Cow-Calf Certification Practice Exam

True or False: Protein supplementation is most effective when forages are abundant but have less than 7% crude protein.

1. True

2. False

3. Only for heifers

4. Only in the dry season

The correct answer is: True

Protein supplementation is indeed most effective when forages are abundant but have less than 7% crude protein. This is because forages with lower protein content can limit the nutritional intake of cattle, ultimately affecting their growth, reproduction, and overall health. When forages are abundant, cattle can consume more bulk, but if the protein content is insufficient, they may not achieve optimal performance. Adding protein supplements helps meet their protein requirements, especially during critical times such as late gestation or lactation when nutritional needs are higher. While the other options present potential conditions under which protein supplementation might be considered, they do not encompass the broad effectiveness of supplementation with abundant, but low-protein forages. For instance, heifers may have specific requirements, and so stating that protein supplementation is only effective for them overlooks its importance for other cattle classes. Similarly, suggesting that this effectiveness is limited to the dry season fails to recognize that protein supplementation can be beneficial any time forages are low in protein, regardless of moisture conditions.