Feeding Range Cubes

Most feed companies offer range cubes in at least 3 different protein percentages: 16%, 20%, and 32%.

For protein/increase intake/increase digestibility: 32%

Low quality forage can still make money. When your cows are grazing a low quality forage, <7% crude protein, it is best to feed the 32%.  Protein will increase their forage intake. You will decrease the hay you feed by using your available forage. Also, when you're buying a higher protein percentage, your paying less for protein than if you were to buy the 20% cubes. Just FYI. 

When you're feeding high quality forage (wheat pasture, early tall grass, jigs/bermudagrass), >15% crude protein, you already know that feeding cubes is basically throwing money away.

If you have the land, you're better off changing your stocking rate by fewer cows per acre than by feeding cubes if your forage crude protein range is between 10-15%.

For energy/training/pregnancy: 16% or 20%

The higher the protein content, the harder the cube. The tendency when developing young heifers is to feed the 20% "breeder" cubes. These are softer and have more energy; great for growth.

Using cubes or cake is a great way to get your heifers and calves to come to the working pens. I highly recommend feeding in the working pens with the gates open from time to time. It can make gathering so much easier on yourself and the cows. 

Range cubes are a great way to up your cow or heifers energy consumption as well. Bump up her net energy in her 3rd trimester to get the most bang for your buck. Several studies show that you're actually saving moo-lah by feeding in the last third of pregnancy and you're getting more benefits than you think. That fetus is doing most of its growing in the last 3-4 months. Fetal programming deserves it's own post in the next few weeks.

It goes without saying that the hardest cow on your property to bred back is the young heifer that just had her first calf. Using cubes to provide energy can ensure that her BCS is up to par to conceive again.

Range cubes are not always the most advantageous supplement for your operation. It always depends on your goals, needs, and resources.

Have questions about when to start supplementing? Ask me below!

Happy Ruminating,

The Bos Lady