Comparison of Supplementation Methods for Cow Herds Grazing Pine-Bluestem Range

Abstract

Range cows furnished cottonseed cake on alternate days in winter weighed more and had higher calving percentages than cows fed daily. Calf weights at weaning were similar. Cost of distributing cake every other day was almost 40% less than for the daily schedule. Cows self-fed cottonseed meal adulterated with salt weighed as much as those fed cake daily, but both calf crop and weaning weight averaged less than for daily or alternate-day feeding. Although expense of distributing supplement was least with self-feeding, cost-return relationship was unfavorable compared to other methods.