Seasonal Feeding Strategies for South Texas Livestock: 6 Proven Tips for Year-Round Herd Health

Livestock Feed South Texas

Raising livestock in South Texas is not for the faint of heart. Between blistering summers and unpredictable winters, managing your herd’s nutrition means staying one step ahead of the climate. Your cattle, sheep, goats, and horses need more than just hay and hope—they need season-specific feeding strategies backed by local expertise. Fortunately, businesses like Morales Feed & Supply provide the products and guidance to help you succeed in every season. Discover seasonal feeding strategies for South Texas livestock owners to optimize cattle nutrition and herd health all year.

Here’s how to optimize livestock feed South Texas year-round.

Challenges of Seasonal Feeding Strategies in South Texas

The region’s weather extremes and varied forage quality demand adaptive feeding plans. Some of the most common issues ranchers face include:

• High summer heat and dehydration

• Poor pasture quality in winter

• Inconsistent forage during droughts

• Changing protein and energy needs

Ignoring these shifts leads to reduced performance, poor conception rates, and costly vet bills. That’s why you need a seasonal approach to livestock nutrition.

Spring: Rebuild, Breed, and Recover

Spring marks the end of winter stress and the beginning of breeding season prep.

Focus on:

• Replenishing lost body condition

• Supporting milk production in lactating females

• Stimulating fertility with added protein and minerals

Recommended Products:

• Ful-O-Pep High-Performance 12% Pellet

• Livengood Spring Breeder Block

Tip: Begin protein supplementation early to boost conception rates and calf vigor.

Summer: Beat the Heat, Maintain Energy

South Texas summers can be brutal. Heat stress can quickly lead to weight loss and low performance if not addressed nutritionally.

To keep animals thriving:

• Feed early in the morning or late evening

• Supplement electrolytes and fat-based energy

• Provide free-choice salt and minerals to boost water intake

Recommended Summer Products:

• Ful-O-Pep Summer Energy Blend

• Livengood Heat Shield Mineral Mix

Hydration and cooling are as critical as feed itself during the peak heat.

Fall: Breeding Season Starts Now

As temperatures ease, fall becomes prime time for reproductive success and weight gain.

Key actions:

• Increase protein for body score improvements

• Avoid over-conditioning by balancing energy intake

• Add calcium-phosphorus supplements to support fertility

Partner with Morales Feed & Supply for customized fall rations designed specifically for your breed and operation size.

Winter: Fuel Against the Cold and Forage Drop

Pastures turn dormant, and hay alone won’t cut it. This is the time to focus on high-energy, digestible supplements.

Winter feeding priorities:

• Use high-quality hay or haylage

• Add protein and fat-dense cubes or tubs

• Utilize weather-resistant blocks for remote feeding

Top Picks:

• Muy Grande Winter Block

• Allied Feeds 20% Protein Cube

Keep in mind: Energy needs may rise 15–20% during cold snaps.

Avoid Feed Transition Mistakes

Switching diets too fast can lead to:

• Rumen upset

• Refusal to eat

• Metabolic disorders

Best practice: Transition slowly over 7–10 days, especially when introducing grains or protein blocks.

Feed Delivery That Works with Your Schedule

If you’re managing a large operation, bulk delivery and planning are vital. Morales Feed & Supply offers:

• Scheduled seasonal deliveries

• On-site nutritional consultations

• Inventory management for year-round availability

Order direct at moralesfeedandsupply.com.

Why Seasonal Nutrition Planning Pays Off

Smart planning helps:

• Cut emergency feed costs

• Improve immune response

• Enhance breeding and calving outcomes

• Maintain consistent body condition

With expert advice and seasonal product selections, Morales ensures your feeding plan is as resilient as your livestock.

Trusted Feed Brands for South Texas Success

Morales partners with top brands that are tested for South Texas conditions, including:

• Allied Feeds

• Ful-O-Pep

• Livengood Feeds

These products are chosen for quality, performance, and consistency across temperature swings.

Livestock-Specific Feeding Tips

Each species has unique requirements:

Cattle

• Balance protein and energy by season

• Use loose minerals year-round

Goats & Sheep

• Avoid high-copper feeds

• Choose species-specific minerals

Horses

• Consistent grain + forage base

• Add electrolytes in summer

Get the Most From Your Pasture

Work your pasture into your feeding strategy:

• Rotate grazing to preserve forage

• Use protein feed to fill the nutrient gap

• Avoid overgrazing in drought periods

Hay and Silage: Know What You’re Feeding

Low-quality roughage can undo a great supplement plan. Watch out for:

• Mold

• Stem-heavy or low-leaf hay

• Protein levels under 8%

• Poor digestibility

Have your hay tested when possible, and supplement accordingly.

Supplements by Season: What to Use and When

Don’t Forget: Water Is Feed Too

Without water:

• Digestion slows

• Mineral absorption drops

• Intake decreases

Pro tips:

• Shade water tanks in summer

• Prevent freezing in winter

• Place water close to feeders to increase consumption

Use Body Condition Scoring (BCS) Year-Round

Monitoring livestock condition helps you:

• Adjust feed quickly

• Identify issues early

• Optimize feed-to-performance ratios

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

• Rapid diet changes
• Ignoring species-specific needs
• Relying only on hay in winter
• Neglecting water source quality

Stay consistent. Plan ahead. And consult experts when in doubt.

Feeding During Unpredictable Weather

Every season in South Texas brings surprises. Prepare by adjusting feed like so:

• Drought: Increase fat and fiber-rich rations

• Wet periods: Use dry cubes and avoid mold-prone hay

• Cold fronts: Boost energy 15–20%

Local Ranchers Speak Out

“We cut our feed bill by 25% after seasonal planning with Morales.”
— James H., Uvalde

“Our cows bred earlier thanks to the Livengood mineral program.”
— Tanya G., Frio County

Plan for Seasonal Success with Morales Feed & Supply

From custom rations to fast delivery, Morales helps you adapt to South Texas conditions with ease. With the right livestock feed South Texas strategy, your herd can thrive year-round—rain, heat, or frost.

Start smart. Stay consistent. Feed with purpose.