Effects of nutritional management regimen and residual feed intake rank on cow performance during mid to late gestation and pre-weaning calf performance

This study’s main objective was to determine whether strategic supplementation of low-quality roughage diets was sufficient for cows to bear and wean a healthy calf on a yearly basis and maintain overall performance, for the ultimate goal of increasing profitability for cow-calf producers. Residual feed intake (RFI) classification was also examined, including the extent of reranking across three years and physiological phases when different nutritional management regimens were used. Mid to late gestation cows were fed diets adequate or deficient in energy, along with testing supplementation frequency. While strategic supplementation of low-quality roughage diets was able to maintain body condition, reproductive performance, and serum metabolites, gains and feed intake were greater for cows fed a 70% haylage/30% straw diet fed ad libitum. Extensive reranking of RFI classification occurred due to effects of year along with nutritional management regimen. RFI classification in 2015 did not affect 2016 and 2017 cow performance.