Search results for query: *

I am not an expert here and I am asking this for my benefit also. Why would you feed a 14% Pellet if she has alfalfa hay free choice? Wouldn't a lower protein/higher energy ration be of more value to put on weight and finish?

Could you explain how you figure this or is it just from observing selling prices?

Do you have alot of problems (weaning, health, etc.) with that weight of calves? I have always went for the ones over 300 to 350 to avoid extra problems. Is there a big difference in the two classes?

If they are close to slaughter (within 180 days) I would say higher energy/lower protein feed will marble them the best. Protein is for growth of muscle and frame, if they already have the muscle in place they dont need as much. The energy adds fat (marbling). It is the excess energy that is...

I have been thinking about this. I think you need to limit their movement to increase marbling. Here is my reasoning. Fat is only deposited into the muscle when there is an overabundance of calories. If they are walking long distances every day the muscle will stay lean so it can work...

The figures I used above are not adjusted for moisture or waste so that would make an even better case for corn in my opinion.

Your right there is a big difference between 4 and 6 weights. I am just going to keep a few through each winter. I like to buy them at 300 to 400 lbs, grow them modestly through the winter and then sell them in March or April. I am not looking to put a lot of flesh on them but I woulf like...

Hayray Thanks that is more of what I was looking for. How do you find out the NEg for corn and hay. Do you have to have the hay tested? It is fairly decent alfalfa/orchard grass hay, fine and leafy. I would assume there would be a standard NEg for corn. I appreciate your help. :D

OK let me narrow it down a bit. If I am talking about lightweight angus calves ~400 to 600 lbs and I am shooting for 2.0 ADG. How much more hay would have to be given versus corn. I know you cant exclusively feed one or the other but with the price of hay around here I need to know if it is...

Obviously grain is going to have a better conversion but does anyone know solid numbers? I have heard conversion rates from 5:1 all the way down to 10:1 but there is not any breakdown in the stuff I have read. It would be helpful for me to know to help me decide what to feed depending on the...

I read an article from a university (sorry forgot which one) that talked about limit feeding stocker cattle. Basically you feed just enough grain (I am not talking about full feed) to get the gain you want and just enough hay to keep them from getting sick. It said that they act like they are...

Do you mean Haylage? Is it moist rather than dried?

OK Jeanne stated they sell at 1200# live and that comes out to 720 dressed. Only 60% yield and that is far below what you are currently dressing. Didn't she also say that they were finished on grass? Grass finished cattle generally yield slightly less don't they? Does anyone have any...

I want to get into backgrounding calves overwinter. I live in Indiana and do not have alot of ground. Backgrounding would fit with my space and current equipment the best. With the prices of calves and feed right now do you see any profit in it this year? I like to buy them at 300 to 400...