How to Buy Cattle Feed
Cattle require unlimited fresh, clean water and some type of grass hay daily. Add supplements if your animals' nutritional needs are not adequately met.
Instructions
- Step 1: Determine nutritional needs Determine the specific nutritional needs of your cattle.
- TIP: Test the forage The U.S. National Research Council tabulates nutritional requirements for beef cattle. Steers, heifers, and calves all have different requirements.
- Step 2: Test the forage Have a forage test performed to determine the nutritional value of the available feedstuffs. Your county agricultural office can help with this.
- Step 3: Compare the results Compare the results of the forage test with the nutritional requirements of your cattle.
- Step 4: Evaluate supplement needs Determine which supplements are needed to make up for any nutrient deficit.
- TIP: Purchase supplements Consult a nutritionist for guidance if you are not used to doing this.
- Step 5: Purchase supplements Purchase the feed supplements required to balance the cattle's rations. Look forward to a healthy herd.
- FACT: Cattle may consume up to 2.5 percent of their body weight in food on a daily basis.
You Will Need
- Water
- Grass hay
- Nutritional requirements
- Forage test
- Nutritional supplements
- Tabulated nutritional requirements (optional)
- Nutritionist (optional)
