Beef Nutrition

All Beef Nutrition Content

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

Does Water in Grass Change How Much Cattle Drink?

Ranchers know that cattle need clean drinking water every day. But the water already inside grass is easy to overlook. As grass grows older and dries out during summer, cattle may need more water from tanks or other sources.

Red beef cattle grazing cornstalks in a harvested field Pierre, South Dakota.

Corn Residue Grazing and Rental Rate Considerations

Crop residue makes excellent fall forage for cattle and helps prevent volunteer corn in fields the following growing season. With many corn fields around, farmers and ranchers can work together and find a way to use residue grazing for adding soil nutrients and gaining feed access that benefits each party, respectively.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

Julie Walker analyzing a handful of feed with two students in a precision cattle feeding facility.

National Animal Nutrition Program Leads the Way: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work in Feed Management

Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing agriculture, but its value on the farm depends on whether it can help producers make better decisions. The National Animal Nutrition Program has been working to turn AI-based approaches into practical tools that can help livestock producers reduce feed losses and improve profitability.

Producers having a conversation while walking through a beef cattle feedlot.

A Roadmap to Becoming a USDA-NRCS Technical Service Provider for Feed Management

Agricultural professionals with expertise in livestock nutrition and feeding systems may become certified USDA-NRCS Technical Service Providers to assist producers with developing and implementing feed management conservation plans.

Tractor baling corn residue in a dry, dusty harvested corn field.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

Grazing and baling corn stalks may have financial and agronomic benefits for the landowner and provide feed resources for cattle producers. Learn how to determine if it's the right decision for your operation.

A grass forage blend grows in a central South Dakota field as Red cattle graze.

Managing Prussic Acid Risk Following Drought

Drought creates several challenges for ranchers, from reduced forage availability to declining pasture quality. It can also create concerns about forage toxicity issues resulting from excess nitrate and prussic acid accumulation.

Small group of black beef cattle lined up at a feed bunk.

Feeding Sprouted Grains to Cattle or Sheep

Anytime wet weather causes harvest delays, the risk of grain sprouting pre-harvest increases. In most cases, we can feed sprouted grain to cattle or sheep with nearly the same results that we would expect with normal grain.

Group of cattle grazing corn stalks near Pierre, South Dakota.

Grazing Corn Residue: Connecting Crops, Cattle, and Soil

As corn harvest wraps up, remember that the value of the crop doesn’t have to end when the grain leaves the field. With intentional grazing management, the post-harvest residue can become part of another production cycle that connects crops, cattle, economics, and soil.