If you are out of pasture and need to feed your cow herd following are some management practices for you to consider.

It is important when feeding limit-fed grain rations that there is plenty of bunk space so the boss cow(s) don't get the all the grain and the timid, usually young, cows get thin. It is also important to have plenty of bunk space (30 to 36 inches per head of bunk space) to reduce the subacute acidosis if one or more cows get more than their share of the grain.

If corn grain is used in the ration, I would recommend inclusion of a supplement that has an ionophore and cows receive 200 to 250 mg per head per day. An ionophore will help reduce the occurrence of subacute acidosis.

Because these rations are supplying all the nutrients they need to be fed daily. They could be fed in two feedings, morning and evening. For the first week, consider feeding 50% of the ration in the morning and 50% of the ration in the evening. That may be the way to start feeding the ration to get the cows and the rumen adapted. After a week, it is probably more economical to feed the ration once a day.

Corn gluten feed and soy hulls can be a substitute for the grain and if these feeds are used, a supplement with the ionophore would not be needed. Corn gluten feed may be dry or wet, so if it is wet, account for the moisture when you substitute gluten for corn or milo. Bunk space is still important but the concern for subacute acidosis is basically eliminated. Corn gluten feed can replace corn or milo pound for pound and again, account for the moisture. Half the grain part of these rations could be replaced with soy hulls.

The low quality hay could be any carry-over hay from last year. If the hay is very low quality, protein will be needed.

If there is grass still available in the pasture, then supplementation with grain is not recommended to extend the pasture. Small amounts of grain will actually reduce forage digestibility. Also, supplementation with a protein cube will not reduce forage intake, actually it will increase forage intake and therefore not extend the pasture. Because of the dry conditions and that grasses in pastures have produces a seed-head earlier than usual, quality is likely lower than anticipated. The forage of choice for extending the pasture is alfalfa because it will provide some protein and energy, but also provide rumen fill and reduce pasture intake.

If pasture is available and you want to extend the pasture:

feed 4 to 6 pounds of alfalfa per head per day.

The alfalfa could be fed three times a week to save on fuel and labor.