Winter feeding decisions start with body condition

Assessing condition now can help manage feed costs, adjust rations and prepare for the demands of calving

As winter feeding gets underway across Alberta, one of the most useful tools for managing cattle nutrition doesn’t require any specialized equipment. It starts with assessing body condition.

Body condition scoring helps producers evaluate the fat reserves of their cattle and make informed decisions about feeding, grouping and supplementation.

According to the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), cows entering winter in good condition are better equipped to handle cold temperatures and the increasing nutritional demands of pregnancy.

Know your score

In Canada, beef cattle body condition is measured on a five-point scale, with a score of 1 representing an extremely thin animal and 5 representing an obese animal. A score of approximately 3 is considered ideal.

Assessing condition involves feeling for fat cover over the ribs, spine, hips and tailhead. Visual assessment alone can be misleading, particularly as winter hair coats develop.

Cows that enter winter below their ideal condition may require additional energy to maintain body temperature and support pregnancy.

Adjust feeding before calving

The BCRC notes that improving body condition becomes more difficult and expensive as winter progresses.

With feed representing a significant operating expense, understanding body condition can help producers balance herd health, reproductive performance and winter feeding costs.

For example, moving a 1,400-pound cow from a body condition score of 2 to 3 requires approximately 200 pounds of weight gain. Achieving that improvement over 90 days requires about 20 per cent more energy than simply maintaining condition.

Grouping thinner cows separately, providing higher-quality feed where needed and monitoring condition throughout the winter can help producers direct feed resources where they will have the greatest benefit.

Nutritional requirements also change as cows approach calving, making regular assessment important throughout the feeding season.

The Beef Cattle Research Council’s body condition resource includes practical guidance and demonstrations to help producers assess their cattle.