backgrounding calves

[scvfd_7241]

I am looking to start a backgrounding lot, I currently run some cow/calfs but I'm looking to expand. I have a lot that is about 5.5 to 6 acres and is a slope with a rolling hill, with paved road on two sides. The entire lot is not useable, but my plan is start with around twenty head and expand over time, buying around 450 lbs +/- and keeping 120 - 150 days, and the lot will be divided into 4 different lots. My brother and I are looking to do this together however we work a 24 shift and are currently on the same shift. I have a few questions first on the feed, we plan to feed fee choice hay, supplemented with corn silage and maybe some grain. We are planning to feed the silage out of a wagon type feeder and are planning to put 3-4 days worth in at a time, figuring around 30 lbs per head per day. Will I need to supplement with any 12 or 14 % grain feed, and will feeding the silage this way be suitable. Also is there Abby thing else that I need to look at. Also eventually I plan to add my calves to the backgrounding operation.

 

[Jalopy]

My opinion is that feeding silage in large amounts as your planning will.waste a lot and possibly it will 're ferment and with the new aerobic bacteria you could get sick calves. Also some calves will overeat on the fresh day. I think it is a problem waiting to happen.