Protein for cattle is essential, especially during critical times like winter when a majority of the cow herd is in late gestation. Furthermore, during the winter, forage quality often declines, and protein supplementation becomes crucial to ensure cattle can efficiently utilize available energy sources and maintain body condition.
Cattle have specific nutritional needs that vary depending on factors such as body weight, production stage – growth, maintenance, lactation or gestation – and environmental conditions. Cold weather increases energy requirements as cattle expend more energy to maintain body temperature. Pregnant and lactating cows have even greater demands for protein and energy to support fetal development or milk production.
Chris Cassady, Ph.D. BioZyme Director of Beef Technical Sales, reminds us that 75% of the U.S. beef herd is a spring calving herd. Most of these cows are in their final trimester of gestation when 2/3 of fetal growth occurs.
“That really drives up the nutrient requirements, and the cow will put everything she has to this last bit of time in the oven. Prepare the calf for a good start with cow nutrition, passing it to the fetus in utero,” he said.
When forage quality is poor, it becomes difficult for cattle to meet these increased nutritional demands. Consequently, cattle may lose body condition, leading to weakened immune systems, lower conception rates and decreased overall performance. In this case, supplementation helps fill the nutritional gaps and prevent these issues. When it comes to feeding cattle in winter, it is vital to offer them additional protein to thrive and perform.
Cattle Nutrition Experts
VitaFerm® is an established brand of vitamin and mineral supplements designed to maximize energy and forage utilization for successful beef production. Our products support cattle producers looking to maximize their operations. Best of all, VitaFerm products ensure balanced nutrition for livestock.
Not only do we make and market nutritional supplements for livestock, but we also raise, breed and feed our own herds. That is why sharing this information with fellow cattle producers is so important. It’s part of our care that comes full circle.
VitaFerm is the flagship brand of BioZyme® Inc., a leading fermentation company pioneering advancements in animal nutrition and health. Through innovative research and high-quality manufacturing, BioZyme creates powerful solutions that improve animal performance and support producer profitability in the agricultural industry.
Our mission: undeniable positive impact on the health and wellness of your animals and your business.
VitaFerm Provides Protein for Cattle
VitaFerm recognizes the importance of incorporating added protein into your vitamin and mineral supplements during the winter. Additionally, our team knows that added protein for cattle is crucial at times like late gestation and lactation. During those time when those mama cows are working extra hard, and they often occur in the winter.
We have developed several protein supplements for your herd that combine essential nutrients, protein and our research-proven prebiotic AO-Biotics® Amaferm®. Here is a guide to those products that contain protein for cattle:
Four Sixes™ x VitaFerm® Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub
Four Sixes x VitaFerm Legendary Nutrition Protein Tub is our newest protein option that comes in a convenient tub. This research-proven, ranch-tested 20% all-natural protein tub with vitamins and minerals is designed to support beef cattle health and productivity when grazing moderate to low-quality forage.
- Carefully crafted specifically for the legendary Four Sixes Ranch, now available for operations of all sizes.
- Provides quality nutrition and industry-leading organic copper and zinc proven to deliver real-world results on the ranch.
VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Tub
The VitaFerm Concept•Aid Protein Tub is a premium protein tub with vitamins and minerals for beef cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low-protein forage.
- Includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health.
- High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality.
VitaFerm Conserve® 30-13% Protein Tub
The VitaFerm Conserve 30-13% Protein Tub is a protein tub for beef cattle with urea and natural protein designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost.
- Includes 30% urea protein with no more than 13% equivalent crude protein from non-protein nitrogen.
- Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package.
VitaFerm Conserve® Protein Tub
The VitaFerm Conserve Protein Tub is a natural protein tub for beef cattle designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost.
- Includes 20% natural protein.
- Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package.
Protein tubs are one way that allows cows to get their minerals and protein in one convenient option. However, VitaFerm also makes two protein meals that can also be fed free-choice or added to your mixed ration.
VitaFerm® Concept•Aid® Protein Meal
VitaFerm Concept•Aid Protein Meal is a premium free-choice 2% phosphorus vitamin and mineral supplement with protein for cattle on grass pasture designed to support reproductive success on low-protein forage.
- Includes 20% natural protein along with organic copper, iodine and zinc for maximum bioavailability, innate immunity and hoof health.
- High levels of Vitamin E support reproductive tract repair and milk quality.
VitaFerm Conserve® Protein Meal
The VitaFerm Conserve Protein Meal is a free-choice vitamin and mineral supplement with protein for beef cattle designed to support herd health and performance while conserving cost.
- Includes 20% natural protein.
- Features a complete, but economical vitamin and mineral package.
VitaFerm, Protein & Amaferm: The Trifecta
The VitaFerm line offers a protein supplement ideal for feeding cattle when forage quality is low. Amaferm is the key additive in all VitaFerm products. It has more than 150 published and/or presented research studies proving its increase in digestibility and, ultimately, its impact on the animal. Not only will you be supplementing your cows’ vitamin and mineral needs, but you will be providing them with Amaferm.
The key point of Amaferm is using it as a tool to get more energy metabolized by the cow. More forage digestibility leads to less physical fill, so she can eat more. More VFA production provides the extra energy needed for thermoregulation, which will also help keep her warm in the cold winter months.
“Amaferm can help unlock the nutritional value of all types of forages. Amaferm goes beyond stimulating the growth of beneficial rumen bacteria and can also promote rumen fungal growth and enzymatic activity. This increases fiber digestibility and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production by 17% and 16%, respectively. As such, more energy becomes available to your cows, leading to more performance,” Cassady said.
Amaferm also helps your feedstuffs and forages go further, helping decrease the overall cost.
The Science Behind Our Products
“Research proves that cattle fed Amaferm synthesize 143 more grams of microbial protein each day. That’s enough protein equivalent to a pound of supplemented soybean meal available for the cow or heifer,” Cassady said. “Additional protein from Amaferm in a year-round supplemental program helps producers reduce the need for additional protein up to 40% annually, a huge continuous savings on feed costs.”
Providing protein for cattle at critical times is an important part of feeding cattle in the winter. At BioZyme, we give you options within the VitaFerm brand. Not sure what to feed cows when it comes to VitaFerm? Check out our Concept•Aid Product Navigator.
Get Your VitaFerm Today
Get your VitaFerm products from an authorized BioZyme dealer today. Our extensive dealer network is here to help you meet your operation’s mineral needs.
Want to learn more about VitaFerm and our other products? Sign up for our electronic newsletter to stay in the know!
