Beef Nutrition

Colostrum Puts the Best Hoof Forward

Newborn calves have little to no immune system upon birth. One of the keys to starting them out right is ensuring that they receive enough colostrum, which is packed full of nutrients and antibodies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Performing a Field Test for Livestock Water Quality

Learn how to use some simple, readily available tools that can help analyze the quality of your livestock water sources right in the field.

Best Management Practices for Reducing Dry Hay Storage Loss

When hay prices are high, proper storage is financially important. Learn some best management practices to reduce storage loss and ensure an adequate forage supply.