176: How to Make Winter Protein Supplementation Pay Off

Winter feeding season is right around the corner — and protein costs can make or break your bottom line. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan breaks down how to make protein supplementation pencil out for your operation. From testing forage and understanding crude protein levels to calculating cost per nutrient, this episode gives producers the tools to feed smarter, not just more. Whether you’re evaluating tubs, cubes, or liquid feed, Lauren shares practical strategies to boost herd health, stretch feed budgets, and keep winter feeding efficient.

Links

Watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/kSBVMPZecEY

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m

⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/

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Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/

Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco

The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Takeaways

Protein supplementation can be an investment or an expense.

Testing forage is essential to determine protein needs.

Cows need protein for rumen microbes to digest forage.

Not all operations require protein supplementation.

Cost per nutrient is more important than cost per ton.

Cows can handle protein every two to three days.

Managing access to feed is crucial for herd health.

Track costs per pound of gain or reproduction improvement.

Hold feed budgets tight if cows are in good condition.

Protein supplementation should be a strategic tool.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Protein Supplementation Needs

02:50 Evaluating Forage Quality and Nutritional Requirements

05:07 Cost-Effective Supplementation Strategies

protein supplementation, cattle nutrition, forage quality, cost management, winter feeding, livestock management, crude protein, digestible nutrients, cattle health, feed budgeting