Most supplement products may be purchased as granular meals, pellets or liquids. Supplements, while often representing the smallest single ingredient added to a ration at a feedlot, are of the utmost importance in achieving success. Various additives, medications and micronutrients are included to allow for the optimum biological and economic performance of cattle.

Today’s rations are formulated by computers capable of assisting in decisions ranging from ingredient selection to optimizing cattle performance. Optimized ration formulation is fundamental to the process.

Most feedlots should strive to have as few rations as possible to improve the opportunity for quality control. An excessive number of rations not only requires more supplement storage bins and related support equipment, but it greatly increases the opportunity for improper ingredient combinations. One or two starter, grower, and finisher rations should be sufficient for most feedlots.