Limit-Feeding Cows in a Drylot Offers Alternative to Producers

BROOKINGS, S.D. -- Relocating the cow herd into a drylot is a management alternative that can allow producers facing drought to use inexpensive grains and byproduct feeds to formulate cost-effective cow diets.
 

South Dakota State University Extension Beef Specialist Cody Wright has written a publication on the topic that may be especially helpful to producers whose supply of standing and harvested forages may become extremely limited or very expensive due to the drought. Extension Extra 2032, "Limit-Feeding Cows in a Drylot," is available through county Extension offices.
 

Producers can also find it online at the SDSU Extension drought Web site, http://sdces.sdstate.edu/drought/, or at an SDSU Department of Animal and Range Sciences drought site, http://ars.sdstate.edu/extbeef/Drought_Management.htm.
 

Wright's publication includes sample diets to help producers choose alternatives that fit their operations.

"Most common supplementation strategies are designed to maximize forage intake and digestibility," Wright said. "In contrast, diets in this system are formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of the cowherd while minimizing feed costs. As a result, intake is generally limited and more concentrate feeds are included to cheapen the diets."
 

Nutritionally, limit-feeding is a sound strategy, but Wright warned that cattle may appear gaunt and behave as though hungry. After 14 to 21 days, the cattle will adapt to the reduction in feed intake; however, they may continue to appear gaunt.
 

"It is essential that producers resist the temptation to provide additional feed to the cattle. Feeding more than required will unnecessarily increase feed cost and may lead to excess body condition on the cows," Wright said.
 

Often beef producers are skeptical of a limit-feeding system because of the high level of concentrates in the diets. While there is some risk for digestive and metabolic disorders, careful selection of feedstuffs can significantly reduce the potential for these problems. Bloat, acidosis, and founder are disorders commonly associated with feedlot cattle consuming high-energy diets based on starchy feeds such as corn or sorghum grain.
 

Wright said that by selecting highly digestible fiber sources such as soybean hulls, wheat middlings, or corn gluten feed, starch can be nearly eliminated from the diet without significantly sacrificing energy intake. Additionally, starch can interfere with the rumen microbes’ ability do digest fiber. Inclusion of high fiber feeds will reduce or eliminate these negative associative effects on fiber digestion.
 

A minimal amount of roughage (hay or silage) is required to maintain rumen function.   As a rule of thumb, cows should receive at least one-half percent of their body weight as hay or silage (90 percent dry matter basis).  Thus, a 1,200-pound cow should receive at least 6 pounds of roughage per day.
 

Producers should keep in mind that grains and byproduct feeds often contain high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, and are generally low in calcium. Rather than supplying supplemental phosphorus, as would normally be done for cattle on forage-based diets, producers may have to supply calcium. Assuming the dietary requirements have been satisfied, the calcium:phosphorus ratio should be maintained between 1:1 and 6:1 to prevent metabolic disorders. Cattle should also have access to a well-balanced vitamin and trace mineral package.
 

Pens used to drylot cows should be well drained and allow a minimum of 500 square feet per animal; sacrificial pastures may be a desirable alternative. Each cow should be provided with a minimum of 30 inches of bunk space, regardless of the type of feeder. Fencing should be able to withstand mature cows crowding and reaching. Cattle should have access to a water source capable of providing 15 to 20 gallons per cow per day. Water quality should be taken into account when selecting sources. Alternative, or backup water sources are also wise.
 

Adapt cattle to high grain diets over a period of seven to 10 days and observe them closely during that period. Feeding should occur on a regular basis. Timely feeding is critical to maintaining a healthy rumen environment and prevention of digestive disorders. Feeding at multiple times per day is desirable, but not essential. If grains are utilized as major components of limit-fed diets, addition of an ionophore will help improve feed efficiency and reduce coccidiosis. Finally, as with any feeding system for gestating cattle, body condition should be monitored to determine if the diets meet the nutritional demands of the cattle or are leading to excessive fat deposition. Limit-fed diets can easily be adjusted to account for these deficiencies or excesses.

Contact: Cody Wright, (605) 688-5448
 

** For links to other sites showcasing SDSU's work in teaching, research, and Extension, visit http://sdces.sdstate.edu.

Lance Nixon, Editor
AgBio Communications Unit
South Dakota State University
ACC, Box 2231, Rm 200
Brookings, SD 57007
Telephone: (605) 688-4653
Lance_Nixon@sdstate.edu