Feeding cattle in the winter is critical to cattle management, especially in regions where forage quality declines significantly during colder months. Proper nutrition during this period ensures cattle health, productivity and reproductive performance. However, low-quality forage alone often cannot meet the nutritional demands of cattle during winter. In these circumstances, protein supplementation is essential to support digestion, energy utilization and overall herd performance.
Nutritional Requirements of Cattle in Winter
Cattle have specific nutritional needs that vary depending on factors such as body weight, production stage – growth, maintenance, lactation or gestation – and environmental conditions. Cold weather increases energy requirements as cattle expend more energy to maintain body temperature. Pregnant and lactating cows have even greater demands for protein and energy to support fetal development or milk production.
Chris Cassady, Ph.D. BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales, reminds producers that 75% of the U.S. beef herd is a spring calving herd. These cows are in their final trimester of gestation when 2/3 of fetal growth occurs.
“That really drives up the nutrient requirements, and the cow is going to put everything she has to this last little bit of time in the oven. Prepare the calf for a good start with cow nutrition, passing it to the fetus in utero,” he says.
When forage quality is poor, it becomes difficult for cattle to meet these increased nutritional demands. Consequently, cattle may lose body condition, leading to weakened immune systems, lower conception rates and decreased overall performance. In which case, supplementation helps fill the nutritional gaps and prevent these issues.
“Cows losing weight prior to calving are always prone to loss in calf vigor, calf health problems and poor colostrum quality. A bad start to the calf will hurt them long term,” Cassady emphasizes.
Strategies for Protein Supplementation
Supplementation strategies depend on the forage quality, cattle requirements and economic considerations. There are several protein sources you can use to supplement winter cattle diets:
Commercial Protein Supplements
Commercial supplements, available as blocks, tubs, or loose feed, are convenient and easy to use. These products contain varying protein levels (20–40%) and may include additional nutrients such as minerals, vitamins, and energy.
Oilseed Meals
Oilseed by-products from soybean meal, cottonseed meal and canola meal are excellent protein sources. These meals are rich in digestible protein and complement low-quality forage effectively.
Distillers Grains
Wet or dried distiller grains, a by-product of ethanol production, are another high-protein option. They also provide additional energy, making them a dual-purpose supplement for winter feeding.
Urea & Non-Protein Nitrogen (NPN)
In some cases, you can use urea or other NPN sources to supplement protein. While cost-effective, these options require careful management to avoid toxicity and are most effective when paired with adequate energy in the diet.
Legume Hays
Alfalfa and clover hay are naturally higher in protein than grass hay. Feeding cattle small amounts of legume hay alongside low-quality forage can boost dietary protein levels.
Your next read: Monitor Nutrition Requirements of the Cowherd to Stay Profitable