When farmers think about winter supplementation, they often focus on the nutrients contained in the lick itself. But the real value of protein supplementation goes much deeper.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Protein is often described as the engine that drives rumen function. Inside every cow’s rumen live billions of microorganisms that help break down forage and convert it into nutrients that the animal can use. These microbes turn grass into productive performance. To do their job effectively, they need protein.
During summer, growing grasses generally provide enough protein to support healthy rumen activity, says Ernest Makua, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS). However, winter tells a different story. “As grass matures and dries off, protein levels decline sharply. In many veld types, crude protein levels fall below the minimum required for efficient rumen function. When this happens, cattle don’tsimply receive less protein. They also become less efficient at digesting the grass they are eating,” says Makua.
In practical terms, cattle can be standing in a camp full of grass and still lose condition because they cannot properly use what is available.
Also read: The cattle farmer’s manual | Why winter feeding is critical for pregnant cows
More than just a winter lick
This is why protein supplementation delivers benefits that extend far beyond the nutrients supplied in the lick. Makua says adequate protein improves rumen activity, stimulates feed intake and helps cattle extract more value from dry winter grazing. In essence, protein allows the animal to make better use of the feed resource already available in the veld.
For many beef producers, that makes winter protein supplementation one of the most cost-effective management tools available. By supporting rumen function and improving feed utilisation, protein supplementation helps cattle maintain condition during the toughest months of the year and lays the foundation for better productivity when spring arrives.
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