Improving performance of cattle consuming medium or low quality forages

Abstract

Supplements often improve performance and/or profitability of grazing cattle. The goal should be to improve profit, not just performance. When forage quailty is high, supplementation needs are minimal; simply providing a source of minerals, vitamins, antibiotics and/or ionophores may often be adequate. The optimal items will depend upon the situation. This paper will not address the above items, but will address selected topics on protein supplementation.

What about feeding protein or perhaps energy supplements to cattle on pasture or when feeding harvested roughages? Protein and/or energy supplementation may be justified or may improve performance and profitability in a variety of cases. Usually, protein supplementation is more likely to be profitable or cost effective under a wider variety of grazing conditions than is energy supplementation (i.e. merely feeding supplemental grain). Therefore, this article will be devoted primarily to a discussion of some aspects of protein supplementation which offer excellent potential for increasing profits.