But the expense is a lot less. There's a better return. If you do want to supplement forage with a little feed, KC Olson, a University of Missouri animal scientist, suggests 2 to 4 pounds per day of dried distillers' grain, corn gluten feed, soybean hulls or whole-shelled corn. Such supplements will familiarize calves with the solid, nonforage feeds they will get later in a feedlot. Small amounts of concentrate feeds also could add energy and protein to the forage-based diet.
High energy can be important if winter weather is severe.
But just being on grass can lower calves' energy intake requirements. Working calves 30 days before weaning is another valuable stress-reduction strategy, says MU Extension livestock specialist Wayne Shannon. Sorting and vaccinating animals with a minimal amount of shouting and prodding will also reduce physical stress. Castrating and paste dehorning at birth also can reduce stress at weaning. It's how we manage the stress that makes the difference.