Texas FFA Livestock Judging PracticeTest

What is the primary component of a maintenance ration for beef cattle?

1. Grains

2. Roughages

3. Concentrates

4. Vitamins

The correct answer is: Roughages

The primary component of a maintenance ration for beef cattle is roughages. Roughages are high in fiber and are essential for proper digestive health in cattle. They provide the necessary bulk in the diet to maintain rumen function and ensure adequate nutrient absorption. Maintaining cattle on a roughage-based diet helps to support their metabolic processes without promoting excessive weight gain or rapid growth. This is particularly important for mature beef cattle that are not being actively bred or raised for market. Roughages include materials such as hay, silage, and pasture, which contribute to a well-balanced maintenance diet that keeps cattle healthy and active while meeting their nutritional needs. In contrast, grains and concentrates are typically higher in energy and are usually included in diets for growing or finishing cattle rather than for maintenance purposes. Vitamins play a supporting role in animal health but do not serve as the primary dietary component for maintaining weight or health in beef cattle.