In a recent Cattle Chat podcast, K-State veterinarian Bob Larson and beef cattle nutritionist Phillip Lancaster answered a question about managing native grass pastures when protein delivery is limited to once a week.

They recommend offering protein supplements to the herd a few times a week to help cows recycle protein through their rumen, which is beneficial for their health. Recycling refers to how cattle use the nitrogen in protein sources, allowing them to gain more benefits over time.

The producer who asked the question was giving his cows four pounds of distiller’s grains once a week and wanted to know if that was sufficient for six weeks.

Research indicates that cattle receiving protein supplements once a week may have slightly lower forage digestibility compared to those getting supplements more frequently. However, it’s still better than no supplementation at all. Lancaster advised the producer to increase the protein supplement to eight pounds per week for six weeks. He explained that cows need enough protein to maintain their condition, especially when eating lower-quality forage.

Another way to assess cattle health is by examining their feces. If the manure piles are tall and dry, it may be necessary to increase the amount or frequency of protein supplementation.