Meeting the need for these nutrients is important if cow herd productivity is to be maintained. Reductions in stocking rate will benefit range plants by reducing stress and will also provide more forage for remaining cattle. When stocking rates are reduced in accordance with production, only small effects on weaning weight may be noted. If stocking rate is not reduced, supplemental feeding is necessary to maintain herd productivity and alleviate grazing pressure. Reducing Nutrient Requirements of the Cow Herd Lactation represents the greatest nutrient demand for cows during a yearlong production cycle.
Lactation increases demand for energy, protein, and other nutrients.
One of the simplest ways to reduce nutrient requirements is to wean the calf. Early weaned calves can achieve adequate rates of growth if given access to a high quality ration. Dry cows will eat less forage than lactating cows further reducing demand placed on the pasture. By removing the demands of lactation, acceptable pregnancy rates and calving season length can usually be maintained. Producers may consider early weaning only a portion of the herd.