Feeding Pregnant Cows

[MountainFarmChar]

We feed our cattle some grain most all the time, the amount depends upon the season and grass condition. Some people advise not to feed grain to pregnant cows because they say it makes the calf too big? I realize you could feed too much and create problems for pregnant cows but personally we've never had a problem with what we do. I think some people just use this explanation as an excuse not to buy feed for their cattle?

I despise to see cattle in poor condition due to inadequate feeding, it's sad .

 

[KNERSIE]

If the cows are in good or at least decent condition to start with and provided that they aren't being pulled down by parasites, good green grass when available or all the good quality hay they can eat is all they need.

Cows that cannot stay in condition even in the last trimester on all the good grass/hay they can eat are seriously lacking in constitution and you have to re-evaluate your breeding program or selection criteria.

When there isn't enough pasture or enough good quality hay it would be foolish not too supplement them.

 

[Cow_Town]

If the cows are in good or at least decent condition to start with and provided that they aren't being pulled down by parasites, good green grass when available or all the good quality hay they can eat is all they need.

Cows that cannot stay in condition even in the last trimester on all the good grass/hay they can eat are seriously lacking in constitution and you have to re-evaluate your breeding program or selection criteria.

When there isn't enough pasture or enough good quality hay it would be foolish not too supplement them.

You couldnt put it much better than that.

 

[MountainFarmChar]

The reason we feed some even when there is plenty of grass is to keep the cattle gentle and easy to handle. However, I realize that might not really be possible with a large herd of cattle covering large tracks of land?

I like driving into the field or barn yard and having the cattle all come to me as soon as they see me .

 

[KNERSIE]

That's a whole different scenario.

I call it management feed and a few crumbles of feed usually have the desired effect. Supplementing cows to stay in condition when there is good pasture available is counterproductive, there are cattle out there that can do it without the supplements.

You are right it isn't always practical in a large herd run in extensive conditions.

 

[KMacGinley]

Cows don't need to have grain if they are getting good forages.

I am sure there are some people that might use this as an excuse not to feed grain. However since people that know what they are doing, already know that feeding grain to cows is counter productive and a waste of money, I guess I don't know what you are talking about. If you have no need to turn a profit and it makes you feel like a hero to feed your cows grain, then by all means do so.

 

[rmuse206]

i feed my cows about 5 pounds of grain a day... short of hay here thats why! they only get about 15# of hay a day!

 

[S.R.R.]

Cows don't need to have grain if they are getting good forages.

I am sure there are some people that might use this as an excuse not to feed grain. However since people that know what they are doing, already know that feeding grain to cows is counter productive and a waste of money, I guess I don't know what you are talking about. If you have no need to turn a profit and it makes you feel like a hero to feed your cows grain, then by all means do so.

Well said.

 

[MountainFarmChar]

Cows don't need to have grain if they are getting good forages.

I am sure there are some people that might use this as an excuse not to feed grain. However since people that know what they are doing, already know that feeding grain to cows is counter productive and a waste of money, I guess I don't know what you are talking about. If you have no need to turn a profit and it makes you feel like a hero to feed your cows grain, then by all means do so.

Somewhat reproving...no, not trying to be a hero, I just have a relatively small herd and enjoy feeding my cattle enough feed to keep them gentle and easy to handle.

 

[handydandy]

If you want gentle cattle, then all you have to do is be around them often and understand how to move and work them. They will get used to you with or without grain. I say its better to save the money and have gentle cattle.

 

[MountainFarmChar]

If you want gentle cattle, then all you have to do is be around them often and understand how to move and work them. They will get used to you with or without grain. I say its better to save the money and have gentle cattle.

Sometimes I want to do more than I have to do but I don't have a problem with those who do only what they have to do.

I don't have to wash my truck, I could save my time and money but I enjoy driving a clean truck when possible!

 

[aplusmnt]

It does not take that much feeding to get them to come when called. This winter I have fed more than I want, due to poor quality hay. But in past I have quit feeding them grain for weeks and they still remember that Grain yell and come a running. In summer I will just call them up once a week or less just to let them know when they hear me yell it is time to come running.

 

[MountainFarmChar]

It does not take that much feeding to get them to come when called. This winter I have fed more than I want, due to poor quality hay. But in past I have quit feeding them grain for weeks and they still remember that Grain yell and come a running. In summer I will just call them up once a week or less just to let them know when they hear me yell it is time to come running.

Exactly. During the summer we just pour out a little from time to time to keep them expecting it. Even during this winter we haven't had to feed much grain due to being blessed with plenty of quality hay, but when the cattle would see my truck drive in they would leave the hay rings and come to me.

Bottom line...I enjoy feeding my cattle a little feed and I plan to continue.