Best Healthy Feed for Beef Cattle
- Grain Supplement. Grain can get cattle growing quickly and can help cattle get fat. In fact, many farmers feed grains...
- Hay. Hay can provide every important nutrient for cattle, but it has to be picked at the height of its nutrient...
- Pasture and Forage. Forage and pasture can provide cattle with all the nutrients they need...
What is the best feed for cattle?
Legume hay is another nutritious option for cattle, since it’s high in protein. Forage and pasture can provide cattle with all the nutrients they need (unless the soil is depleted or the season is too early for rich grass growth). Pasture is also the most cost-effective solution for cattle feed.
Can you feed beef to cows?
Beef cattle feeding is possible on small and part-time farms, but the cost of feeding drops significantly as the size of the operation increases. If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device. Videos you watch may be added to the TV's watch history and influence TV recommendations.
What do you need to know before feeding your cattle?
If you hope to feed your cattle with forage and pasture, it’s important to test soil fertility and to maintain good watering to ensure plants are at their best nutritional density. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the types of plants available, and monitor their maturity and their overall condition.
Should I Feed my cattle grain?
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. Since your cattle are counting on you to come up with something, it could be the time to consider adding a bit of grain to their diet.
What is the best thing to feed beef cattle?
Best Healthy Feed for Beef Cattle1) Grain Supplement. Grain can get cattle growing quickly and can help cattle get fat. ... 2) Hay. Hay can provide every important nutrient for cattle, but it has to be picked at the height of its nutrient richness À” that is, before it becomes too dry. ... 3) Pasture and Forage. ... 4) Concentrates.
What is the cheapest way to feed cattle?
“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. Distillers' is often a low-cost source of both energy and protein.
What nutrition do beef cattle need?
Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements Typically, the amount of nutrients needed is influenced by climate conditions, as well as the animal's age, weight, and production stage (e.g. calves, young cattle, or lactating cows). A cow's basic nutritional needs include protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.
What is the best grain to feed cattle?
Corn, 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.
What to mix in cattle feed?
Mix two types of hay to more closely meet the beef cattle requirements. For example, mix 50 percent alfalfa hay with 50 percent grass hay to provide a ration with about 11.7 percent crude protein and 54 percent TDN. Feed the beef cattle at least once each day.
What is the most important nutrient for beef cattle?
Nutrients Required by Beef Cattle Physiological and environmental stressors, such as sickness and weather, can also impact nutritional requirements. Beef cattle need water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. Of these nutrients, they require water in the greatest amounts daily.
What is the most common cattle feed?
Grains serve as the base of most commercially produced and homemade cattle feed. The most commonly used grain in cattle feed is corn, due to its low cost and relatively high nutritional content. Soy and barley are also used to supplement corn and provide a greater variety of nutrients.
Can a cow get too much protein?
The answer is yes! Almost everyone has had experience with cows scouring when placed on pasture or if fed a high protein forage. Of more importance, however, is the effect that high dietary protein levels can have on reproduction.
What can you feed cows instead of hay?
Corn is commonly used as a feed in finishing, or feedlot, cattle diets throughout the U.S. Whole corn-based diets can meet the nutrient requirements of pregnant beef cattle without adverse effects on production and, depending on the economics, may be provided at a lower cost than feeding hay (Loerch, 1996).
What is one way farmers are using to decrease feed prices?
Combine forage and feed. Consider feeding a single commodity paired with a higher-quality forage. It can be more cost-effective than offering a higher-priced ration with lower-quality forage. “Calves can put on pounds with good-quality forage,” Bailey added.
How do you make your own cattle feed?
3:294:42Cattle Ration Formulation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe need to use 9 pounds of bro. Hey 11.7 5 pounds of corn silage. 6.75 pounds of dried distillersMoreWe need to use 9 pounds of bro. Hey 11.7 5 pounds of corn silage. 6.75 pounds of dried distillers grains. And point 3 5 pounds of a supplement which contains the minerals vitamins ionophore.
What does molasses do for cattle?
Feeding molasses to farm animals will improve digestion of pastures/hay; increase milk production, help maintain body condition and appetite and result in less feed waste. Cane sugar, which has similar benefits to molasses, is an inexpensive alternative to use.
Feeding Beef Cattle
Between 24 and 27 billion pounds of beef are produced in the United States annually. Though domestic consumption has been decreasing, foreign demand remains high. Typically farmers raise weaned calves to a slaughter weight of 1,000 to 1,400 pounds. The cost of feeding beef cattle drops as the number of animals increases in operation.
Nutritional Needs of Feed
Cattle that weighs 700 pounds or more should be given a ration that contains 11% protein in a mix composed of grain. More extensive framed beef cattle will require a higher grain ratio to achieve the same quality as smaller framed cattle. Thus ration can depend upon the type of livestock raised and the market grade.
Facilities
Material for facilities includes fencing, boards, wire panels, and steel cables. Housing does not have to be expensive. Both open-sided sheds and enclosed structures are appropriate. It is essential because it is designed for the number of cattle and has a good manure management program.
Purchasing Beef Cattle
Graded feeder calf sales typically happen in the Spring and Fall. Farmers can use cattle brokers or auctions to obtain feeding beef cattle. Prices can fluctuate significantly, but higher-grade feeder cattle sell at a greater rate than lower grades. Cattle in better shape are generally given a higher grade, regardless of weight in pounds.
Environmental Implications
Farmers have much to consider in regards to their operation and how it may impact the environment. They handle pesticides, have manure to handle, and use equipment to manage their stock. All of these can influence soil, water, or air.
