Putting pounds back on your cattle

by Dr. Ken McMillan

Posted: 10.12.2010 at 3:02 PM

QUESTION:
My cows lost a lot of body condition this summer due to the drought and heat. I need to put some pounds back on them before calving season in the spring. I found a good deal on whole-kernel corn. Can I feed this corn without grinding it?

ANSWER:
According to cattle nutritionist Darrell Rankins from Alabama, it just doesn't pay to crack corn unless you're feeding more than 4 or 5 pounds per head per day. And I'm not sure you'd want to use more corn than that.

It's important to remember that energy needs in cattle must be met before you address their protein requirements. If cows are energy-deficient, their bodies will just break down the expensive protein and use it for energy. In that case, any non-protein nitrogen in feed or supplements will be wasted.