Cattle Feeding Guide

In dairy and beef cattle, yield, health, and fertility depend largely on the balance of the ration. This guide summarizes the fundamental principles regarding the balance of roughage and concentrate feed, seasonal feeding, and water and mineral-vitamin requirements.

Fundamentals of a balanced ration

• Priority of roughage: Generally, 40–60% of the ration’s dry matter should consist of roughage (silage, hay, alfalfa). Sufficient fiber protects rumen health and milk fat.
• Concentrate feed: Covers the energy and protein deficit; the amount is adjusted according to milk yield or targeted live weight gain.
• Dry matter intake: A cow’s daily dry matter intake is roughly 2.5–3.5% of its live weight.
• Feed transition: A gradual transition to a new ration should be made over at least 7–10 days.

Seasonal feeding in dairy cows

• Dry period (45–60 days before calving): A ration with controlled energy and high roughage content; the transition ration is started 3 weeks before calving.
• Early lactation: Milk yield increases rapidly while appetite lags behind. A ration with high energy density, supported by high-quality roughage, is required.
• Mid and late lactation: The amount of concentrate feed is reduced according to yield, and the body condition score is maintained around 3–3.5.

Feeding in beef cattle

• During the adaptation period to fattening, start with a roughage-heavy diet for the first 2–3 weeks and gradually increase the concentrate feed.
• Energy density is increased throughout the fattening period; sufficient fiber and buffers are used to prevent acidosis.
• Live weight gain and feed conversion ratio should be monitored through regular weighing.

Water, minerals, and vitamins

A dairy cow drinks approximately 4–5 liters of water for every liter of milk produced. Clean, cool, and unlimited water should always be accessible. Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, and A-D-E vitamins should be balanced with a premix or mineral block.

Common mistakes

• Changing the ration abruptly
• Preparing the ration without analyzing the quality of the roughage
• Overfeeding and causing obesity in cows during the dry period
• Neglecting the cleaning of feed bunks and water troughs

This guide is for general information purposes. The ration varies according to the animal’s breed, age, yield level, quality of roughage, and farm conditions. Consult your veterinarian or our technical team for recommendations specific to your farm.