For most farmers and ranchers, forage is an essential component of their production system and is paramount to maintaining economic viability. Unfortunately, during drought years, the supply of standing or harvested forages is generally extremely limited and/or very expensive. Limit feeding a high-concentrate diet is a management alternative that may allow producers to take advantage of inexpensive grains and byproduct feeds to formulate cost effective cow diets.

Nutritionally, limit feeding is a sound strategy for feeding the cowherd; however, several factors must be carefully considered before utilizing this type of feeding system. Since intake is restricted, cattle may appear gaunt and behave as though hungry. After 14 to 21 days, the cattle will adapt to the reduction in feed intake; however, they may continue to appear gaunt. It is essential that producers resist the temptation to provide additional feed to the cattle. Feeding more than required will unnecessarily increase feed cost and may lead to excess body condition on the cows.

Often beef producers are skeptical of a limit-feeding system because of the high level of concentrates in the diets. While there is some risk for digestive and metabolic disorders, careful selection of feedstuffs can significantly reduce the potential for these problems. Bloat, acidosis, and founder are disorders commonly associated with feedlot cattle consuming high-energy diets based on starchy feeds such as corn or sorghum grain. By selecting highly digestible fiber sources like soybean hulls, wheat middlings, corn gluten feed, or distiller's grains, starch can be nearly eliminated from the diet without significantly sacrificing energy intake. Additionally, starch can interfere with the rumen microbes ability do digest fiber. Inclusion of high fiber feeds will reduce or eliminate these negative associative effects on fiber digestion.

A minimal amount of roughage (hay or silage) is required to maintain rumen function. As a rule of thumb, cattle in this system should receive at least one-half percent of their body weight as hay or silage (90% dry matter basis). Thus, a 1200 lb. cow should receive at least 6 lb. of roughage per day. Reducing the roughage intake below this level increases the risk of metabolic disorders.

When using grains and byproduct feeds, the mineral composition of the diet should be carefully evaluated. These feeds often contain high levels of phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur, and are generally low in calcium. As such, rather than supplying supplemental phosphorus as would normally be done for cattle on forage-based diets, calcium may be necessary. Assuming the dietary requirements have been satisfied, the calcium:phosphorus ratio should be maintained between 1:1 and 6:1 to avoid metabolic disorders. Cattle should also have access to a well-balanced vitamin and trace mineral package.

Pens used to limit feed cows should be well drained and allow a minimum of 500 square feet per animal; sacrifice pastures may be a desirable alternative. Each cow should be provided with a minimum of 30 inches of bunk space, regardless of the type of feeder. Fencing should be able to withstand mature cows crowding and reaching. Cattle should have access to a water source capable of providing 15 to 20 gallons per cow per day. Water quality should be taken into account when selecting sources. Alternative, or backup, water sources are also wise.

Cattle should be adapted to high grain diets over a period of 7 to 10 days and observed closely during that period. Feeding should occur on a regular basis. Timely feeding is critical to maintaining a healthy rumen environment and prevention of digestive disorders. Feeding at multiple times per day is desirable, but not essential. If grains are utilized as major components of limit-fed diets, addition of an ionophore will improve feed efficiency and help reduce coccidiosis. Finally, as with any feeding system for gestating cattle, body condition should be monitored periodically to determine if the diets are sufficient to meet the nutritional demands of the cattle or are leading to excessive fat deposition. Limit-fed diets can easily be adjusted to account for these deficiencies or excesses.

Limit feeding is an alternative feeding strategy to help beef producers cope with high forage prices that accompany a drought. Several considerations must be taken into account prior to implementing this type of feeding system. However, with sound management and careful investment in feeds, farmers and ranchers can significantly reduce winter feed costs for their cowherds while maintaining desirable levels of productivity.