Which nutrients are critical for pregnant beef cows?

Energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus are indeed critical nutrients for pregnant beef cows due to the increased nutritional demands during gestation.

Energy is essential as it supports the metabolic processes needed for fetal development and maintaining the mother’s body condition. Insufficient energy can lead to weight loss in the mother and potentially affect the health of the calf.

Protein is vital for growth and development, particularly for the growing fetus, and it helps in building tissues, enzymes, and hormones that are necessary during this phase. Adequate protein intake ensures that the mother can provide sufficient amino acids that are crucial for the calf’s development.

Calcium and phosphorus play key roles in skeletal development of the fetus. These minerals are crucial during the last trimester when the calf is developing its bones and teeth. A deficiency in these minerals can lead to weak bones in newborn calves or metabolic disorders in the mother, such as milk fever.

While other options mention various important nutrients, they do not encompass the immediate and critical needs of a pregnant cow in a holistic way similar to energy, protein, calcium, and phosphorus. This makes the first choice the most comprehensive and relevant for ensuring the health of both the cow and the developing calf.