Feed to gain ratios

[milkmaid]

So I've always heard that an average feed:gain ratio is 1:7 - one pound of gain per seven pounds of feed.

Going on that, first- anyone know if that's feed in general, such as hay and/or grain, or just grain?

Second- what would the ratio be for a calf on milk, assuming a gallon of milk = 8.8lbs? calf gets 2 gallons per day, gains...how much?

Third, back to the average ratio- Anyone know how that changes in cold weather? and what about in a bred heifer - I know they'll gain less than an open heifer, but how much less? 10%? 25%? 50%?

Thanks-

 

[Stocker Steve]

Cattle are pretty efficient with four stomachs, but there is a huge variation in feed conversion depending on the quality of the feed. I recall the grain creep feeding on pasture results ranging from 5 to 20 pounds of grain per additional pound of beef (forage quality is a huge variable, and they eat less forage when they can get the creep feed).

Weather and housing have to be looked at together. An old rule of thumb was that dry bedding reduced the energy required by about 20% during "cold" weather.

My steers gain and convert feed better than heifers. Bred heifers do not come into heat so I would assume they gain better than the open ones?

 

[msscamp]

Bred heifers do not come into heat so I would assume they gain better than the open ones?

I'm thinking that is correct, otherwise there would be no reason to spay heifers destined for a feedlot situation. Just my thoughts.

 

[novaman]

Bred heifers do not come into heat so I would assume they gain better than the open ones?

I'm thinking that is correct, otherwise there would be no reason to spay heifers destined for a feedlot situation. Just my thoughts.

Steers will gain about 0.25 pounds per head per day more than heifers on average. IMO bred heifers will gain less because they have a higher energy requirement in developing the fetus. This results in less energy available for gain. Spayed heifers will gain better because they have less stress from riding and energy is not used to carry out the cycling.