What is a good feed ration for cattle?

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.

How much do feeder cattle eat per day?

Daily intake on a dry matter basis may be 1.6% to 1.8% of her body weight. In comparison, corn silage will typically be about 70% TDN and lactating beef cows can easily consume 2.5% to 2.7% of their body weight on a dry matter basis of this feed.

What are the frame scores for feeder cattle?

Since USDA Medium-Frame slaughter steers weigh 1,100 to 1,250 pounds, this equates to Frame Scores of probably low 4 to mid 5. Small-Frame steers weighing 950 to 1,100 pounds are probably mid Frame Score 2 through 3. And Large-Frame steers weighing 1,250 to 1,400 pounds are probably upper Frame Score 5 through 6.

How much grain should a 400 lb calf eat?

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.

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.

What is the best grain to feed a steer?

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 breed of cattle finish best on grass?

Our top 3 great grass-finished cattle breeds

Red Devon (Red Ruby or Devon Ruby) Devon cattle are red in colour, varying in shade from a rich deep red to a light red or chestnut colour.
Hereford.
Aberdeen Angus.

What size are feeder cattle?

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 much grain should you feed a 500-pound calf?

A full feed of good-quality corn silage supplemented with protein, minerals and Vitamin A will produce from 1.5 to 1.8 pounds of daily gain on a 400- to 500-pound calf. Some grain additions will usually be needed to get 2.0 pounds daily gain.