The best feed to put weight on cows is good-quality forage first, then a protein and energy supplement such as cubes, distillers grains, beet pulp or a corn-based ration, introduced slowly over two to three weeks. Before changing feed, rule out worms, bad teeth and illness, because a thin cow that eats well still won’t gain.
Step 1: Find out why she is thin
Weight loss in cattle is often not just a feed problem. Check these first:
- Parasites: Internal worms and lice drain condition. Ask your vet about a fecal test.
- Teeth and mouth: Old cows with worn teeth cannot chew hay properly.
- Illness: Chronic infections, Johne’s disease and other conditions cause weight loss.
- Competition and stress: Timid cows may get pushed away from feed. Nursing a calf also takes a lot of energy.
- Poor forage: Late-season pasture or mature, stemmy hay is low in protein and energy.
Step 2: Start with forage
Cattle are built to eat forage, and good grass, hay or silage should be the base of any weight-gain plan. A cow typically eats roughly 2 to 2.5 percent of her body weight in dry matter per day, and more when nursing. Test your hay if you can. Higher protein and energy hay does more than extra grain on poor hay. See our posts on clover hay and brome hay for options.
Step 3: Add a supplement
- Range cubes or cake: A convenient protein and energy boost on pasture. See cubes for cows: pros and cons.
- Distillers grains and brewers grains: Affordable protein and energy by-products. Distillers grains can be high in sulfur and phosphorus, so don’t use them as a large part of the ration without advice from a nutritionist. Read feeding brewers grains to cattle.
- Beet pulp: A digestible fiber and energy source that is safer than starchy grain for the rumen. See beet pulp for cattle.
- Corn and grain mixes: High in energy and effective for putting on weight, but they carry the highest risk of acidosis. Learn more about ground ear corn and sweet feed.
- Minerals: Cattle need a mineral supplement formulated for your region. Free-choice minerals are covered in our post on cattle mineral blocks.
Step 4: Change feed slowly
A sudden jump in grain or rich feed can cause acidosis, bloat and even death. Begin with a small amount, such as a pound or two per day, and increase over two to three weeks while watching the cow’s manure and appetite. Split larger amounts into more than one meal, and always provide clean water and plenty of forage.
Track progress
Use body condition scoring, not just the scale. A score of 5 to 6 on the 9-point beef scale is a healthy target for most cows. Ideal weight gain depends on the cow, her age and whether she is nursing, and weighing or taping animals every few weeks shows whether the plan is working.
Bottom Line
Fix the cause of the weight loss, feed the best forage you can, and add a protein or energy supplement gradually. For a high-risk cow or a large herd, work with your vet or an extension nutritionist to build a ration that fits your animals and budget.
This article is general information and not veterinary advice.
