Keeping your cattle healthy depends mostly on the type of livestock feed you give them. It provides them with necessary minerals, proteins, and vitamins. However, these animals go through several life stages and require specific nutrients suitable for each phase. Here is a brief guide to the nutritional requirements for beef cows throughout their life. 

4 Stages of a Cow’s Life & the Nutrients They Need

1. Postpartum

This stage happens after calving, and it lasts for about 80 to 90 days. During this time, the cow has its highest demand for nutritious livestock feed because it must produce enough energy to breed, lactate, and grow. An average-sized cow at 1200 pounds would need about 27.6 pounds of dry matter like hay or grain, which should be at least 59% of total digestible nutrients or TDN (a measure of energy).

2. Lactating & Pregnant

This life stage lasts for roughly 120 to 130 days. The animal still has a high demand for nutrients, but their needs are significantly lower than that of a cow in the postpartum phase. For instance, their energy requirements drop about 13%. In this stage, a 1200-pound cow can take in about 26.5 pounds of dry matter with a TDN of 55.1%.

3. Gestation

The gestation period comes immediately after a calf is weaned. Since there is no lactation, there are no high nutrient requirements. Compared to the previous life stage, energy and protein needs drop another 23% and 36%, respectively. If your cow is slightly underweight, now is the best time to help them gain more mass. However, since their nutritional requirements are low now, an average-sized cow can have about 22.8 pounds worth of dry intake with a total TDN of 47%.

4. Pre-Calving

This is a crucial period of a cow’s life span. About 50 to 60 days before calving, the animal must be in its prime condition to breed healthy calves back to back. Their livestock feed must sustain their energy and protein requirements, which is 20% higher than the gestation period. To help the calf develop, the cow should gain at least one pound per day. You can accommodate their nutritional demands by ensuring they have 24.4 pounds of dry intake with a TDN of 54.6%. 

Clifton Feed and Service Center in Texas has the right livestock feed to keep your animals healthy. As the area’s go-to seller of farm supplies, they have a variety of high-quality products to fit your needs. If you’re not sure which livestock feed to choose, their knowledgeable staff members will help. Call (254) 675-3416 or visit them online to learn more about their products, including pet supplies and hunting accessories.