Concentrate Feed: Energy and Protein for Dairy and Beef Cattle

Concentrate Feed: Topping Up for High Performance

Forage covers maintenance requirements and no more. As soon as a cow gives a lot of milk or a beef animal has to put on weight, the ration needs extra energy and protein. That is exactly what concentrate feed delivers. Here you will find ready balanced mixes for dairy cows, finishing cattle and calves, plus protein components such as lucerne pellets that fit easily into your own mix.

Mixes for every group of animals

Dairy compound is designed for lactation and tops up forage where energy and protein fall short. Beef finishing feed aims at steady daily gains and good feed conversion. For the youngest stock there is calf muesli, whose coarse structure encourages early eating and gets rumen development going. Lucerne pellets bring protein and crude fibre with them and work well when forage is low in structure. Organic farms will find certified mixes, for example meal type dairy and calf compounds.

Quantity, structure and changeover

The right amount depends on milk yield, the stage of lactation and above all on your forage quality. If the silage is good, the need for topping up drops noticeably. Spread larger amounts over several feeds so the pH value in the rumen stays stable, and always keep an eye on sufficient structure from hay or silage. A slow changeover across several days matters whenever you switch feed or raise the amount. Store meal and pelleted goods dry and use opened bags up promptly.

Frequently asked questions

When do I need concentrate feed?
When milk yield or your finishing target goes beyond what forage can deliver. Concentrate feed then tops up energy and protein in a targeted way.

Meal or pellets?
Pellets are easy to dose and create little dust. Meal type goods blend finely into the ration. The choice depends mainly on your feeding equipment.

From what age do calves get concentrate?
Many farms offer calf muesli in the very first weeks of life. It encourages eating and supports the development of the rumen.