Insurance
All facilities and equipment must be insured when raising and feeding beef cattle. Obtaining insurance can best be accomplished by connecting with a local insurance agent or broker. Property, liability, and vehicle insurance coverage should all be in place. A good option is to obtain multi-peril crop insurance.
Budget Considerations
It is essential to consider all costs and budget so you may have a successful operation. Allocating price to nutritional feed with the correct protein to grain ratio will ensure you are feeding beef cattle adequately to make them competitive.
Ration Formulation for Growing Cattle
Fact sheet providing guidelines as hypothetical scenarios that illustrate dietary comparisons across a singular system for growing beef cattle.
Integrating Grazing into Cropping Systems
Benefits of integrating livestock grazing into cropping systems are becoming clearer. There are many challenges that need to be addressed to increase the chance of success with both enterprises.
Preparing for Calving Season
Spring calving season is here for some and around the corner for others. As a beef producer, what do you need to know to be prepared for calving season?
Ration Formulations for Growing Cattle
Formulating a diet for beef cattle and feeding a balanced ration are keys to having a successful beef operation. Learn how to combine various feed ingredients to meet beef cattle daily requirements.
Cattle Feeders Day
Learn up to date information on the cattle feeding industry and production with this informative webinar!
Transitioning Calves: From Pasture to Feedlot
Transitioning newly weaned calves to the feedlot can be highly successful, or it can be a disaster. In order to avoid the disaster, follow these tips for success.
Gut Health in Cattle
Poor gut health can negatively affect overall cattle health status and performance. By maintaining ideal gut health, animal health and performance will be bettered.
Cattle Nutrient Requirements
First, you have to make sure your feed fulfills all your cattle's nutritional requirements. The primary nutritional needs you have to be concerned about are:
Feed Composition Sources
In general, your cattle feed will be made up of three different sources: roughage, concentrates, and supplements.
How Much You Should Feed Your Cattle
It's time to put some numbers to these generalizations. Of course, this comes with the caveat that you need to monitor the growth and health of your cattle to ensure they are eating properly. However, as a starting point for estimates and budgeting, consider these approximate figures for daily feeding to achieve maximum weight gain:
Seasonal Considerations
The above figures assume that animals are in good conditions. However, animals' nutrient requirements change when they become stressed.
Having a Roller Mill Makes Your Operation More Flexible
When you are designing the optimal diet for your cattle, you have many factors to balance. Having a roller mill can help you keep the balance in your favor. You can buy less expensive and more stable whole grains and mill them yourself to be more digestible and less likely to cause problems.
Starting A Beef Feeding Enterprise
- Thorough planning and preparation are essential for you to have a successful beef-feeding operation. 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 b…
Facilities
- Various materials can be used for feedlot fences, including boards, wire panels, high-tensile wire, and steel cables. Barbed wire is not recommended. A seven- or nine-wire high-tensile fence is one of the most economical barriers. Another effective fence is a combination of high-tensile wire (which can be electrified) with three or four 2-by- 6-inch planks spaced between the wires. Housi…
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. These cattle require extremely good nutrition, management, and health progra…
Purchasing Feeder Cattle
- Anyone purchasing feeder cattle must keep up-to-date on market conditions. Graded feeder-calf sales are held in both fall and spring; some feedlot operators use cattle brokers and tele-auctions to obtain their feeder cattle. Feeder-cattle prices can fluctuate considerably in almost every season of the year. Higher-grade feeder cattle sell for a higher price per pound than lower grade…
Health Maintenance Program
- Because preconditioned and heavier feeder cattle tend to have fewer health problems, purchasing preconditioned calves can be a good investment for the cattle feeder. Preconditioning includes weaning 21 to 45 days before shipping, vaccinating for diseases prevalent in the area, dehorning, castrating, implanting, treating for external and internal parasites, and starting the cattle on grai…
Environmental Impacts
- In the normal course of operations, farmers handle pesticides and other chemicals, may have manure to collect and spread, and use equipment to prepare fields and harvest crops. Any of these routine on-farm activities can be a potential source of surface water or groundwater pollution. Because of this possibility, you must understand the regulations to follow concerning t…
Risk Management
- You should carefully consider how to manage risk on your farm. First, you should insure your facilities and equipment. This may be accomplished by consulting your insurance agent or broker. It is especially important to have adequate levels of property, vehicle, and liability insurance. You will also need workers' compensation insurance if you have any employees. You may also want t…
Sample Budgets
- Included in this publication are three sample budgets summarizing costs and returns for feeding beef cattle. The first is for feeding steers; the second is for feeding heifers; and the third is for feeding yearlings. These budgets should help ensure that you include all costs and receipts in your calculations. Costs and returns are often difficult to estimate in budget preparation becaus…
For More Information
- Becker, J. C., L. F. Kime, J. K. Harper, and R. Pifer. Understanding Agricultural Liability. University Park: Penn State Extension, 2011.
- Comerford, J. W., L. F. Kime, and J. K. Harper. Beef Backgrounding Production. University Park: Penn State Extension, 2013.
- Comerford, J. W., L. F. Kime, K. E. Knoll, and J. K. Harper. Dairy-Beef Production. University Pa…
- Becker, J. C., L. F. Kime, J. K. Harper, and R. Pifer. Understanding Agricultural Liability. University Park: Penn State Extension, 2011.
- Comerford, J. W., L. F. Kime, and J. K. Harper. Beef Backgrounding Production. University Park: Penn State Extension, 2013.
- Comerford, J. W., L. F. Kime, K. E. Knoll, and J. K. Harper. Dairy-Beef Production. University Park: Penn State Extension, 2008.
- Greaser, G. L., and J. K. Harper. Enterprise Budget Analysis. University Park: Penn State Extension, 1994.
