Do you have enough resources? Why cow size matters now more than ever
As genetics continue to evolve, the modern beef cow is bigger, more productive and more demanding. But is every operation equipped to feed her?
It’s a question Dr. Elizabeth Belew, beef nutritionist with Purina® Animal Nutrition, gets asked frequently. From walking pastures with producers to consulting on feed programs across the country, Dr. Belew has seen firsthand that one size does not fit all. With finishing weights increasing over the past two decades, it’s clear that cow size on cow-calf operations has followed suit.
“Industry trends are shaping the story,” says Dr. Belew. “We’ve seen steady increases in finishing weights, and that has a direct correlation to mature cow body size. Bigger cows are here, and producers need to make sure their management practices match.”
Bigger cow, bigger needs
While genetic advancements have helped producers achieve more, from increased beef production to increased pregnancy rates, they’ve outpaced management practices in some herds. This has directly impacted grazing pressure, nutritional requirements and producers’ bottom lines. As body size increases, so does the cow’s requirements. This means producers need more forage and more feed to support their cows.
“If you go from managing a 1,000-pound cow to a 1,500-pound cow, that’s a 50% increase in body weight,” Belew explains. “But her energy requirement doesn’t increase linearly, it goes up about 36%. That’s still a significant bump.”
Let’s break it down. Using 2.5% of body weight as an intake estimator:
- A 1,000-lb. cow will consume about 25 lbs. of dry matter daily.
- A 1,500-lb. cow will need roughly 37-38 lbs. of dry matter daily.
That difference adds up to approximately 4,500 additional lbs. of forage per cow, per year. Multiply that by herd size, and the forage demands become clear.
“If you don’t have the resources, whether that’s pasture, feed or labor, then that cow’s size could start working against you,” Dr. Belew says.
In addition to dry matter intake, it is important to ensure each cow is receiving the right minerals to support their needs and size. Purina® Wind and Rain® Minerals are available as a comprehensive line of beef cattle minerals designed to address the mineral deficiencies of the available forage, in a palatable, weather-resistant and granular formula.
So, what’s the “ideal” cow size?
So, what’s the “ideal” cow size? It depends entirely on the operation.
“I get this question a lot,” says Dr. Belew. “There’s no universal answer. A 1,500-pound cow might be perfect for one producer and totally unsustainable for another.”
What matters the most is matching cow size to the feed, land, management and labor available. It’s not about shrinking your herd, it’s about feeding what you’ve got, appropriately and efficiently.
“If you’re better suited for a 1,300-lb. cow based on your land and resources, then do what’s right for your operation,” she says. “I’m not here to tell producers to raise smaller or bigger cows. I’m here to help them feed the cow they’ve chosen.”
Are bigger cows weaning bigger calves?
With greater inputs come greater expectations. One question that often arises is whether a larger cow justifies her cost by weaning a proportionally larger calf.
Dr. Belew suggests using a common benchmark: weaning 50% of the cow’s body weight.
- A 1,000-lb. cow should wean a 500 lb. calf.
- A 1,500-lb. cow should wean a 750 lb. calf.
“Can that 1,500-pound cow get it done? I think she can, but only if she’s fed to meet her needs,” says Belew. “You can’t expect that kind of output if you’re not meeting her nutritional demands.”
That’s where management tools like creep feeding come in. For some producers, creep feeding can help calves reach their genetic potential without placing the entire nutritional burden on the cow, especially during times of forage shortfall.
“There’s definitely a play for creep feeding in today’s herds,” Dr. Belew says. “Creep feeding Purina® Accuration® Creep programs can help close the gap between what the cow and forage can deliver and what the calf needs to thrive.
Grazing pressure and stocking rates
Another often-overlooked aspect of increasing cow size is its impact on stocking rates. With each cow requiring more forage, it may not be realistic to run the same number of animals on the same piece of land.
“If we’re still trying to run the same number of cows that our grandparents did on the same unit of land, we might be overstocked without realizing it,” Dr. Belew notes. “We’re not feeding the same animal anymore.”
For many producers, this realization comes with hard choices: reducing herd size, investing in more feed or adjusting genetics over time. Regardless of the route, understanding cow size and how it impacts daily and yearly forage needs is essential to long-term sustainability of your herd.
Practical takeaways for producers
If you’re managing a herd today, Dr. Belew encourages you to ask a few key questions:
- What is the average weight of my mature cows?
- Eyeballing isn’t enough. Take the time to weigh them on a scale or compare your sale barn ticket to find the average of your herd.
- Am I matching my nutrition program to actual cow size and performance goals?
- Bigger cows need more energy. During breeding, analyze your cow’s body condition score and make improvements if needed to meet your herd’s needs prior to weaning.
- How do my weaning weights compare to cow size?
- Compare your weaning weights to your average cow size to better understand if your cows are properly supporting their calves.
- Can my land support the grazing needs of a heavier herd?
- Especially in drought-prone areas, reevaluate your land to ensure you are meeting the needs of your herd.
- Where does creep feeding make sense in my system?
- If resources are available, consider feeding Purina® Accuration® Creep feed to complement mother’s milk and available forage, while boosting calf gain prior to weaning.
Bottom line: Feed the cows you have
Today’s cattle genetics offer incredible potential, but they require thoughtful, informed management to deliver results. Cow size can be a powerful advantage or a costly liability depending on how it’s supported.
“Bigger cows can absolutely work in a herd,” Belew says. “Whether you’re managing 50 cows or 500, the message is the same: feed strategically, stock appropriately and never assume one size fits all.”
Want to evaluate your herd’s nutritional plan or forage efficiency? Connect with your local Purina® Cattle representative or visit PurinaMills.com/cattlecare to learn more.
August 2025
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