To illustrate these points, I’ve formulated some beef cow diets for varying temperatures, hair coat conditions, and hay quality. Good hay (54% TDN, 8% CP) and bad hay (50% TDN, 7% CP) was used for the comparison. For each 1 degree drop in temperature below the lower critical temperature, energy requirements increase 1 percent for dry hair coats or 2 percent for wet hair coats. Other ingredients in different proportions can also be used to meet energy and protein requirements. If you have questions about hay quality or would like assistance with livestock rations, please contact schmitze@missouri.edu or by calling the Pettis County Extension Center at (660) 827-0591.