CowBytes ration-balancing software allows Canadian beef cattle producers to formulate their own feed rations. Producers can input various combinations of feed, forage and byproducts at different prices to reduce feed costs while meeting animal production targets.
Where previous versions of the software were developed for Windows, CowBytes 6.0 has been developed as a cloud-based system, allowing access from virtually any operating system and device.
Release of version 6.0 is expected in late 2026. Sign up to be the first to hear about the launch.
Questions? Email us at cowbytes@beefresearch.ca.
- Learn More About CowBytes
-
What is CowBytes?
CowBytes version 6.0 is an easy-to-use ration-balancing software that can assist cattle producers in developing rations and improving herd nutrition. The program allows producers to select the type and breed(s) of cattle that they want to feed, then select the productivity levels of cattle based on body weight, average daily gain, body condition score and the stage of gestation or lactation and milk production in cows. Producers can also adjust for climatic conditions such as wind or temperature, which affect nutritional requirements.
CowBytes comes with a feed library populated with a variety of common feeds and forages from across Canada and their typical nutritional values.
- Select your chosen feed(s) from the feed library.
- Modify the nutrient content of the feed to match your own feed test results.
- Input the amount fed of chosen feeds to balance the ration for energy, protein, macro-minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, and trace minerals such as copper, selenium and vitamins A and E.
- Enter water test results and see the impact on the total ration balance.
- Once the ration is balanced, you can generate eight different reports including water suitability, detailed ration report and batch-scale sheets.
Detailed feeding and feed inventory reports can also be generated. These features can help beef producers make decisions about purchasing feed in advance or selling animals to match feed inventory with cattle requirements.
A yardage calculator is also included where producers can enter their facility, equipment and operating costs (e.g., insurance, taxes, veterinary services, labour, fuel, utilities, repairs), along with the number of cattle and the number of days on feed, to be able to determine the yardage costs per head per day.
How Was CowBytes Developed?
CowBytes was originally developed by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AAF) in collaboration with Saskatchewan and Manitoba agriculture departments, Agriculture Canada and the University of Saskatchewan. Version 1 debuted in 1991 and has since been a popular tool for producers across Canada. CowBytes was available for purchase from AAF until 2020. Because AAF no longer has the capacity to distribute or update CowBytes, the BCRC has assumed the CowBytes trademark and responsibility for the software.
With funding from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) and Manitoba Agriculture, CowBytes version 6.0 was developed in 2026.
The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture has remained an active partner in the development of version 6.0 and provided technical support to users and beef nutrition expertise.