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Beef Nutrition

All Beef Nutrition Content

Group of bulls in a pen with winter bedding.

Winter Management of Herd Bulls

Proactive winter bull management can positively impact reproductive performance in the upcoming breeding season. Learn some expert tips for getting herd bulls prepared for the colder months ahead.

Pile of cattle feed.

Understanding Protein in Feed

Cattle producers are likely accustomed to seeing common abbreviations, such as CP, RDP, RUP, and MP, in relation to feedstuffs. Let's revisit what some of these abbreviations mean in relation to protein in cattle feed.

A field of flowering alfalfa.

Nitrates

In this episode, Adele Harty, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, talks with various cow/calf producers about the subject of nitrate testing feeds, and how that process is used in their day to day operations. 

Mother cow licking newborn calf in a pasture.

Calving Distribution Affects Herd Health

When the calving season is consolidated, nutritional requirements are more synchronous across the herd, and these benefits extend beyond improved feed management.

Black angus cowherd in spring pasture.

Can Early Weaning Benefit First-Calf Heifers?

First-calf heifers pose specific challenges for cattle producers. Learn how strategic weaning decisions can impact the performance and profitability of this challenging group.

Silage pile covered with tarp and weighted down with tires.

Silage Covering and Harvest Management to Maximize Feed Value

Covering silage piles is critically important to control nutrient loss in silage, but what covering strategies result in the best-quality feed? Learn what a recent SDSU Extension research project found out.

Group of hereford heifers waiting to be fed.

Protein Nutrition and Replacement Heifer Development

With summer coming to an end and weaning for this year’s calves right around the corner, it is not premature for producers to start thinking about next year’s replacement heifers that will be needed to replace any culled or open cows.

several heard of cattle looking at the camera

Registration Now Open for SDSU Beef Day

October 26, 2023

This year’s event will be held virtually Tuesday, February 9 and will begin at 1 p.m. CST. 

Blank angus cattle at a concrete feed bunk.

Preconditioning Calves: Is it the right choice?

Preconditioning involves weaning calves at least 45 days in preparation to enter the stocker phase or directly into the feedlot. Learn some important tips to help determine if it's the right choice for your operation.

Mixed calves at an in-field bunk feeder.

Backgrounding at Different Rates of Gain

The purpose of backgrounding is to increase calf body weight after weaning and before finishing. A recent study investigated the effects of different backgrounding systems on growing calf performance.