High Energy Products    (click here to read about Energy Supplementation)

          H.F.R.S. – High fat range supplements comprised of a blend of vegetable
          fats to enhance reproductive performance. Available in meal, cube, block, and tub forms....

          Fat Supplementation Reproductive efficiency is a critical factor in the profitability of a
          producer’s operation. Research at Ft. Keogh Station, Miles City, MT indicates..............




Effects of Supplementation on Forage
and Feedstuff Utilization

A large portion of the feeds consumed by cattle are used in meeting their energy needs, regardless of whether the animal is merely being maintained, fed for growth, finishing, or reproduction. If there is not sufficient energy in the feeds, the energy needs of cattle will be met by the break down of body tissue resulting in loss of body condition and weight. Cattle on forage diets derive energy primarily from the fiber component of the forage. The goal of a supplementation program is to obtain the most energy possible from the forages cattle consume.

If cattle cannot meet their energy needs for the desired performance level from the forages they consume, then additional energy must be supplied. This addition energy can be supplied by other forage-based energy sources, grain-based energy sources, or fat. While grains supply readily digestible energy sources, caution should be used when supplying additional energy from grain sources because supplying energy from grain without adequate digestible intake protein may cause a depression in forage intake and digestibility. The effect of grain supplementation without adequate digestible intake protein on forage intake and digestibility is shown in Figure 7. Supplementing grain in forage diets will substitute for the energy in the forage, leading to increased costs of production.
 

Figure 7 Amount of Grain Consumed Influences Intake and Digestibility of Forage

In feeding conditions where quantity of forage is in short supply, such as during drought conditions, then feeding supplemental grain or fibrous by-products,( soyhulls, wheat midds, corn gluten, etc.), to substitute for the energy from forage may be required and may be more cost-effective based on the relationship between the energy value and price of hay compared to the energy value and price of grain.