Protect your livestock investment

With record high calf prices, keeping replacements heifers now is more expensive than ever before. This makes nutrition through breeding season and into gestation critical for a positive economic return. Open heifers that are kept back for breeding are both still growing and getting ready to breed and grow a calf.

Heifers often require more than just hay or grass to get enough energy and protein to meet their needs. Diets should be at or above 12% protein and enough energy to gain 1 to 1.5 pounds of gain per day with the goal to be between 55 – 65% mature body weight at breeding time. Silage, good hay or corn can be good options but sometimes using an additional source of protein can help balance the diet and provide nutritional needs beyond the bunk.

Crystalxy protein tubs such as HE-20 or NP-27 are a good addition to the feed that is already available. The HE-20 is a 20% protein tub and can help with heifers that are just needing a bit more but are already on a good hay and high-quality diet and in good condition. For cattle that are on a lower quality hay or pasture only diet a NP-27 or other high protein options might be a better match. Using these tubs can be a convenient way to add protein but are not a substitute for a good nutrition program, extra bypass protein allows heifers to continue to grow and develop while cycling and developing the calf inside.

Heifer nutrition can be a difficult item but when using protein tubs, we have a useful tool that is convenient and helps balance our diets. Pairing these protein products with a good mineral program can set both the calf and the cow up for success as we enter breeding season and beyond.