Managment of Cattle on Grain Rations

Water

A good supply of clean, fresh water should always be available. If cattle drink less water (eg. because of water quality or supply issues), then feed consumption will also decrease. Drain and clean water troughs regularly – grain-fed cattle will inevitably drop grain into their water trough. This will ferment and contaminate the water. The more cattle being watered at a trough, the more regularly it should be cleaned.

Feed Management

Your management plays a crucial role in animal performance. Troughs or self feeders should be regularly checked to ensure cattle can access feed as required. Self feeders in particular will require regular maintenance to ensure the ration flows are unimpeded. Remove any stale, wet or mouldy feed. Do not re-feed a ration that has been refused.

Animal Husbandry

Specific health problems may arise in grain feeding situations. Stock in close contact environments are also predisposed to some infectious diseases. Seek veterinary advice and follow recommendations before introducing cattle to a grain feeding program.

Introducing Grain to the Diet

Cattle should make a staged transition from a grass-based diet which is high in sugars, to a grain-based diet (high in starch). Adaptation is essential because the rumen microbes that digest grass are vastly different from those needed to metabolise grain. Rapid shifts in diet should be avoided. Safe adaptation periods are usually in the 14 – 21 day timeframe. The use of starter diets is recommended. Faster transitions to a grain diet are possible however, a higher level of management is required.