Are beef cattle good feeder steers?
While these cattle are not bred to have high efficiency for turning feed into meat, they can make excellent feeder steers when fed the proper nutrition.
What do you do with feeder cattle?
Sell the feeder cattle to another rancher or feedlot operation. Feeder cattle receive high-energy feed to promote weight gain. They are usually either steers (castrated males) or heifers (females that have not given birth).
How much hay to feed a steer horse?
Once weaned, the feeding requirements step up, and you will need suitable grazing land, or enough hay to feed your growing steer about fifteen pounds of grass or hay per day until they reach about 800 pounds. After that, you should increase the hay and grain levels to twenty pounds of dry matter and three pounds of grain per day.
How to feed a baby steer?
Feeding Your Young Steers If you own the steer’s mother, she’ll do a lot of the work for you early on. Even if your calf is still nursing, you should provide grain in a creep feeder that the mother cow can’t get into to help your steer grow well. He will likely eat hay or graze alongside his mother from a very young age as well.
What is the best feed to feed out a steer?
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 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.
What is the best feed for feeder calves?
Alfalfa or other high-quality legume hay, silage, or haylage can be used to supplement corn silage for protein in calf rations. It will take 3.5 to 4.5 pounds of alfalfa hay to supply the amount of protein contained in 1.2 to 1.5 pounds of soybean meal.
What do feeder cows eat?
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.
How much corn does it take to finish a steer?
Corn production requirements Depending on the size and weight of the cattle, the amount of forage available for growing lighter calves, access to low-priced byproducts and other factors, 50 to 80 bushels are typically required to finish one steer.
How do you fatten up a steer?
0:010:40What to Feed Cattle to Fatten Them Up - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fitters edge that's. That's a universal feed. I can feed a steer that and tweak it to get in fatMoreThe fitters edge that's. That's a universal feed. I can feed a steer that and tweak it to get in fat. Or. I can I can add a little fiber to it like non-medicated pre-con to a heifer.
What can I feed my steer to gain weight?
To gain 2.75 pounds a day, a diet with 80% TDN will need to be provided. Steers need to be placed on a 70% to 85% grain diet to finish adequately. During the last 100 pounds of gain, the diet may approach 85% grain content.
How do you feed a steer?
6:309:32How We Finish Steers on the Ranch - Grass Fed, Grain Finished - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey'll be started on it very slowly. Only a pound a piece and slowly ramped up to a max grainMoreThey'll be started on it very slowly. Only a pound a piece and slowly ramped up to a max grain ration of about 20 pounds per day over a period of about 90.
How much grain should I feed my beef cow per day?
Cows 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.
How do you feed feeder 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.
Is sweet feed good for cattle?
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.
How much grain does it take to finish a steer?
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.
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.
How much feed do you feed a steer?
The main goal for steers hand fed between 700 pounds through the finishing phase is three pounds per day, Weaber said. “To make that goal, the calf needs to be fed six pounds of feed for one pound of gain so about 2.1 tons of feed during that phase,” Weaber said.
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). A few other tips: - change rations gradually over several days, and never more than about a half- pound increase over a couple days.
How much grain does a 300 lb calf need?
pound calf will need to consume in the neighborhood of 7 to 8 pounds of grain daily. Small amounts of hay will compliment the grain ration for these 8 to 12 week old animals.
What are the stages of raising feeder steers?
There are two stages to raising feeder steers: growing and finishing. The growing stage is exactly what it sounds like; the steer is still growing structurally. The finishing stage happens when the steer is finished growing structurally and will start to put on fat and muscle weight more quickly.
What breed of steer should I raise?
Most breeds we are familiar with are specific for dairy production or beef production. A few of the breeds that are specific to beef production are Black Angus, Red Angus, Hereford, Limousin, and Charolais .
Why do cattle finish faster?
This is one of the reasons why grain-fed cattle finish more quickly than grassfed cattle. Since we are raising our cattle mostly on pasture grass, which is a largely unenergetic feed, supplying steers with a grain supplement will increase their energy efficiency and slightly speed up the finishing process.
What are the traits of cattle?
This includes traits like high rate of gain, good marbling, good feed efficiency, compact body structure, calving ease, etc.
Where does cattle digest food?
The majority of digestion for cattle takes place in the rumen, and from there into the reticulum and omasum. The action and digestion of the rumen is carried out by smooth muscle contractions and the working action of papillae, tiny fingerlike projections on the inner wall of the rumen .
When should I supplement my steer?
The second time I recommend supplementing grain is during the finishing period. I usually define finishing as about 90 days before slaughter, but the amount of time is really determined by the farmer.
Can you feed feedstuff to steers?
As we discuss grain, remember that all feedstuffs are simply vehicles for certain nutrients. Cattle are very capable of digesting grain, along with a wide variety of other feedstuffs.
How much pasture do you need to raise a steer?
To pasture raise your steers you will need one acre of pasture only (no other buildings) to feed up to five steers. However, that number supposes adequate rain, a good rotation system of fences to allow portions to rejuvenate while grazing other sections, and most of all—a year-round growing cycle.
