Nutritional management plays a key role in maintaining optimum performance and profitability of cattle. A quality nutritional program not only meets nutrient requirements, but also minimizes feed cost and maximizes profitability. Liquid feeds in the form of a supplement, a single ingredient, or a blend of ingredients can provide producers with an economical way to supplement specific nutrients. Liquid feeds can serve as a vehicle to deliver protein, supplemental fat, rumen degradable carbohydrates (sugars), calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, salt, vitamins, trace minerals, and medications to beef cattle in confinement or on pasture.
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Feedlot Application
Total Mixed Rations
One method, and by far the most widely utilized, to deliver liquid feeds to cattle fed in confinement is incorporation of liquids into a total mixed ration (TMR). Utilizing liquids in a TMR can help reduce sorting and improve dry matter intake. South Dakota State University research showed a 4.4% improvement in dry matter intake and a 7.5% improvement in average daily gain with the use of a liquid supplement compared to dry supplement (high-grain feedlot finishing ration). Ingredient sorting can sometimes be a problem with a TMR. Utilization of liquid supplements in a TMR is one method to help reduce sorting, deliver nutrients, and improve dry matter intake. Several management factors should be considered when utilizing liquid supplements in a TMR:

1) Proper storage and handling of liquid supplements:

• Store liquid supplements in a tank that can be re-circulated to ensure the liquid is properly blended before feeding

• Size handling equipment (pumps, tanks, and piping) to the volume of liquid that will be fed

• Store or formulate liquid supplements to handle cold or hot temperatures

2) Proper mixing of liquid supplements into TMR

• Sequence liquid supplements at the end of the TMR blending to assure proper coverage of all feed particles

• High-fat liquids may build up in mixer and reduce efficiency

► Proper sequencing of liquids will help reduce build up
► Inspect mixer and clean if necessary

3) Ration formulation

• The dry matter content of different types of liquid supplements can vary substantially
           ► Check label and test for dry matter content of all feeds

• Test products to assure proper values are used when formulating rations

Top-Dress
A second method of delivering liquid supplements to cattle fed in confinement is by top-dressing the liquid onto existing feed. This method can be used to entice cattle to the bunk to consume feed. Specific nutrients, such as fat, can also be easily fed by this method. The following management factors should be considered when top-dressing liquid supplements:

1) Delivery method

• Several methods can be used to top-dress
          ► Buckets – Pour liquid on top of existing feed. It is more difficult to achieve
              even distribution using this method.
          ► Sprayer – While this method enables a more even distribution, the quantity of liquid
              delivered may be limited.

2) Uniformity

• Top-dressing will only distribute the liquid on the top portion of feed

• Not all cattle may have opportunity to consume the liquid supplement

3) Product selection

• Product must be selected with the knowledge that all cattle may not consume the product
      ► Preferably, complete supplements or products that need to be consumed by all
          cattle in order to meet nutrient requirements should be avoided.

Blocks
Blocks or tubs can be used to supply specific nutrients above base ration fortification. Additional minerals for starting cattle or fat for reproductive performance of reproducing females can be supplied by blocks. As with the other means of supplying liquid feeds, management is critical in assuring the effectiveness of the supplementation:

1) Placement

• Blocks must be placed in locations where cattle gather
           ► If consumption of block is greater or less than desired, blocks should be
               moved to different locations within the pen.

2) Blocks must be check for contamination (dirt and manure) or movement of the block

• High concentrations of cattle in confined feeding will increase the likelihood of block contamination or being moved to a location that will reduce intake.

Grazing Application
pH Control
The most widely used method to control intake of free-choice liquid supplements is by control of pH. Researchers (University of Florida) investigated the effects of pH and acid source on intake of free-choice liquid range supplements. In experiment one, a 16% liquid supplement was offered as a control and with pH adjusted with 3, 6, and 9% feed grade phosphoric acid to a pH of 3.4, 2.9, and 2.3. Consumption was decreased 13, 30, and 64% for the 3.4, 2.9, and 2.3 pH, respectively. In a second experiment, researchers observed that phosphoric acid was more effective at reducing intake than sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, with hydrochloric acid being least effective. With proper quality control and formulation, manipulation of liquid supplement pH can be used to effectively control intake of free-choice liquid supplements.

Lick Tanks
Lick tanks are one method of delivering and controlling intake of free-choice liquid supplements. Lick tanks are available in different sizes with varying numbers of wheels. Intake control is accomplished by placement of tanks and/or restriction of wheel movement. Lick tanks can be moved to different locations within the pasture to increase or limit access to liquid supplements. Lick tanks should not be placed next to water sources or gathering areas as this may encourage overconsumption. If overconsumption occurs, move the tank to a location less frequented by cattle. If underconsumption occurs, move the lick tank closer to water sources or to locations where cattle gather. Another method of reducing lick tank intake is to restrict wheel movement or remove one of the wheels. This will limit access to the supplement, reducing intake. Several management factors must be considered when using lick tanks:

1. The number of cattle should be limited to 15-25 head per wheel. A four-wheel lick tank should be sufficient for 60 to 100 head.

2. Ensure lick tanks are in working order (inspect frequently) The cover needs to fit securely and the wheels need to turn freely

3. Lick tank location..... Lick tanks should not be placed near water or gathering places. If over- or underconsumption occurs, move the lick tank.

4. Clean lick tank before filling

5. Free-choice mineral should be fed at least one week prior to providing liquid supplement

6. Liquid supplement should be available at all times

7. Cattle should have unlimited access to fresh, clean water at all times

Open Troughs
Open troughs are often a convient method for delivering free-choice liquid feeds. Intake control is achieved by three methods when using open trough feeders. The first is formulation through the control of the supplement’s pH. The second is the location of the trough.

Open troughs should not be placed next to water sources or gathering areas as this may encourage overconsumption. If overconsumption occurs, the trough should be moved to a location less frequented by cattle. If underconsumption occurs, move the trough closer to water sources or to locations where cattle gather. Control of liquid supplement intake when using open trough feeders is more dependent upon location of the trough than with lick tanks because of the greater access to the liquid supplement. A third method employed to control intake of liquid supplements when using open troughs is to feed a known quantity twice a week. Open trough feeders require somewhat different management compared to lick tanks:

1. Open trough location: Open troughs should not be placed near water or gathering places.
   If over- or underconsumption occurs, move the trough.

2. Clean trough before filling

3. Free-choice mineral should be fed at least one week prior to providing liquid supplement

4. Cattle should have unlimited access to fresh, clean water at all times

5.  Liquid supplement in open troughs is exposed to the environment and easily accessible
    to  wildlife

6.  Livestock can sometimes be pushed into the trough

7.  Intake from an open trough under the same environment will be greater compared to lick tanks

The choice of nutritional program and feeding management coupled with health/stress status of cattle, genetics, environmental conditions, and management all impact the performance and profitability of cattle. A high-quality liquid feeding program that meets cattle nutritional needs can minimize feed cost while maximizing profitability.