Beef Talk: Cow Size – How Much More Does the Big Cow Eat?

Kris Ringwall, Beef Specialist, NDSU Extension Service

Daily Intake of Dry Matter Feed Daily Intake of Dry Matter Feed

The core issue is what cattle to feed if feed becomes limited.

Feeding cows can be simple, but also complicated. In simplest form, the cow needs to fill up with grass or some other palatable green forage.

The green forage tends to be seasonal, while the grazing of seeds and dry grass is the nongrowing season staple. Regardless of the season, a cow’s nutritional requirements need to be met. The challenge is making sure our production expectations are in tune with what Mother Nature provides.

Our pastures and feed piles may be limited as we struggle to balance feed and cattle. When seasons are as now, the lack of rain (or other environmental restraint) highlights the need to plan.
FULL STORY