold winters can leave a dent in a cattle producer’s feed inventories.  When cattle producers face low feed supplies, different options for wintering cows need to be considered.

Lower-quality forages and/or a combination of straw is usually the first option, but they don’t have sufficient levels of nutrients. If they are combined with grains, byproducts, protein supplements and mineral/vitamin premixes, they can meet the nutrient needs. Animals need all the basic nutrients to maintain good health, body condition, high reproductive rates and desirable weaning weights. The nutritional requirements of beef herds change as the animals move through different physical stages.

To read the entire article, click here.