Bringing home new cattle, pigs, or sheep is an exciting step — but proper nutrition is one of the most important factors for their health and your success. At Ray’s Livestock Auction & Feed Store in Houston, we help many first-time and experienced buyers get their animals off to the right start.
Here’s a practical feeding guide to help you prepare before purchasing livestock.
1. Why Feeding Matters Before You Buy
Good nutrition affects growth rate, reproduction, immune health, and meat/milk quality. Starting with the right feed plan prevents costly health issues later. Houston’s humid climate makes proper feed storage and fresh water even more critical.
2. Cattle Feeding Basics
For Beef Cattle
- High-quality hay or pasture as the main diet
- Supplemental grain or complete cattle feeds during dry seasons or for weight gain
- Mineral blocks or loose minerals (especially phosphorus and magnesium in Texas soils)
For Dairy or Breeding Cattle
- Higher protein feeds and quality forage
- Calcium and phosphorus balance is essential for lactating cows
Key Tip: Always provide plenty of clean water — a cow can drink 10–20 gallons per day, more in hot weather.
3. Pig Feeding Guide
Pigs are efficient converters of feed into meat, but their diet must be balanced.
- Commercial swine grower/finisher pellets for optimal growth
- Avoid feeding too much kitchen scraps (can cause digestive issues)
- Ensure high protein content for young pigs and adequate energy for finishing hogs
- Fresh water is non-negotiable — pigs can overheat easily in Texas summers
Pro Tip: Proper feeding helps prevent aggressive behavior and supports faster, healthier weight gain.
4. Sheep Feeding Essentials
Sheep are excellent grazers but need careful management.
- Good quality grass hay or pasture
- Sheep-specific mineral mixes (copper is toxic to sheep — never use cattle minerals)
- Supplemental grain for pregnant ewes or growing lambs
- Watch body condition closely — sheep can become overweight easily on rich feed
5. General Feeding Rules for All Three
- Transition Slowly: When bringing new animals home, gradually switch feeds over 7–14 days to avoid digestive upset.
- Storage: Keep feed in cool, dry, rodent-proof containers due to Houston humidity.
- Supplements: Consider probiotics, electrolytes, and deworming programs.
- Water & Minerals: Unlimited clean water + species-appropriate minerals are foundational.
- Seasonal Adjustments: Increase energy in winter; focus on hydration and electrolytes in summer.
6. Products We Recommend at Ray’s
We carry a full range of:
- Cattle feeds and minerals
- Swine grower and finisher rations
- Sheep feeds and safe mineral mixes
- Hay, supplements, and feeding equipment
Our staff can help you calculate how much feed you’ll need based on the number and type of animals you plan to buy.
Final Advice Before Buying Livestock
Research the specific breed’s needs, plan your feeding and housing setup in advance, and budget for ongoing feed costs. Buying from a reputable source like Ray’s gives you peace of mind and access to expert advice on the spot.
Ready to start or expand your herd or flock? Visit us at 13610 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX 77047 or reach out via our Contact Us page. We’ll help you choose the right animals and set up a successful feeding program from day one.
