For a 1100 lb cow per day:
- 5 lbs alfalfa grass hay
- 20 lbs barley
- 2 oz limestone
- 2 oz 2:1 mineral
- 1 oz salt
What is the best cow to raise for beef?
Texas Longhorn
- Profit. Their horns sell for $200 to $1200. The hides sell for $400 to $700. ...
- Pros:
- Cons: While the Red Angus is not as popular as the Black Angus, it possesses the same great marbling and taste as the Black Angus.
What is the best feed for cows?
Why Rotational Grazing:
- It takes pressure off the land.
- It allows fields to regrow and thrive.
- It helps control the amount of damage you allow your animals to have on a field.
- It helps you control how much pasture your cows eat (we have cows who would probably eat themselves to death if given unlimited, green pasture).
What is the best food for cows?
What Do Cows Like to Eat: 8 Different Types of Cow Food
- Hay. It’s no secret that cows like to eat hay. ...
- Barley. Barley is one of the most popular foods that cows like to eat. ...
- Grass. If you have a huge farm with a lot of grass on it, this could be the key to keeping your cows well-fed.
- Dry feed. ...
- Grains. ...
- Oats. ...
- Salt licks. ...
- Wet feed. ...
What is the best cow feed?
Like people, cattle do best when they have a balanced diet ... Yet in the wintertime, we are almost always delivering some sort of feed to cows. In eastern South Dakota, typically, this is silage and ground hay mixed. Even on small operations where ...
What is good feed for beef cattle?
Cattle weighing 700 pounds or more should be fed a ration containing 11 percent crude protein in a ration composed of grain (usually corn, but barley and wheat are often also used), protein sources, and roughage.
How much grain should I feed my beef cattle?
10-15 lbs. per day of corn, oats or barley fed to grazing cattle is a good finishing ration. This fed to a 900-1000 pound steer for 3-4 months should will you a nicely finished animal. If you do not have access to pasture or if you are finishing during the winter, you might increase the amount of grain to 15-18 lbs.
What is the most common feed for cows?
Grass: More than 50 percent of cow feed is actually grass (farmers call it hay and silage). While people often think dairy cows are fed a high-grain diet, in reality they eat the leaves and stems from corn, wheat and oats far more often than they are eating grain, like corn kernels.
What is the best thing to feed a cow for slaughter?
For finishing beef cattle prior to slaughter, most are fed a mixture of ground, shelled corn or millet. These grains are inexpensive, nutritious and add fat to the meat to make it tender.
How many bales of hay does a cow need for winter?
For a cow needing 8,190 pounds of hay per year and a bale weight of 960 pounds, divide 8,190 by 960 for a yearly need of about 8.5 bales per cow. Multiply this by the total number of weaned cattle in your herd. For example, 45 cows multiplied by 8.5 bales per cow results in a total need of 383 bales.
What is the best grain for beef cattle?
CornCorn, oats, and barley are the primary grains fed to cattle. Oats, which has a lower energy value due to its high fiber content, is considered the "safest" grain in regards to potential digestive disturbances.
How much does a beef cow eat per day?
24 pounds per dayCows will voluntarily consume about 2 percent of their body weight or 24 pounds per day. The 24 pounds is based on 100 percent dry matter. Grass hays often will be 7 percent to 10 percent moisture.
How do you fatten up a beef cow?
Add Grain into Their Daily Diet While your cattle likely make their primary diet of hay and grass forage, adding some healthy grains too can increase their weight substantially over time. Grain won't from the basis of your herd's nutrition, but the calorically-dense food can provide a boost to cattle weight.
Is alfalfa hay good for beef cattle?
Alfalfa-grass hay is a good feed for producing beef cows. First cutting hay that is more mature or has been weather damaged can be well utilized by these cows; the best hay can be fed 30 days period to calving until about 60 days after calving.
Is cracked corn or whole corn better for cattle?
Processing Corn Even though corn can be fed whole with satisfactory results, cracking or rolling prior to feeding will increase digestibility by 5 to 10 percent. In most instances, grinding or rolling corn will not markedly improve average daily gain, but proper processing will improve feed conversion efficiency.
What is the cheapest cattle feed?
