Can We Modify Future Beef Calf Performance by Changing Cow Nutrition During Gestation?

The beef cattle industry in the southeastern US relies primarily on the use of high-forage diets to develop replacement heifers, maintain the cow herd, and sustain stocker operations. However, forage quantity and quality changes with season and environmental conditions. Depending on the physiological state and animal category, forage-based diets may not always meet 100% of the nutritional requirements, resulting in body weight loss or reduced performance if supplemental nutrients are not provided (Funston et al., 2012). Cattle experience nutrient restriction more often than realized because of overgrazing situations and a lack of forage frequently observed throughout the state.