What kind of fencing do you need for a steer?
The last thing you will need is sturdy fencing. Even though steers are not aggressive like bulls, they can still be pushy if there is some tasty looking weed (or flower bed) on the other side of the fence. Cattle panels are a good, easily affordable type of durable fencing.
Why is it important to raise beef cattle on a small homestead?
Raising beef cattle on a small homestead gives everyone in the family a lot of satisfaction, and you’ll be happy knowing you have a pure, healthy source of meat for your freezer. It is also a great way to teach children responsibility by letting them help with the chores they are physically capable of handling.
Is cattle fencing durable?
Cattle panels are a good, easily affordable type of durable fencing. If you have plenty of strong timber on your property, you can create wood fences, but beware that this type of fencing is prone to rotting and should be checked regularly for breaks or weak points.
Can you use a lean to for steers?
This doesn’t have to be elaborate. Even a lean-to will do for the steers, although if you purchase a cow to do it all from start to finish and have the ability to create a continuous self-sustaining supply of beef, you may want a more permanent shelter for winter use in colder climates.
Is feeder steer self-sustaining?
This is not self-sustaining, but it does make it possible to produce large amounts of beef for far less cost than supermarket beef and also lets you guarantee it is raised more natural way. Livestock auctions and local farmers are a good source of feeder steers.
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.
When are feeder cattle sold?
Feeder-cattle prices can fluctuate considerably in almost every season of the year.
Why do heifers need accelerated feeding?
Many heifer-growers have implemented accelerated feeding to achieve higher growth rates while improving calf health. There are many versions of the accelerated program that include increasing consumption by twofold to 2.5-fold and may increase protein content of milk replacer powder ranging from 22 to 26 percent.
How does accelerated feeding help calfs?
Accelerated feeding programs increase calf growth, improve feed efficiency and usually improve health status of the calf. They will also increase feed costs, but those costs should be offset with improved performance, especially given the current value of weaned calves.
How long does it take for a cow to wean off a starter mix?
Grain consumption for three weeks allows for rumen development to a point that allows calves to be weaned onto a grain starter mix by 4 weeks old. Weaning can occur once calves are consistently consuming 1.5 to 2 pounds of grain mix per day, which is usually between 4 and 6 weeks old.
What is the best rate for calves to grow?
Under ideal conditions, calves can grow at acceptable rates at a feeding rate of 10 percent – but with little margin for unfavorable conditions associated with cold, stress or sickness. Most of the nutrients under this feeding method are used for maintenance with little energy and protein available for growth.
How old can dairy calves be?
Dairy calves being raised to 6 months old can have highly variable levels of animal performance. Much of the variability of growth rates and feed efficiency can be attributed to the health status of calves.
How much of the beef market is dairy steer?
Dairy steers contribute 15 to 20 percent of the fed beef market in the U.S. The economic variables that affect profitability of feeding Holstein steers from 6 months old to finish are similar to those of feeding beef cattle. However, profitably feeding Holstein bull or steer calves from birth to 6 months old is more complicated.
What percentage of protein is starter grain?
Starter grain mix must be accurately formulated at 18 to 22 percent protein and be in a highly palatable form. The mix should be in pellet form or coarsely ground. Care should be taken to ensure particle size is correct. If grain is processed with too small of particles, intake will be reduced.
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.
What is feeder cattle?
Producing feeder cattle is a complex, high-stakes business. Successful production relies on proper animal husbandry techniques as well as good economic decision-making. Ranchers begin the process by breeding cows (females) with bulls (males) either naturally or with artificial insemination (A.I.).
How much do feeder cattle weigh?
Feeder cattle are weaned calves that reach a weight of between 600 to 800 pounds. At this point, cattle producers feed them a diet of high-energy feed to promote weight gain. Ultimately, when they reach a weight of about 1,200 to 1,400 pounds, feeder cattle are slaughtered to produce beef.
How long does it take to raise feeder cattle?
The timeline for raising feeder cattle is as follows: First six months: Calves remain with the cow and receive their initial nutrition from nursing. Over time, ranchers supplement this nutrition with grass feeding and eventually with grain.
Why is corn important to cattle?
Corn is such an integral part of the process of raising feeder cattle that many ranchers and others dependent on cattle prices will hedge their exposure to this risk.
How long does a cattle feedlot last?
This phase generally lasts between six to 10 months. Feedlot: A rancher with feeder cattle has three options: Continue to raise the cattle on the rancher’s property until they reach the designated weight for slaughter. Send the cattle to a commercial feedlot.
How does weather affect cattle?
Weather can affect feeder cattle prices in several ways. First, weather has a big impact on grain prices. Severe drought conditions or excessive cold spells can diminish grain supply and send prices higher . This, in turn, usually has a negative effect on feeder cattle prices. Weather can also directly affect the process of raising feeder cattle.
How much energy is needed to raise cattle?
The energy required to raise cattle far exceeds that of other food sources . By some estimates, raising beef requires 10 times the resources needed to raise poultry, dairy, eggs, and pork.
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 ...
Environmental Impacts
Risk Management
Sample Budgets
For More Information