Supplement Allows Ranchers to Eliminate Hay Feeding and Reduce Winter Feed Coats

Winter feeding of beef cows represents the highest single annual cost to producers across the United States, and more specifically in south central Idaho. Typically, producers utilize hay as the sole source of nutrients for their cows during the winter feeding period. In an attempt to decrease feed costs and maintain animal performance, the utilization of a winter feed supplement consisting of a protein source, ground corn and salt was implemented. Results indicate that the use of the supplement was more economically feasible than feeding hay to cows during the winter feeding period.