Feeding a cow?

[MikeJoel]

So how much should be a "baseline" to start feeding and how to figure out what you should be feeding?

Our cow

Is a jersey mix, probably about 800 to 900 lbs.
So could someone give me an idea of what amounts should be fed

1) While drying
2) Dry
3) When to start increasing before calving
4) When lactating

Right now we are feeding about 4lb a day of 16% sweat feed with just about as much hay as she wants.
We are having to provide all feed until we are able to prepare the pasture.

Thanks all
Michael

[Christina R.]

What beautiful markings your gal has. I've always read that you feed cattle 3% of their body weight per day. Hence, all the hay she can eat would be more than covering that. Other people who know more can give you a better idea. Congratulations on your sweetie.

[momanto]

You Should Really Find Out What To Feed It Before Calving. At The Last Minute You Dont Overdo On Protein Or Their Calf Will Be Too Big And Have Calving Difficulty.. Or It Will Get To Big To Turn For The Proper Birth Position. Had That Happen Right After Thanksgiving....huge Calf In Breech Position.....lost Both.

[Up North]

Originally Posted by MikeJoel

So how much should be a "baseline" to start feeding and how to figure out what you should be feeding?

Our cow

Is a jersey mix, probably about 800 to 900 lbs.
So could someone give me an idea of what amounts should be fed

1) While drying
2) Dry
3) When to start increasing before calving
4) When lactating

Right now we are feeding about 4lb a day of 16% sweat feed with just about as much hay as she wants.
We are having to provide all feed until we are able to prepare the pasture.

Thanks all
Michael

####For that size cow, we would do following:
1) &2) 4-5 lbs. a day and modest protien(10-14%) grassy hay, All she can eat. 3) Ramp up grain starting 15 to 20 days pre-calving, go from 5 lb/day to 12 lb/day. 4) About 3 days after calving, we would go to 12 to no more than 15 lb. grain/day, and switch to a higher quality hay(15 to 22% protien range on hay, depending what is available for you) If you feed high protien hay(18-22% protien), good idea to mix in some of lower protien(10-14%) hay for roughage and fiber. On hay feeding we always give them enough so there are some leftovers when you go to feed them again.
You will also need to provide some form of minerals and salt at all times.