Explore the steps for body condition score management to ensure that your beef herd is getting optimal nutrition in the winter.
In our last blog about the importance of body condition score in your Florida beef herd, we shared information from a UF/IFAS blog article that said, “December is one of the most critical months for winter cattle management in Florida.” The article maintained that “As warm-season forage quality declines and cow nutrient requirements peak, body condition score (BCS) monitoring becomes essential.” Winter nutrition is so essential because it sets the stage for calving. The article shared that “The adjustments you make now—in supplementation, mineral programs, forage allocation, and culling—will carry your herd through calving, rebreeding, and early calf growth. Whether your herd calves in fall or spring, managing nutrition now will set the foundation for reproductive success and calf performance in the coming year.” See the steps for body condition score management from the experts at UF/IFAS below.
Body Condition Score Management
The steps for body condition score management include:
“Step 1: Evaluate Your Base Forage”
“Start with your foundation: hay or baleage. Send samples to the UF/IFAS Forage Testing Lab and compare Crude Protein (CP) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) to cow requirements.” The approximate nutrient needs for a 1,100-lb cow in mid-gestation, according to the article,” is 50% for TDN and 7% for CP; when that same cow is in late-gestation or lactating, TDN is 55–60% and CP is 9-10%. The article maintained that “If hay falls below these values, the herd absolutely requires supplementation to maintain BCS.”
“Step 2: Select Cost-Effective Supplements
Match supplement type to forage quality and cow demands:
Energy Sources
- Molasses-based liquids
- Citrus pulp
- Corn gluten feed
- Soyhulls
Protein Sources
- Cottonseed meal
- Distillers grains
- Urea-based lick tubs (best when forage energy is adequate)
Mineral Nutrition
Offer a complete, free-choice mineral year-round.
For Brevard’s high-rainfall environment, choose UF/IFAS-recommended mineral formulations containing:
- Higher trace mineral levels
- Adequate magnesium for cool-season forages
- Increased phosphorus for lactating and reproductive cows”
“Step 3: Use Cool-Season Forages to Stretch Feed Resources
Even a few acres of winter annuals — ryegrass, oats, rye, or clovers — can lower the number of hay-feeding days and reduce winter feed costs.
- Proper establishment is key: avoid grazing too early, especially if planted late.
- Allow forage to reach recommended grazing height to prevent stand damage.
Cool-season grazing can be the most economical way to support lactating fall-calving cows and to boost spring-calving cows before January.”
“Step 3.5: Don’t Forget Stockpiled Warm-Season Forage
Stockpiling warm-season grasses—especially limpograss and bahiagrass—can provide valuable winter grazing and reduce hay feeding days. When properly rested in late summer or early fall, these forages maintain quality longer than many producers expect.”
“Benefits of stockpiling:
- Extends grazing into December–January
- Reduces reliance on harvested hay
- Helps maintain BCS on dry cows and mid-gestation cows
- Provides clean, standing forage that reduces waste compared to feeding bales
- Fits well with rotational grazing systems
Quality varies by species:
- Limpograss has higher digestibility than other warm-season grasses, however crude protein decreases with maturity so supplementation will need to be provided as well.
- Bahiagrass quantity tends to be high but may require protein supplementation depending on conditions.
Even small acreage set aside for stockpiling can stretch limited forage resources during high-cost winter months.”
“Step 4: Cull Strategically
Winter feed is your largest operational cost. A timely preg-check and strategic culling program can dramatically improve efficiency.
Consider culling:
- Open or very late-calving cows
- Cows over 10 years of age
- Chronic low-BCS cows that fail to maintain weight under normal management
Feed savings from culling can be redirected to productive cows that will generate revenue in the next calf crop.”
“Step 5: Monitor and Adjust
Re-score your herd monthly through March.
- Separate thin cows for targeted feeding.
- Track BCS trends along with calving and rebreeding dates.
- Use this winter’s data to refine next year’s forage planning, hay testing, and supplementation strategy.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.