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Feeding Cows in Winter

When winter comes, so does the arrival of higher feed bills for your beef herd. This is due, obviously, to the needs of cows to have proper nutrition during the winter and early spring so they can have enough energy and strength for calving.

So what are some of the best strategies for properly feeding your cows, yet not spending too much in feed costs, during the winter?

Let’s look at that question.

It’s a challenge

No part of this process is easy, which is why it takes a special type of person – such as yourself – to raise beef cattle.
The easiest answer to the question is that you need to provide the correct quantity and quality of feed at the proper time during the winter and early spring.

That last part is key – the quality. If you can store high-quality feed for winter use, you’ll have a much easier time ensuring that your herd is healthy and strong come calving time.

Monitor condition

The other best thing you can do is consistently monitor the body condition of your herd. This will tell you, more than anything, how they’re handling the winter and what feed adjustments you need to make.

If you have any other questions, or need new equipment to help feed your herd during winter, call us today at [phone].

1 Secret for a Great Beef Diet

How often have you heard that you need to feed your beef cows a high-quality diet? Probably quite often. But there’s a misconception in the agriculture world: you don’t need to feed your beef herds the same quality diet as you would a dairy herd.

A lot of beef ranchers swear by feeding their herd alfalfa; however, alfalfa can create a few problems for your herd and its overall health.

Beef cattle need protein, but not nearly as much as dairy cows do. For beef cows, it’s recommended you feed them a diet that’s 11-12% protein. The problem with alfalfa is that it’s incredibly high in protein. Alfalfa hay that’s too rich can cause health problems for young calves who are still drinking momma’s alfalfa-rich milk.

Grass hay is a great way to ensure that your beef herd gets the protein it needs – but not too much. However, if you buy alfalfa hay for other reasons than just your beef herd, then it’s recommended that you supplement your dry pastures with second-cut alfalfa, on an every-other-day basis.

Ensuring the health of your beef herd isn’t the easiest task in ranching, but it’s definitely one of the most important. If you have any questions, or need equipment to help feed your herd, don’t hesitate to call us here at [practice_name] today. Our number is [phone].

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