“Corn residue is one of the lowest cost forages on a cost per pound of energy. That's why mixing a high energy and protein feed like distillers' grains with a low quality forage like corn stalks is so cost effective.
How long should you grain feed a cow before slaughter?
The Food and Drug Administration requires cattle to be implanted 100 days before slaughter and removal of hormone feeds from the ration 48 hours prior to slaughter.
How much grain should I feed my cow per day?
Minerals must be properly supplemented. Lactating Beef Cows: Feed 6 to 7 kg (14 to 16 lb) of straw per day plus 4.5 to 7 kg (10 to 15 lb) of grain if properly supplemented.
How much grain should I feed my steer per day?
The steer will consume roughly 15-20 pounds of hay per day or 2 percent of his body weight. Grain is added to the diet three months before taking the steer to the processor. The amount of time on feed can vary from 60-150 days. For a backyard steer, 90 days on grain should be sufficient.
How much grain should a beef calf eat per day?
Calves will need 4 to 5 pounds of a grain-protein mixture per head daily to average 1.2 pounds daily on winter fescue pastures (Table 3). Forage sorghum, small grain and grass legume silages work well for wintering calves but are lower in energy than corn silage.
How much grain should I feed my 600 lb calf?
For example, a 600 pound calf will eat 15-18 pounds of dry matter (2.5-3% of body weight) and a 1000 pound calf will eat 20-25 pounds of dry matter per day (2-2.5% of body weight).
What is the objective of buying feeder cattle?
The objectives for purchasing feeder cattle are to buy calves that have the genetic ability to grow and add sale weight, efficiently convert feed to weight gain, have a high potential for reaching "Choice" quality grade after feeding, and stay healthy during feeding.
What do operators need to determine where they will obtain feeder calves?
Operators should determine where they will obtain feeder calves, which feeds will be required to finish the cattle to desired market weights and grades, and what type of shelter will be needed (because most feedlot cattle are on hand over the winter months).
Why is the difference between the purchase and the sales price of feedlot cattle greater?
The difference between the purchase and the sales price (the cattle margin or price spread) of feedlot cattle is often greater for healthy, but thinner, lower-grade feeder calves or yearlings because these animals are more likely to increase in quality between purchase and sale time.
How do feedlots work?
Most feedlots use concrete feed bunks that allow cattle to feed from one or both sides, although feed bunks of treated lumber also can be used. Feed can be delivered through a mixer wagon, conveyor with a belt or chain, or a bucket loader. To reduce mud, use concrete pads for areas around waterers and feed bunks.
When to graze calves in a feedlot?
Grazing and Backgrounding. Some cattle feeders purchase lightweight feeder calves (350 to 550 pounds), graze them during the spring and summer, and then finish them in the feedlot starting in late summer or fall. Backgrounding is a special type of program that usually combines pasture systems and lightweight cattle.
What is the primary health problem encountered in feeder cattle?
Many feeder-cattle producers offer cattle that have been weaned and vaccinated and received booster vaccines for respiratory disease , the primary health problem encountered in feeder cattle.
Why do cattle prices fall?
The beef industry is very cyclical and cattle prices can fall dramatically when beef operations reduce herd sizes because of drought and the high cost of feed. Entry into the cattle-feeding business usually has few restrictions.
What happens when cattle eat less forage?
In short, when the forage is depleted and they eat less of it, the need to give your cattle supplemental feed increases dramatically.
Why do cows need cubes?
Cattle Cubes. Cattle cubes help your herd maintain both their weight and condition because they are formulated to supplement fair and low-quality forage. Cattle cubes provide the protein, minerals, and vitamins a cow’s forage sometimes lacks. Cattle cubes come in several different sizes, making them easier for your cattle to eat.
Why do cattle need supplemental feed?
Protein and nutrient deficiencies are the other main reasons your herd may need supplemental feed. Low-quality forage is defined as forage that contains less than 7% crude protein (CP) and has lower than 50% total digestible nutrients (TDN).
What to do if cattle have insufficient forage?
With insufficient forage, cattle need feed. You should take action right away if you know that your herd’s grazing will be limited. You could simply reduce the number of cows in your herd, which would immediately reduce the amount of supplemental feeding the remaining cows require.
Why is pelleted feed digestible?
