Smart winter nutrition delivers strong spring herds

Successful winter supplementation programs ensure cattle receive the nutrients they need, even under challenging conditions. While every operation has unique circumstances, the fundamentals remain the same—identifying nutrient requirements, testing forages, knowing forage inventory and planning supplementation to meet energy and protein needs while adjusting for weather.

The first step is knowing the most effective way to feed different management groups: replacements, stockers, young cows, thin young cows, mature cows and thin mature cows.

To properly develop replacement heifers, know their current weight and target weight at first breeding to determine the feeding plan needed to achieve those goals. Aim for heifers to reach 55% to 65% of mature weight by breeding season for optimal reproductive performance and longevity. To calculate this, multiply the mature cowherd’s average weight by 55% to 65% or by feeding to achieve moderate body condition scores (BCS).

Incoming 2-year-old bred heifers should carry slightly more condition—BCS in the upper 5s to 6—than mature cows, which do well at BCS 5. Once younger females begin lactating, supplement them to gain weight and reach mature size. Proper nutrition supports early conception, strong reproduction rates and adequate milk for profitable weaning weights.

Knowing forage quantity and quality can help in estimating the nutrient deficit to be rectified. Forage species, maturity stage and harvest methods all affect nutrient content. Recent alfalfa hay analyses show crude protein ranging from 14% to 22%, a difference that can change hay needs by 36%.

Energy levels vary, too. Energy intake is the most critical factor for maintaining BCS. Whether grazing or feeding harvested forage, you need to balance energy and protein. A sound cow diet typically has a TDN:CP (total digestible nutrients to crude protein) ratio of 4-6:1, which maximizes intake and digestibility. Low-quality forages, such as wheat straw, dormant grasses and crop residues that are often the foundation of winter feeding programs, require supplemental protein for success. High-quality forages usually do not. Measuring the quality with a forage test can make balancing winter diets more accurate and cost-effective. Inventory also matters. The amount of forage you have on hand determines supplement needs and the number of days of grazing or feeding until spring turnout.

It’s also important to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. Overfeeding is like overpaying taxes. While it makes me feel validated as a contributing citizen, it doesn’t add to my bottom line. Underfeeding is also troublesome, favoring larger, more dominant animals over smaller, more timid animals.  The animal’s ability to get feed is often related to how much it can push and shove. Providing adequate feeder space will also reduce competition, since cattle are not natural sharers.

“Overfeeding is like overpaying taxes. While it makes me feel validated as a contributing citizen, it doesn’t add to my bottom line.”

You also need a feeding plan to overcome the extra demands of harsh weather. When environmental conditions drop below the lower critical temperature—determined by air temperature, wind speed and humidity—cattle need additional energy to maintain body weight. For example, a 1,100-pound cow with a heavy winter coat has a critical temperature of 18 degrees, and energy needs rise 0.7% per degree below that.

Protein, mineral and vitamin needs don’t change with winter weather, but maintenance energy needs must be adjusted. If not, the consequences may affect not only the cow but also her calf. Research shows that underfeeding cows in energy or protein during the last trimester of pregnancy can increase incidences of weak calf syndrome and calf scours.

While minerals and vitamins are supplemented in much lower amounts than either protein and energy, they are also essential to herd health and performance. Forages are often short on sodium and other minerals such as phosphorus, which can range from 0.12% to 0.36% in mixed grass hay. Supplement with a balanced mineral mix, such as Ricochet minerals, to cover these nutrient gaps.

By understanding forage quality, monitoring body condition and adjusting for weather, producers can avoid costly mistakes and set the stage for a productive breeding season.