Feedlot rations require special attention to ensure they are uniform throughout the TMR mixer before they are fed. Firstly, a single batch of feed is normally fed to multiple pens, creating the potential for pen-to-pen variation on top of the usual concern of within pen variation, especially if the ration differs appreciably from the start [...]

The combination of unusually warm and dry conditions this summer has left areas of the Northern Plains in the US and Canadian Prairie with reduced and more costly forage supplies. In some cases, this will make feeding the beef herd more challenging and expensive this winter. In such situations, the challenge is often exacerbated by [...]

When cattle are fed quality forages or mixed rations free-choice, changes in nutritional requirements associated with stage of production or weather are generally compensated for by the animal through a change in intake. When a TMR ration is fed, intake is normally adjusted by the feeder; this includes needing to adjust feed delivery for changes [...]

When dealing with drought conditions it is helpful to remember that cattle do not require amounts of specific forages or others ingredients, but require nutrients, which can be provided from a multitude of sources.