Optimal Feeding Regime for Beef Cattle in South Africa: A Guide to Maximizing Growth and Health

Feeding beef cattle in South Africa requires a careful balance of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water to ensure sustainable growth, efficient feed conversion, and healthy herds. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer or managing a large feedlot, having a well-planned feeding regime is essential for achieving profitable beef production in our unique climate.

This guide explains the different nutritional components, feeding phases, and practical tips tailored to South African farming conditions.

1. Key Nutritional Components for Beef Cattle

Beef cattle require five essential nutrients:

Energy

• Energy is the largest part of the diet, powering maintenance, weight gain, and reproduction.

• Main sources: Maize, other grains, quality roughage, and fats.

• Measured in Metabolizable Energy (ME) or Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN).

Protein

• Essential for muscle development, growth, and metabolic functions.

• Requirements vary by phase:

  • Maintenance: ~7% crude protein

  • Growing/finishing: ~10–11% crude protein

• Sources: Lucerne, soya-based supplements, protein concentrates.

Water

• Cattle need 20–70 litres daily, depending on climate and production stage.

• Access to clean, cool water is critical for feed intake and digestion.

Minerals & Vitamins

• Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, manganese, selenium are essential.

• Vitamins A, D, and E are especially important for young stock and breeding animals.

• Maintain a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio of 1.5:1 to 2:1.

2. Feeding Regimes by Production Phase

Maintenance & Backgrounding

• Feed good-quality hay or pasture (e.g., eragrostis, teff, smuts finger, or rhodes grass).

• Supplement with minerals and protein if needed.

• Cattle typically consume 3 kg dry matter per 100 kg body weight daily.Example: A 300 kg animal = ±9 kg dry matter/day.

Growing Phase

• Higher protein (~11%) and energy to support frame growth and steady weight gain (1–1.5 kg/day).

• Add lucerne or protein concentrates to boost nutrition.

Finishing Phase

• Transition cattle (250–300 kg) to high-energy feedlot rations for maximum weight gain before slaughter.

• Typical South African finishing ration:

  • 65–73% maize (energy)

  • 10–15% roughage (hay/silage for rumen health)

  • 12–15% protein concentrates

  • 1.5–3.5% added fat

  • Minerals & vitamins: ~3%

Component	% of Dry Matter	Function
Maize/grain	65–73%	Energy source
Roughage	10–15%	Fiber & rumen health
Protein concentrates	12–15%	Muscle growth
Added fats	1.5–3.5%	Energy boost
Minerals/vitamins	~3%	Metabolic support

3. Nutritional Management Tips for South African Farmers

• Introduce ration changes gradually to prevent digestive upsets.

• Keep consistent feeding times to maintain rumen function.

• Weigh cattle regularly to adjust feeding plans.

• Group cattle by size and production stage for targeted nutrition.

• In hot months, ensure plenty of clean, cool water is always available.

• Consider ionophores and growth promoters only under expert guidance and within legal limits.

4. Water – The Overlooked Feed

Water isn’t just hydration – it directly impacts feed intake and digestion. In South Africa’s hot climate, inadequate water can cause reduced feed intake and weight loss. Always check water points daily to prevent blockages or contamination.

5. Summary

An optimal beef cattle feeding regime in South Africa:

• Feeds ~3% of body weight in dry matter daily.

• Combines energy-dense grains, quality roughage, and balanced protein.

• Adapts nutrient levels for maintenance, growing, and finishing phases.

• Ensures constant clean water access.

With the right feeding strategy, South African beef farmers can improve:

• Weight gain efficiency

• Meat quality

• Overall herd health

Need a customized feeding plan for your farm?

Contact our team today for expert guidance on South African beef cattle nutrition.