Grazing can be as simple as turning a few calves out into a fenced pasture. However, experience and research have shown that implementing critical management practices will allow for increased production. Limited feeding of concentrates is often advantageous if fed in limited amounts. High-protein concentrate feeds can be fed in lower amounts. The salt concentration may be adjusted, depending on intake desired as cattle become adapted to the salt.
Commercial mixtures are also available which improve gains.
Avoid feeding supplements containing non-protein nitrogen sources such as urea to calves weighing less than 500 pounds. It is important to recognize that calves which have been fed for substantial gains during the winter are often less suitable for spring grazing. In most cases, these calves will perform less efficiently than calves which have been managed to gain about 1.0 pounds per day. A complete mineral should be either included in the supplement or fed separately. Also, look for sulfur, zinc, iodine and potassium on the feed label.