Another reason pelleted cattle feed is more digestible is the thermal process used to manufacture it. The thermal process locks in amino acids and other nutrients, providing better nutritional benefits for your cattle.
What is textured feed?
Textured cattle feed is made from flaked corn, molasses, protein pellets, and several other energy sources. It is also fortified with macro and micronutrients, vitamins, and other natural ingredients. Because it contains molasses, textured cattle feed is often referred to as “sweet feed.” Today’s textured cattle feed, which uses less molasses than in the past, still provides an advantage; it makes the feed more palatable, which is good news for your cattle.
What are cattle cubes?
Cattle cubes come in several different sizes, making them easier for your cattle to eat. Most cattle cubes contain 20% crude protein but also can be found in higher protein percentages. TIP: To reduce competition among your herd, your best choice is to feed them with ground, free-choice cattle cubes.
What is rotational grazing?
Rotational grazing is a system where you divide a pasture into sections and rotate the cows from field to field. While the cows eat the pasture they are living on, the other pastures are allowed to grow and revive. We have experienced this first hand.
Why is it important to regrow a field?
It takes pressure off the land. It allows fields to regrow and thrive. It helps control the amount of damage you allow your animals to have on a field. It helps you control how much pasture your cows eat (we have cows who would probably eat themselves to death if given unlimited, green pasture).
When is the best time to seed a pasture?
Folks around here say that the best time to seed a pasture is when there is snow on the ground. As the snow melts it waters the seed, it holds the seed in place and grass thrives in cold weather. By reseeding pastures a couple of time each year we can improve our pasture quality.
Can you reseed fescue?
Just continue to seed it with great pasture mixes. If you have a field of fescue, don’t reseed with fescue – get some alphafa or Timothy or rye or better yet, a bag of mixed pasture grasses & spread it. You can put down new seed in fall, spring or even winter (on the snow).
Do cows eat grass?
This shouldn’t be complicated, after all, it’s a cow. Cows eat grass. Well, yes, cows eat grass……. but, unfortunately it’s not that simple. The good news is that it’s not that complicated either. I am not a vet. Before you put your cow on any feeding program you should talk to your vet first. I did.
Do cows need hay?
Yes, your cows need hay available even when the grass is lush and fabulous. Imagine eating nothing but leafy green salads all day long for weeks – this is kinda what lush green grass is for the cow. In this scenario, my cow had very loose stools, acidic milk and eventually was wobbling and shaking.
Can cows be exposed to pasture?
I put high mag blocks & loose minerals in my fields in spring. Yes, you may need to limit your cow’s exposure to lush green pasture – especially in early morning. When the new grass is still damp from the morning dew it is most dangerous.
How long does it take to finish cattle?
This time can range from 80-300 days.
Why is it important to take inventory of feeds?
Even through hay will make up a small portion of the ration, it is important to know the quality and the nutrients it will be contributing to the overall diet.
Do ranchers sell beef?
A trend that has become more prominent in recent years is for ranchers to finish a few animals and sell beef directly to the consumer. Consumers have a desire to know where their beef comes from, value the story and are seeking ranchers to purchase beef from. At the same time, ranchers have been seeking opportunities to add value to their cattle and reduce their exposure to market swings.
Why is beef cow milk wasted?
Studies have shown there is a point of diminishing returns and additional milk production in beef cows is probably wasted because calves will not be able to efficiently utilize large quantities of milk. When we compare this result to the typical dairy cow that may produce 6-10 gallons of milk daily, the divergent nutritional needs are apparent. ...
How long does it take for a cow to gain weight after calving?
(2003) for cows fed to gain either 1 lb/day or 2 lbs./day for 71 days after calving.
What is beef cattle?
Beef cattle are the scavengers of the livestock business. They can turn high fiber forages and food by-product residuals into protein food at a very effective rate. For the cow herd there is seldom a period during the year when the cow cannot meet her nutritional needs with reasonable quality grass, hay, or stored forages. The exception for these nutritional needs is for the 60 days prior to calving and immediately after calving.
What is the key nutrient for a cow?
Except for small additions of protein for heavy-milking cows and young cows still growing, the key nutrient is energy . Most beef cows will be able to meet lactation needs with reasonable intake of grass, hay, and stored forages of good quality that will usually supply 1-1.2 Mcal/lb of metabolizable energy. Table 1.
