Three milo/soybean meal mixtures representing three supplemental crude protein
concentrations (13, 26, and 39%) were evaluated in terms of pregnant beef cow
performance. Cow weight and body condition changes responded in a linear fashion to
increasing protein. Cattle fed the high protein (39% Crude Protein) supplement lost
the least weight and body condition, whereas cattle supplemented with the low protein
treatment lost the most. Although there was little difference between treatment
groups in terms of reproductive efficiency and subsequent calf performance, moderate
(26% Crude Protein) and high protein supplements appear to offer the most benefit in
maintaining cow\weight and body condition during the critical winter months up to
calving.
