Balancing Feed Needs Year Round

By Scout Nelson

Ranching systems must balance cattle nutrition, forage resources, and unexpected weather conditions throughout the year. While each operation considers its own version of a “normal” year, weather patterns often shift, creating challenges that require flexibility. One element that remains consistent is the nutritional needs of a mature cow.

Requirements for protein, energy, vitamins, minerals and water change depending on whether a cow is growing, gestating, dry or lactating. These needs form the basis for planning a complete feed inventory for the year.

Feed inventories include available forages, stored hay, crop residues, and supplements. Understanding forage quality is essential because cattle eat less when digestibility is low. Larger-framed cows and lactating cows also consume more forage than smaller or gestating cows. This information helps determine how much feed is required for each stage of production.

Weather can significantly influence both forage supply and the amount of feed needed. Cold temperatures increase energy requirements and may affect water systems. Prolonged cool weather can delay grass growth, reducing forage availability. Drought limits plant growth increases risks from toxic plants and may reduce the amount of hay available for purchase. Fire, flooding, and hail can damage pastures, destroy forage, or reduce the quality of harvested hay.

Other challenges include grasshoppers competing for forage, heat stress slowing plant growth, mud creating feeding problems, and snow or ice restricting cattle access to forage. Even wind and wildlife can affect feed usage by disrupting water access or consuming stored feed. Because these conditions can change quickly, planning is essential.

Effective winter and annual management begins with testing forage for nutrient content and sorting the herd based on feeding needs. Matching forage resources to cattle groups reduces waste and ensures efficiency. Later, supplements can be added as needed to maintain body condition. As nutrition specialists often advise, “Use body condition score as a guide throughout the winter to support healthy cows.” 

Target body condition scores include 5 for mature cows, 5.5 for second-calf heifers and 6 for first-calf heifers. Adjusting energy levels during cold stress or when cattle are thin helps maintain herd health and prepares cows for calving.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography