Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

Beef cattle consuming poor-quality forages can safely be fed starch-based energy supplements at how much of their body weight?

1. 0.5%

2. 0.3%

3. 0.7%

4. 1.0%

The correct answer is: 0.3%

Feeding beef cattle consuming poor-quality forages requires careful consideration of their diet to ensure they receive adequate energy without causing digestive disturbances. Starch-based energy supplements can provide a significant energy boost, but overfeeding can lead to issues such as acidosis or other metabolic problems. The appropriate amount of starch-based energy supplements to offer is typically around 0.3% of the animal's body weight. This level is considered safe for cattle consuming low-quality forages, as it enables them to improve their overall energy intake while minimizing the risk of negative health impacts associated with excessive starch intake. In this scenario, 0.3% is below the threshold where cattle may experience adverse effects, while also being sufficient to enhance the nutritional value of the low-quality forage they are consuming. This careful balance is vital for maintaining cattle health and productivity, particularly in circumstances where forage quality is compromised.