Business : Winter Feeding Decisions for the Cow Herd

During most Iowa winters, hay is an adequate choice to meet nutritional needs of gestating beef cows when fed free choice. However, this summer’s continual rain caused over-mature or otherwise damaged hay resulting in decreased feed value.

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension beef program specialist Denise Schwab said the problem is widespread.

“Almost one-half of the forage samples submitted to date through our forage testing project are marginal in energy and nearly 20 percent are marginal in meeting the protein needs of a mature beef cow in late gestation,” Schwab said. “It’s important to know the nutritional value of your available forages so you can make good feed and feeding decisions this winter.”

ISU Extension and Iowa Beef Center (IBC) are hosting meetings in several locations in December designed to help producers learn how to make these nutrition-based decisions. One of those meetings is set for Calmar Dairy Center from 7 pm to 9 pm. There will be a $5 registration fee to cover expenses that can be paid at the door. Please contact the Clayton County Extension office at (563) 245-1451 to preregister.

In addition to providing a current summary of the forage testing project and to-date results, Schwab will present information on allocating feed inventory, sample rations to meet cow nutrient needs and tools to control feed cost and waste. She also will work through various ration examples using results from the forage test project and IBC’s Beef Ration and Nutrient Decision Software, known as BRaNDS.

“The beef cow is an amazing animal that’s able to utilize almost any forage as long we know the nutrient content and balance it correctly,” Schwab said. “We’ll work with you to design the rations that meet the needs of your herd.”

Schwab said IBC’s forage testing project is ongoing, and encourages producers to consider submitting samples.

“The cost to producers is less than $7 per sample, and can provide you with information that’s specific to your operation,” Schwab said. “Contact me or your country ISU Extension office for more information on how to participate.”

To find the location of a winter feeding decisions meeting near you, check the IBC website at www.iowabeefcenter.org or contact your county ISU Extension office.