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Feeding is the most important and probably the most confusing part of raising cattle. This is because there are a wide variety of feedstuffs, ration types and alternatives, and methods of feeding cattle. Cattle operations range from the feedlot to dairy to grass-only, and can be a mix of either two or all three combined, depending on the type of cattle you have.

Cattle fattened in feedlots are fed small amounts of hay supplemented with grain, soy and other ingredients in order to increase the energy density of the diet. The best alternative for cow/calf producers is to utilize a limit-fed, high-grain diet fed in drylot or semi-confinement. The most expensive nutrient for a cow is energy. Cows should be slowly adapted to high-grain feeding, just like feedlot cattle.