Winter Rations for Beef Cows
These example rations illustrate appropriate feeding strategies for a 1,300 lb mature cow in good body condition at different production stages. They are guidelines only and should not replace feed testing and individualized ration balancing.
Note: Listed intakes do not include wastage. Forage wastage may reach 25–30%, and thin cows or animals exposed to harsh weather require additional energy.
Note: Listed intakes do not include wastage. Forage wastage may reach 25–30%, and thin cows or animals exposed to harsh weather require additional energy.
1. Sample Winter Rations for Mature Cows (1,300 lb)
Mid‑Gestation Rations
Alfalfa–Grass |
Grass Hay |
Straw‑Based |
18 lb alfalfa‑grass |
17 lb grass hay |
25 lb straw |
13 lb straw |
14 lb straw |
7 lb barley |
2 oz 1:1 mineral |
2 oz 1:1 mineral |
2 oz 2:1 mineral |
1 oz salt |
1 oz salt |
1 oz salt |
Late‑Gestation Rations
Alfalfa–Grass |
Grass Hay |
Straw‑Based |
26.5 lb alfalfa‑grass |
26 lb grass hay |
18 lb straw |
4.5 lb barley |
4 lb barley |
13.5 lb barley |
2 oz 1:1 mineral |
2 oz 2:1 mineral |
4 oz 2:1 mineral |
1 oz salt |
1 oz salt |
1 oz salt |
Lactation Rations
Alfalfa |
Alfalfa–Grass |
Greenfeed |
30 lb alfalfa |
23 lb alfalfa‑grass |
35 lb greenfeed |
7.5 lb barley |
13.5 lb barley |
3.5 lb barley |
3 oz 1:1 mineral |
3 oz 1:1 mineral |
3 oz 2:1 mineral |
2 oz salt |
2 oz salt |
2 oz salt |
2. Cow Nutrition and Body Condition
Body Condition Scoring (BCS) is a critical tool for winter feeding management.
- BCS ranges from 1 (thin) to 5 (fat).
- Cows entering winter in poor condition need additional energy.
- Cows in low BCS at calving experience:
- Delayed return to estrus
- Lower conception rates
- Longer calving intervals
- Weaker calves and reduced colostrum quality
Good‑quality forage or grain supplementation is the most economical method to improve BCS.
More information: Beef Cattle Research Council – Body Condition.
3. Minerals for Beef Cows
Choosing the Correct Mineral Mix
- 1:1 mineral: Alfalfa–grass, alfalfa, pasture grasses
- 2:1 mineral: Greenfeed, cereal silage, corn silage, native hay, straw/grain rations
Suggested Trace Mineral Levels
Mineral |
Recommended Level |
Selenium (Se) |
30 mg/kg |
Copper (Cu) |
2,500 mg/kg |
Manganese (Mn) |
8,000 mg/kg |
Zinc (Zn) |
8,000 mg/kg |
- Always provide cobalt‑iodized or trace‑mineralized salt.
4. Vitamin Supplementation
Daily Vitamin A Requirements
- Pregnancy: 30,000 IU/day
- Lactation: 50,000 IU/day
Vitamin A may be supplied via:
- Injections every 2–3 months during winter, or
- A premix added to feed
- Example: A premix containing 1,500,000 IU/kg
- Gestation: 20 g/day
- Lactation: 35 g/day