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Where supplementation is not taking place for forward cattle, it is time to consider it. In late summer and autumn, the energy content of grass reduces.
This, combined with low grass dry matter and a quicker passage of grass through cattle, can affect thrive.
Early spring-born weanlings should be offered 1kg to 2kg ration/day for heifers and 2kg to 3kg/day for bulls, especially if weanlings are being sold as the extra weight gain will cover the costs of creep feeding.
Where grass supply is diminishing or grazing conditions are difficult, forward bulls should be the first animals to be housed as they will struggle to thrive in poor conditions.
Any cattle that are to be finished off grass in September/October should be getting ration at this stage.
Heifers should be built up to 2kg to 4kg and bullocks to between 4kg and 6kg of ration/day for 40 to 60 days prior to slaughter.
Traditional breeds may not require as much supplementation.
Feeding concentrates prior to slaughter should help improve kill-out and grade, but will also increase growth rates by about 0.2kg to 0.3kg/day on autumn grass.
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