Most native range pastures become mature and crude protein content of the forage falls below the cow’s nutrient requirements during the fall and winter months. Protein supplementation may be necessary to maintain cow body condition going into the winter months.

Typically, rumen degradable protein is the type of protein needed by the cow under these conditions. Rumen degradable protein is the protein utilized by the rumen microorganisms. When a deficiency of rumen degradable protein exists, the bacterial population does a poor job of fermenting the fiber in grasses and, as a consequence, energy supply for the animal is reduced.

In most cases, some natural protein is needed for the bacterial population to use dormant native range or other low quality forages effectively. This natural protein can be supplied by many different supplements. Oilseed meals, crop processing byproducts, alfalfa hay, distiller’s grains, and many commercial protein supplements are all effective at supplying needed nutrients.

To calculate how much supplement is needed, you’ll need to know the protein level in the forage and cow’s nutrient requirements. Looking up the nutrient requirements in a table is the easy part. Assessing protein level in the forage is more difficult. You may want to contact Extension personnel in your area for more information on protein levels in specific pasture types. As a general rule, you will probably need to supply about 0.33 to 0.50 pounds of crude protein daily.

Protein supplements can be fed daily as infrequently as once a week and still be effective at supplying nutrients to the microbial population and maintaining animal performance. The cow’s ability to recycle urea through the blood and saliva to the rumen makes this possible.

Be sure to take into account the cost of delivery when you assess your supplementation program this fall. With increased fuel and labor costs, self-fed supplements and supplements that can be fed less often may be more economical and many commercial protein supplements are all effective at supplying needed nutrients.

To calculate how much supplement is needed, you’ll need to know the protein level in the forage and cow’s nutrient requirements. Looking up the nutrient requirements in a table is the easy part. Assessing protein level in the forage is more difficult. You may want to contact Extension personnel in your area for more information on protein levels in specific pasture types. As a general rule, you will probably need to supply about 0.33 to 0.50 pounds of crude protein daily.

Protein supplements can be fed daily as infrequently as once a week and still be effective at supplying nutrients to the microbial population and maintaining animal performance. The cow’s ability to recycle urea through the blood and saliva to the rumen makes this possible.

Be sure to take into account the cost of delivery when you assess your supplementation program this fall. With increased fuel and labor costs, self-fed supplements and supplements that can be fed less often may be more economical.