Protein Supplements and Performance of Cows and Calves in June-Calving Production Systems

Authors

Amelia Hopkin, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Don C. Adams, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Dick Clark, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

January 2001

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2001, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Lactating, June-calving cows that received protein supplement January through March maintained a lower body condition than dry June cows. Dry, nonsupplemented cows lost more body condition compared to dry, supplemented cows over that same time period. June-born steers wintered at a low rate of gain (.4 lb/day) had higher daily gains on sub-irrigated meadow during May than June born steers wintered at a higher rate of gain (1.6 lb/day). Supplemental protein fed during summer grazing on range increased daily gains for steers wintered at both high and low gains compared to non-supplemented steers.