Pasture forage is the foundation of a healthy livestock diet. But there are times when forage resources may be limited, such as during drought conditions or the winter months. In these cases, providing supplemental feed can help ranchers maintain usual pasture stocking rates while ensuring livestock receive the nutrients they need.
The primary options for supplementing pasture are harvested forage, grain-based supplements, and fibrous byproduct feeds. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks:
- Harvested Forage:Harvested crops like alfalfa hay, oat hay, and barley hay provide good sources of energy, protein, and fiber. However, when drought conditions impact pasture grazing, it's likely the supply of these crops will also be affected. Another challenge is tempting cattle to consume harvested forage when fresh pasture forage is still available. It’s advisable to offer the harvested forage in a variety of ways, such as in feeders and on the ground, or mixed with grains or flavoring agents. Patience is key — it often takes time for livestock to become accustomed to eating harvested forage on pasture.
- Grain-Based Supplements: Another option is to feed grain-based supplements. Grain-based supplements, like corn and oats, are typically fed to livestock in a feedlot or other confined settings, but they can also be fed to livestock on pasture. When feeding grain-based supplements on pasture, it is important to do so in a way that does not disrupt the grazing pattern of the animals. Grain-based supplements are typically high in energy and can lead to livestock spending more time eating the supplement and less time grazing on pasture. This can become an issue if pasture grazing becomes uneven (impacting pasture growth and quality) and if the livestock’s nutrient intake from pasture forage is reduced (causing weight loss and other health problems). Feeding the supplements at times when the livestock are not grazing, such as early morning or late evening, and using a feeder that allows the animals to eat quickly can keep them from spending too much time in the supplement area.
- Fibrous Byproduct Feeds: Unlike grain-based supplements, sugar beet pulp, corn stover, wheat straw, and other fibrous byproducts are low in energy. They can provide an economical, fiber-rich feed supplement when pasture forage resources are scarce, though they should be mixed with other feedstuffs to make them more palatable. When using fibrous by-product feeds, it is important to start with a small amount and gradually increase the amount over time to prevent digestive upset. As with grain-based supplements, it’s best to use feeders and stick to a regimented feeding schedule to ensure animals aren’t tempted to stop grazing on pasture.
If pastures are not managed properly, they can become overgrazed and depleted of nutrients, leading to a shortage of forage in future seasons. So, it’s important to supplement pasture with other forage resources when the environment is stressed.
Delivering feed to grazing areas requires reliable equipment, and John Deere offers a range of machinery to help you ensure your livestock and pastures are well cared for. Visit your local John Deere dealer for more information about the best tools and equipment to keep your livestock operation running smoothly.