Experienced cattle producers understand that the success of next season often depends on decisions made during winter. Yet winter supplementation is still sometimes viewed as an unavoidable expense rather than a productivity investment. This mindset can be costly.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
A properly designed winter supplementation programme helps maintain body condition, supports pregnancy, improves calf performance and contributes to better reproductive efficiency.
Also read: The cattle farmer’s manual | Why protein is the key to winter grazing success
The objective is not necessarily to make cattle gain weight during winter, says Ernest Makua, livestock technical advisor at Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS). “Instead, the goal is to minimise unnecessary condition loss and ensure cows enter the calving season in the best possible state.”
Certain groups require particular attention. “Pregnant cows, replacement heifers and young growing animals are especially vulnerable to nutritional stress during winter. Neglecting these animals can result in productivity losses that extend well beyond the winter months.”
Also read: Protein supplements: A winter lifeline for livestock
Building next season’s success this winter
Healthy calves, productive cows and strong conception rates do not happen by chance.
“They are the result of management decisions made months before calving and breeding begin. Farmers cannot control rainfall, frost or winter temperatures. What they can control is how they manage the nutritional gap that develops as veld quality declines,” says Makua.
Winter supplementation is therefore not merely about helping cattle survive until spring. It is about preparing the herd to perform when spring arrives. The producers who understand this principle are often the same producers who consistently achieve stronger calf crops, healthier cows and better reproductive results year after year.
Also read:
The cattle farmer’s manual | Plenty of grass, thin cows: What’s going wrong?
The cattle farmer’s manual | Why winter feeding is critical for pregnant cows
Health and nutrition drive success for Limpopo’s Meatmaster and Boer goat farmers
Ask the vet | Supplementing trace elements correctly
Winter is here: How to protect your livestock in cold, wet conditions
She quit her job and now owns 133 cattle and 147 goats: Meet Tlhalefo Dithebe
