You can stretch the hay supply by using grains in the ration. The replacement rate in a ration depends on the quality of the hay, but a rule of thumb is 1 pound of corn will replace 1.5 to 2.0 pounds of hay. This assumes that the moisture content of the feeds is similar.
Important things to remember when feeding grains are:
• Make sure there is plenty of bunk space for each cow to get her fair share.
• Feed half the grain in the morning and half at night.
• Make sure the rumen degradable protein needs are met.
Other general rules for limit-fed grain rations for lactating beef cows are: 1.0 to 1.1% of body weight in corn, 0.5% body weight in medium- to good-quality hay, and you may need to feed some protein supplement depending on the quality of the roughage. If the forage is alfalfa, likely no need for a protein supplement. The corn can be fed whole or cracked (some whole kernals present).
Adapt cattle by introducing wheat into the ration at low levels (10 to 15% of the diet). As a supplement for cows on forage diets, consider keeping the amount of wheat at less than 15 to 20 percent of the diet. Feed daily. Wheat should be coarsely rolled or cracked. Do not fine grind wheat. When used as a supplement for beef cows, hard wheat levels should be kept under 5 to 6 pounds per head per day (3.5 to 4.5 pounds for durum).
