talltimber
Well-known member
I need some direction here if some of you are familiar with this. I have spoken with a feed salesman/mixer here in the area and he suggests using his (naturally) feed, for one reason, is that he adds minerals to his mix. He indicated that the free choice mineral, Purina Hi-mag now with A,D and E added, but will be switched to Purina All season once they are weaned, will not supply the necessary minerals to keep the calves growing frame as good as mixing it in the feed. I would like to know from an independent source, what kinds of amounts/minerals I should be supplying to my calves. My goal with these were to hand feed them to keep them from getting too fat like they did last year. I just bumped their feed up to 44 pounds of a commodity blend 14% protein/ 3% fat sacked feed from another local feed co. I anticipate weaning in two to three weeks or so. I will have them to 56 pounds or so daily in a few more days. Just some background there for what my goals are. He said I'm limiting their fleshiness by starving them (they are still on the cow now and they don't look like they are starving) and would be better for them and get them to growing up instead of out with the calcium/minerals added. I'm trying to separate the wheat from the chaff. Any input is appreciated.