Feed genetics vs grass genetics

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good point, I am considering buying some 400/500 lb heifers but have been hesitant because they have been fed cottonseed and corn. My concern is how they will do on just grass & hay. What are your thoughts? Are they young enough that it won't be significant transition OR has that feed trough made them less likely to thrive on grass/hay?
I would NEVER consider raising 4-500# calves on grass. I "raise" my weaned heifers on whole shell corn from weaning (Sept) to breeding and turn out on grass (end of April). They are not pushed, but get 5#/hd/day and great baleage. They are EXPECTED to conceive at about 14 months of age.

I am not a GRASSFED operation. I don't believe in the hoopla "they" have been feeding the public. Grassfed beef is NOT healthier than grain fed. Only TRUE research was at Texas A&M.

That being clarified, my herd (bred heifers thru old cows) do not get grain - just hay & grass. I just wanted to be clear.
Yes, you can "raise" them on grass if that is your choice. I wouldn't think they will be ready to breed at 14 months old, but what do I know?
 
I would NEVER consider raising 4-500# calves on grass. I "raise" my weaned heifers on whole shell corn from weaning (Sept) to breeding and turn out on grass (end of April). They are not pushed, but get 5#/hd/day and great baleage. They are EXPECTED to conceive at about 14 months of age.

I am not a GRASSFED operation. I don't believe in the hoopla "they" have been feeding the public. Grassfed beef is NOT healthier than grain fed. Only TRUE research was at Texas A&M.

That being clarified, my herd (bred heifers thru old cows) do not get grain - just hay & grass. I just wanted to be clear.
Yes, you can "raise" them on grass if that is your choice. I wouldn't think they will be ready to breed at 14 months old, but what do I know?
The grass finished I did was the best beef I've eaten to date. Flavor and tenderness. Couldn't get the marbling into all of them though I wanted. Gonna try again with some high energy annuals in 2025.

My heifers stay on momma til momma weans. Then they stay w momma til breeding. Then they stay w momma til calving as a 2 year old. Then they just continue staying with their family unit. 😃 I find their units very interesting.

I've found a rhythm cause my 12/13 month yearling heifers are 850 to 900+. Biggest ones yet.

Lots of trial and error.
 
I would NEVER consider raising 4-500# calves on grass. I "raise" my weaned heifers on whole shell corn from weaning (Sept) to breeding and turn out on grass (end of April). They are not pushed, but get 5#/hd/day and great baleage. They are EXPECTED to conceive at about 14 months of age.

I am not a GRASSFED operation. I don't believe in the hoopla "they" have been feeding the public. Grassfed beef is NOT healthier than grain fed. Only TRUE research was at Texas A&M.

That being clarified, my herd (bred heifers thru old cows) do not get grain - just hay & grass. I just wanted to be clear.
Yes, you can "raise" them on grass if that is your choice. I wouldn't think they will be ready to breed at 14 months old, but what do I know?
Some data from Clemson U on grass fed versus grain fed comparing Omega 3 fats and Omega 6 fats in the meat showed no problem with some grain supplement in the last 45 days of grass fed to boost the carcass quality. I can find it if anyone is interested. The types of fat in the meat and the % of the types is the big drive in the grass fed world. Not just anti grain or some of the other things that have become blind off shoots of that effort.
 
Yes, you can "raise" them on grass if that is your choice. I wouldn't think they will be ready to breed at 14 months old, but what do I know?

Then you need better grass or better grass based genetics. My heifers get nothing but grass and hay and the last 4 years I've had 92-93% heifers calve at 2yo in 2 cycles...
 
Some data from Clemson U on grass fed versus grain fed comparing Omega 3 fats and Omega 6 fats in the meat showed no problem with some grain supplement in the last 45 days of grass fed to boost the carcass quality. I can find it if anyone is interested. The types of fat in the meat and the % of the types is the big drive in the grass fed world. Not just anti grain or some of the other things that have become blind off shoots of that effort.
I'd be interested in seeing that data if you don't mind sharing it.
 
Here are videos from Clemson U.

Here is an article from Texas A&M:

Another article:

People want to believe what they want to believe. Yes, there are some components that are higher in grass fed - but, they are so insignificant, there is no true health benefit. The industry is allowed to make statements without proof.
 
I said grass and hay...

If they can't grow out on grass/hay then they have no business in my herd.
That's how I've done things both in Arkansas and South Dakota (40/50 below zero).

Not sure what the dissention is all about since bovines have been evolved to survive, grow, and be fertile with natural forage since God was in diapers. We do things to maximize the survive, grow, and be fertile... but in the end if a cow can't do it on grass she should be culled just like any wild animal would in a natural environment.
 
I put about $112.50 worth of corn into my heifers thru our harsh winters, and they are not in a lot with any protection. For us, the corn provides heat for them.
Different areas - different management systems. I stand corrected!

Our winters are worse than yours and I haven't seen the need for any "heat" for my cows. Only protection my cows get is a few patches of trees. $112.50 that I didn't spend on corn goes straight into my pocket then.

No knocking anybody who feeds grain. But my philosophy is they evolved eating grass, so keep cows that are good at that.
 
We calve in March/April, which is not "natural" so heifers need to be in shape to breed and cycling in May. I winter the replacements on pasture with dormant feed they can graze along with a round bale feeder. If hay quality is not good (like last year), then they get 28% cake to go with it every couple of days. This year I have some good quality alfalfa and mixed grass-alfalfa hay, so I don't expect much cake will be needed. If they were getting bred in July or August, then I would rough them through and they would look pretty raggedy in April, but would pick up quickly prior to breeding. Always looking for ways to keep my costs down, but since I choose to go against nature, there is more cost.
 
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