How much milk does a cow produce during lactation?
Lactation. There is considerable variation from genetics and breed type, but the average beef cow produces about 1 1/2 gallons of milk per day during a lactation. Approximately 60-75% of the total milk produced will be in the first 60 days after calving.
What is the difference between a dairy cow and a beef cow?
The dairy cow has a large outflow of protein, minerals, and water that must be replaced. The beef cow has very little loss of these nutrients from milk production. Data in Table 1. show an 1100-lb. cow eating 22 lbs. of grass hay with 11% crude protein will need to be a pretty exceptional milk producer to require additional protein in the diet.
Can pre-calving feed affect nursing behavior?
Restricted pre-calving feed intake may also influence calf nursing behavior. Lardy and Stolenow (2001) have reported on Australian data which showed calves born to dams on a low plane of nutrition took significantly longer to nurse than calves born to dams on a maintenance or high plane of nutrition.
What is the best feed for cattle?
Feed Composition Sources. In general, your cattle feed will be made up of three different sources: roughage, concentrates, and supplements. Roughage is relatively low in most nutrients, but high in fiber. Concentrates provide most of the calories, protein, and other nutrients for your cattle, but are relatively low in fiber.
What are the supplements that cattle need?
The most common supplement is salt, but others include oils, phosphate, and limestone.
What is roughage for cattle?
Roughage should make up the bulk of your cattle's feed in volume and weight. The least expensive roughage option is usually forage. Basically, this means that your cattle are pasturing and consuming the plants they find. It's important to make sure you have a good supply of forage, rotate animals regularly, and periodically assess the quality of forage in your pastures.
What are concentrates for cattle?
Concentrates provide most of the calories, protein, and other nutrients for your cattle, but are relatively low in fiber. Ideally, your concentrates should also include most of the nutrients your cattle need, but that isn't always the case. Supplements are food sources added to your cattle's diet specifically to make up for nutritional shortages in ...
Why do cattle need energy?
Cattle need to have enough energy to supply their basic metabolic needs (known as maintenance energy), and enough to help them increase their weight. You also have to make sure cattle get enough fiber. Cattle are ruminants. Their digestive systems are designed to deal with foods that have a high degree of fiber.
How much protein do stressed animals need?
Stressed animals may require more than 20% more protein than unstressed animals, and about 15% more calories. Other nutrient requirements also increase, with many doubling. Check individual nutrients to determine whether you need to add seasonal supplements or change the balance between concentrates and roughage.
What are the main causes of stress in cattle?
Some sources of stress for beef cattle include: Heat. Cold. Mud. Sun. Pests. Illness. Imbalanced and/or unpalatable diet. In hot temperatures, animals may eat less, but need more to maintain their weight, which can lead to weight loss.
What do cattle eat?
The livestock will eat the missed ears of corn and parts of the corn plants, mostly the leaves. Have some supplemental hay available if you decide to graze a harvested corn field, this way when the cattle want to balance their intake for the day, they can.
How long does it take for a steer to finish feeding?
With heavy grain feeding, a steer will be finished at around 18 months, this is not biologically appropriate and actually weirdly fast compared to the more natural time line of without grain that is more like 26-28 months. If you want to feed your steer in the biologically appropriate way, don’t feed grain.
Do you need to feed cattle grain?
No, you do not need to feed your cattle any grain, ever. Cattle are ruminants and ruminants do not need grain. However, cattle do need to have plenty of good quality forage to eat everyday to grow well and be healthy. This year, at least, all of that hay is pricey.
Can steers grow on hay?
Steers will need the higher quality hay, but they can grow on just the hay alone, no grain needed. The main advantage to grain for steers or other fast growing cattle is that the easy to use calories from grain allows for much faster finishing of the calf, meaning it reaches butchering weight sooner.
Starting A Beef Feeding Enterprise
Facilities
Grazing and Backgrounding
Purchasing Feeder Cattle
Health Maintenance Program
Nutrition
- Cattle weighing 700 pounds or more should be fed a ration containing 11 percent crude protein in a ration composed of grain (usually corn, but barley and wheat are often also used), protein sources, and roughage. Larger-framed cattle tend to require a ration with a higher percentage of grain to achieve the same carcass quality grade as cattle with ...
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