Keeping livestock healthy should be a top priority for cattle farmers, as it directly impacts the success of their businesses. When the animals maintain a proper diet, the caliber of the meat improves. Purveyors are willing to pay more for high-quality goods, which results in higher profits for farmers. For an idea of what products to order from your feed dealers, below is a guide on what cattle should eat.  

What Are Important Elements of the Cattle Diet?

To understand the specifics of what cattle should eat to remain healthy, it’s important to first understand the anatomy of their digestive system. Cattle are born with four-chambered stomachs, but only use one stomach chamber while still calves. While nursing, calves receive fat and protein from milk. As they age into cows, the herbivores’ tastes shift to a plant-based diet. Their other stomach chambers develop as the plant material is converted into fat and protein. In order to remain healthy, it’s vital that your cattle maintain a diet of plant feed.

Another thing to keep in mind when ordering from feed dealers is that the composition of your cattle’s diet should primarily consist of indigestible roughage, as this is high in fiber and aids bowel function. To compensate for roughage’s low-energy propensity, cattle must consume additional grains. Oilseeds, like soybeans and flaxseeds, are also a reliable source for protein energy. They supply vitamins like foliate, vitamin E, and niacin and minerals like iron, magnesium, and phosphorous. Co-products, such as bakery waste and grain screenings, can be used as filler, as well. 

What Types of Food Supplies the Right Nutrients?

When looking for roughage to add to the cattle diet, make sure to ask feed dealers to include hay and silage on your order form, as both are good sources of fiber. The latter option is fermented, high-moisture plant fodder that is kept in airtight containers. Livestock can also get fiber from nibbling on grass. For protein energy, feed cattle grains like oats, barley, corn, and milo. Legumes and oilseeds are also valuable sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals.

For help tailoring a diet plan for your cattle, contact Bolivar Farmers Exchange in Bolivar, MO. A one-stop shop for farm supplies since 1920, the Polk County feed dealer carries MFA® products and can customize your order. To inquire about the inventory, give them a call at (417) 326-2664.