Research has shown that feeding high grain rations will work, but a minimum of 4 pounds of hay should be fed to maintain normal rumen function. Lactating cows will need 4 pounds of hay plus 15 pounds of a 15 percent protein grain mix. Feeding diets high in grain to breeding females will likely require greater skill and discipline on the part of the herd manager. Acidosis, bloat, founder, etc. are always a risk when high-grain diets are fed to ruminants. Whole or coarsely processed grain is less acidotic than finely processed grain.
Dry grain is less acidotic than high-moisture grain.
Feeding at the same time every day will also help prevent acidosis. DM of low quality fescue hay per day or 6.5 pounds as-fed. Other by-products such as soyhulls, cottonseed, or corn Gluten may also be useful. If using by-products rather than corn, acidosis should not be a problem. The following Table shows examples of limit fed rations for a 1200 lb. cow in average condition.