Department of Animal Science
Date of this Version
December 2003
Abstract
Increasing land prices, rising lease rates, restrictive grazing leases, intensified operations, as well as drought-related hay availability have all led to an increase in the use of alternative wintering programs for beef herds. While limit-fed grain rations have the potential to reduce wintering costs provided the programs are closely managed, additional herd management and feeding precision is needed to help ensure success. Several recent University studies have investigated different scenarios for limit-feeding high concentrate diets to heifers and adult cows. In addition, there have been several fact sheets, newsletters, and research reports discussing limit-fed high grain wintering rations for adult beef cows. All would suggest that if managed appropriately, limit-fed high grain wintering programs can be a low-cost alternative worth considering.
Comments
Published for Proceedings, The Range Beef Cow Symposium XVIII December 9, 10, and 11, 2003, Mitchell, Nebraska.