Beef Nutrition

All Beef Nutrition Content

Small herd of cattle grazing in a snow covered field

SDSU, NDSU Extension hosting beef cattle feeding programs

January 22, 2024

The SDSU Extension Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium is designed to help farmers and ranchers navigate the rising costs of the pastures and forages used to feed beef cattle. There will be two in-person events and one virtual event via Zoom.

A small group of red-colored calves grazing late-season rangeland.

Meeting Growing Calf Requirements With Protein Supplementation While Winter Grazing

Due to their growth requirements, growing calves need higher-quality nutrition than cows, and they will require more protein and energy supplementation when grazing winter range.

Large herd of black angus cattle eating from a feedbunk.

Ruminants: A Digestive Powerhouse

Ruminants such as cattle are important animals, as they turn forage into high-quality protein, such as meat and milk. It is important to understand their digestive system so we can better support their unique role in our food chain.

A brown cow grazing near a frozen creek.

Icebreakers: Winter Water Supply

Cold weather creates a challenge for producers who house their herds in areas where there are limited water resources and available natural water sources may be frozen over.

A single black cow grazing late-season pasture.

Meeting Cow Requirements While Winter Grazing

Regardless of grazing strategy, it is critical that producers provide proper supplementation to allow cows to meet nutrient requirements throughout the winter grazing season.

Group of brown cattle gathered in a farmyard.

Rumen Degradable Protein Versus Rumen Undegradable Protein

Understanding the proportion of rumen degradable protein and rumen undegradable protein is important when determining the best feed option to meet cattle requirements.

Cattle grazing snow-dusted winter pasture.

Protecting Your Pastures While Winter Grazing

Winter grazing of stockpiled grass produced during the growing season can help extend the grazing season and reduce winter feed costs. Learn some strategies to successfully incorporate winter grazing into your operation.

Ranch family examining data on a smart phone.

Feed Costs Still a Large Percentage of the Cow Budget

Monitoring, managing, and minimizing feed costs while maintaining a balanced ration is one way to maximize profit potential in the cow herd. Learn some expert tips for creating a least-cost ration.

Urea supplement in a feed scoop.

Considerations of Urea Use in Cattle Rations

In beef cattle nutrition, it is important to understand how protein is used along with the various protein sources available for diets. Urea is an example of a non-protein nitrogen source that can be used in diets in certain situations.

Cornstalk bales in a snow-dusted field of harvested corn.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

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