We’ve turned over the calendar year, and many beef producers in the Northwest are well into winter feeding as well as preparing for calving season.

Why are fat supplements fed? Because in early lactation, cows cannot eat enough to meet their increasing milk production energy requirements. Thus, cows go into negative energy balance. This is an issue for especially the first one-third of a lactation. And, this negative energy balance is more pronounced and for a longer period of time for cows beyond their first lactation. Consequently, fat supplements are used to increase energy density of the ration. But, if a fat supplement decreases dry matter intake (DMI), the benefit of using it is decreased.

In light of current weather patterns and drought in portions of Kansas and surrounding states, Kansas State University (KSU) hosted a webinar featuring tips for strategic reduction of grazing pressure, supplementation and early weaned calf nutrition and health considerations.