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.
 
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