Understanding your cattle’s nutritional needs is essential to achieve optimal growth, productivity, and overall health and well-being. Our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team discusses key components of and best practices for bovine nutrition to help ensure your cattle receive a balanced and nutritious diet.

Bovine nutrition basics

A cattle herd’s nutrient requirements change depending on factors such as age, production stage, sex, breed, and environmental conditions. Certain nutrients are necessary in the herd’s daily ration, while others can be manufactured in the body and stored. Key nutrients required by cattle include:

  • Water — Water is the most important nutrient for cattle because it is involved in every physiological process, including digestion, nutrient absorption, waste elimination, blood pressure regulation, and temperature regulation. Cattle require a substantial amount of water daily, typically about one gallon of water for every 100 pounds of body weight. 
  • Energy — Energy is vital for maintenance, growth, reproduction, and lactation and is the nutrient required by cattle in the largest amount. Insufficient energy intake can lead to poor growth rates, reduced body condition, and reproductive issues. The primary energy sources for cattle are carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Carbohydrates, found in forages and grains, are their main energy providers. Energy terms to be familiar with include:
    • Gross energy — the total amount of energy in the feed.
    • Digestible energy — the amount the animal can digest with rumen microbes.
    • Metabolizable energy — the amount the animal can use for bodily functions after losses from rumen fermentation and urination.
    • Net energy — the amount the animal can use for growth, maintenance, milk production, and reproduction.
  • Protein — Proteins provide the amino acids necessary for growth, tissue repair, reproduction, and lactation. Young, growing calves, lactating females, and those in late pregnancy have increased protein requirements. Common protein sources include alfalfa, soybean meal, and other legumes. A protein’s quality and digestibility are important factors to consider.
  • Vitamins — Fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, are essential for various bodily functions, including vision, bone development, antioxidant activity, and blood clotting. They are stored in the animal’s fat tissue and liver and don’t need daily supplementation if the animal has adequate reserves. Water-soluble vitamins, such as B-complex vitamins and vitamin C, play roles in metabolism and overall health. Milk provides vitamin B to nursing calves, and when the rumen reaches full functionality, water-soluble vitamins are synthesized by rumen microorganisms so supplementation is not necessary unless the animal’s energy and protein levels aren’t adequate.
  • Minerals — Minerals, including macro- and micro-minerals, are required for several functions. Mineral needs vary depending on factors such as water and feed sources, stress, and production stage. Several mineral mixture supplements are on the market, and producers must work with our veterinary team to choose the right product for their herd to prevent problems associated with mineral deficiencies or toxicities.
  • Fiber — Fiber, primarily from forages, is crucial for maintaining rumen function and overall digestive health. Structural carbohydrates, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, provide bulk and stimulate chewing and saliva production, aiding digestion.

Best bovine nutrition practices

Recommendations to provide an appropriate nutrition program for your cattle include:

  • Regular nutritional assessments — Regularly assess your cattle’s body condition to ensure they aren’t underfed or overfed. In addition, test forages for nutrient content to accurately formulate rations.
  • Feed quality and safety — Ensure feed is stored properly to prevent spoilage and contamination, and provide consistent, high-quality feed to avoid digestive upset and maintain productivity.
  • Water quality — Ensure water sources are clean and free from contaminants, and always provide an adequate supply of fresh water, especially in hot weather or during high milk production periods.
  • Feeding practices — Establish a regular feeding schedule to reduce stress and promote consistent intake. In addition, provide sufficient feeder space to avoid overcrowding and allow all cattle to eat without competition.
  • Consultation — Consult our veterinary team to develop and adjust your feeding program based on your herd’s specific needs. 

Contact our Rustebakke Veterinary Service team to schedule a nutrition consultation so we can help determine the best feeding program for your herd.