Adjusting feed rations with available forage
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n recent years, many parts of Montana have had to deal with drought and other environmental conditions that create lower quality forage production. Many producers are forced to buy whatever forage they can acquire, which sometimes means lower quality. So what can be done to still meet livestock needs?
agriculture consultant can be of assistance. Animal needs will change based on many things such as age, production status, health status, and even environment. Therefore, it is important to start with the right required nutrient amounts. Upon receiving analysis results, you can begin applying the nutrients needed to the forage on hand.
The first thing that is critical in creating an adequately balanced ration is to get a forage sample. This will give an estimate of what nutrients are already available, and what nutrients will need to be supplemented. For information on how to collect a forage sample, refer to MontGuide Collecting a Forage or Feed Sample for Analysis (MT201610AG).
Forages that are considered lower quality, with higher fiber and lower crude protein (CP) and energy (often reported as TDN, or total digestible nutrients) will likely need to be supplemented, especially during the winter when many cows are in late gestation.
Knowing the required amounts of nutrients for an animal is important, and a local county Extension agent, beef or sheep specialist, NRCS consultant, or
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a publication of Montana State University Extension
In forages lacking protein, animals respond very well to supplemental protein forms. A lick tub, block, or cake can often be helpful in meeting animal needs. However, using lick tubs or cake is not always a guarantee that all animals will get the
