Feeding cattle during the winter

[rockcreekfarm]

I have just came across this board and though I might as well ask a question that I have been wanting to know. I have started in the beef industry, I have always raised and shown jersey cattle until recently, I have started taking over my grandparents farm we have about 65 commercial Angus cross cows and heifers. I have always fed my jerseys hay and feed during the winter and feed still during the summer. My grandma and mom says that hay is enough for the beef cows during the winter, we live in the mountains of NC so its pretty cold. Is it true the they only need hay and no feed?

 

[dun]

Unless they're feeding calves in the winter, hay is all that;s usually needed as long as it's of at leat decent quality, i.e. 10% protein or so. Myay need something for energy if they're in poor condition though.

 

[B&M Farms]

I would keep a free choice loose mineral out at all times. If your hay is good quality, thats all they need. If not, just supplement with protien such as a range meal or cubes.

 

[Douglas]

Step 1 is to get the hay tested to see what it is worth. $10

http://www.ncagr.gov/fooddrug/forms/doc ... geForm.pdf

 

[rockcreekfarm]

Ok thanks I will talk to them and see if they are up for testing our hay, thanks again for you help