The pasture feeding guide
Feeding Cattle on Pasture
A pasture feeding plan starts with what the cattle can graze. Know the amount and quality of forage, then decide what the rest of the program needs to provide.
For beef cattle on pasture in the Southeast. Use the whole feeding program to choose the next bag.
Test the forage. Match the supplement to the gap.
In this guide
Know the forage before choosing the supplement
Check forage availability and nutritional value. Test hay and other feed resources, and balance the diet with Extension or nutritionist help. Choose a supplement to address a known gap, rather than ranking bags by protein alone. [2]
The original forage-stack drawing shows that sequence: forage, the supplement’s purpose, and the cattle’s needs. [1, 2]
One herd can need more than one plan
A mature cow maintaining herself, a growing calf, and a cow producing milk have different nutrient requirements. Body size, growth, pregnancy, and lactation change what the diet needs to deliver. [1]
Check body condition, and consider nutritional groups when planning forage and supplements. Lactating cows, replacement heifers, and growing calves may need higher-value feed resources than dry cows in mid-pregnancy. Plan ahead for the last part of gestation. [2]
Give each supplement a job
01 · Forage
The foundation
Assess quantity and tested quality before deciding what to add. When forage is limited, build a balanced alternative feeding plan with your local Extension agent. [2]
02 · Protein and energy
A forage supplement
Cattlemans Select 20% All Natural Range Cube is described as supplemental protein and energy for beef cattle on pasture. Its published information identifies it as a cattle feed. Read the current tag with your forage plan. [5]
03 · Minerals
A separate purpose
Elements All-Purpose Mineral supplies minerals; it is not the same job as a protein-and-energy supplement. Its directions specify expected intake, covered feeders, fresh water, and intake monitoring. [6]
Alabama forage systems can need mineral supplementation, and the balance changes with the forage and animal class. Young, lush forage can create a grass-tetany risk, especially in cows shortly after calving. Discuss an appropriate seasonal mineral program with your veterinarian or Extension agent. [3]
Recheck as the seasons change
- Summer: drought can reduce forage growth. Reassess grazing pressure, and keep shade and clean, cool water available. [4]
- Fall: review forage reserves before winter. Have a plan for purchased feed if grazing and stored forage will be short. [4]
- Winter: wet, cold conditions and changing cow needs can call for a revised program. Use forage analysis and body condition to plan supplementation. [4]
- Spring: review the mineral program for lush grazing and follow the selected product’s intake directions. [3, 6]
Drought-stressed, heavily fertilized forage can accumulate nitrates; certain warm-season grasses can pose a prussic-acid risk after frost. Ask Extension about testing and a safe use plan before feeding suspect forage. [4]
Build your feeding plan
Gather the information
Bring a forage analysis, your cattle groups, and body-condition notes to the feeding discussion. [2]
Read the whole tag
Check the intended species, purpose, directions, and cautions for each supplement. The current bag governs its use. [5, 6]
Check what is consumed
For Elements All-Purpose Mineral, monitor intake and adjust feeder placement as its directions specify. Do not add other salt or minerals without reviewing its instructions. [6]
Ask our nutritionist about the whole cattle program, or contact your local Extension agent. If you need help with the tag, read How to Read Your Feed Tag.
Sources
Alabama Extension supplies the regional feeding principles; the diagram is original Tucker artwork. University publications do not endorse the product examples. Follow the current tag and a program matched to your forage.
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Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle ↩
Requirements change with size, growth, pregnancy, and lactation. Accessed October 8, 2026.
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Beef Cattle Management: Consider Alternative Feeding Strategies ↩
Forage testing, body condition, and nutritional groups. Accessed October 8, 2026.
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Mineral Requirements for Beef Cattle in Alabama ↩
Alabama mineral needs and lush-forage risks. This guide does not prescribe a universal mineral formulation. Accessed October 8, 2026.
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Climate Effects on Forage and Beef Production ↩
Seasonal forage supply, water, and weather-related forage risks. Accessed October 8, 2026.
