Need Pointers On Finishing A Steer

[Anonymous]

Previous info about "Preparing To Butcher" were helpful. I have some futher questions. I want to finish my Black Baldie steer. He's 15 months old, is on good pasture, and has good condition. I want the best tasting, well marbled meat I can get.<p>I heard that "corn fed beef" is best, but my meat processor says that whole corn will past through a steer largely undigested. So what should I be looking for at the feed store? I can get Tindle Super 50/50 which is grain pellets and cracked corn with mollasis. Will this work? What if added Alphalfa hay to his gain diet? Any pointers will be appreciated.<p>
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[Anonymous]

: Previous info about "Preparing To Butcher" were helpful. I have some futher questions. I want to finish my Black Baldie steer. He's 15 months old, is on good pasture, and has good condition. I want the best tasting, well marbled meat I can get.<p>: I heard th

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[Anonymous]

: Previous info about "Preparing To Butcher" were helpful. I have some futher questions. I want to finish my Black Baldie steer. He's 15 months old, is on good pasture, and has good condition. I want the best tasting, well marbled meat I can get.<p>: I heard that "corn fed beef" is best, but my meat processor says that whole corn will past through a steer largely undigested. So what should I be looking for at the feed store? I can get Tindle Super 50/50 which is grain pellets and cracked corn with mollasis. Will this work? What if added Alphalfa hay to his gain diet? Any pointers will be appreciated.<p>A method that we have found to work for show steers is to cook the corn - I do not know if you are feeding in a large area or a confined feeding area, this method is for penned steers.<br>We prchased 3 large crock-pots every evening fill the pots a bit less than 1/2 full cover with water cook on low at least3-4 hours or until the corn has absorbed all of the liquid - be carefull not to cook it all away (you may need to add liquid)<br>Feed this amount twice a day for the rem. 30 days.<br>The cooking process aids in the digestion,is more readily absorbed and results in less feed thru waste as the steer is able to more readily convert the nutrients and fats .<br>You may also take a 5 gallon bucket fill it a little over 1/2 full or for a more accurate method 6 3 Lb coffee Cans.<br>Fill to the brim with water. Let sit overnight and feed.<br>We use whole corn for this method.<br>If the steer finds the finisher unpalatable, you can buy Molasses, syrup, sugar or a commercial grade of molasses to sweeten the mix.<br>It is also better for a home feeder, to confine the steer to a smaller area for the last 30-60 days.<br>Protien in the diet promotes growth, at approx 800-850 Lbs. (Dependant upon the frame size and breed) is the point where you should begin to decrease protien and increase fat intake.<br>Other sources of fat can also be obtained by using corn oil <br>If you would like we have several bulk finish mixes that can be readily obtained at your local co-op.<br>If you wish,please E-Mail and we will send those to your private E-Mail account.<p>

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[Anonymous]

It is true that cracked, ground or any processed grain is more digested than is whole grain but whole corn is still fairly digested. Yes you will see whole kernels appearing in the feces But if you look closely at those kernels,(bust one open) the majority of the starch is gone. Most of those kernels won't sprout if given the oppurtunity indicating that digestion has occured. Likewise it is less likely that you will have bouts of digestive upsets with whole corn as opposed to processed corn. The big question is whether it is cost effective to further process the grain? In my area it becomes questionable as to whether the increase you get in digestibility from processing (cracking, grinding, steaming) is worth the extra cost of processing (time involved and actual cost). Your comercial feed should work fine as long as it meets the animals requirements. Depending on how much total grain your steer will be getting (from both the cracked corn and in the pellet) addition of a little hay (about 3-5 lbs=about 1 flake from small bales)is probably a good idea. depending on what you are paying for your alfalfa, grass hay will work just as well. If you are leaving the steer on pasture and are just feeding him the pellets and grain in a bunk, then you dont need to add the hay. One thing to remember with starting any ruminant on grain is to start them slow and work them up to the full amount you are going to feed. we typically will start them out with the grain mix at about 1% of their body weight with ad lib forage and increase the grain by about 1.5 lbs per head every three days. each time you bump them slowly pull forage from them untill they are on eating only enough roughage to keep down digestive upsets. For ore info. on diets that work well finishing steers or other pointers contact your local Area livestock specialist or County extension agent. If these folks can't help or have the answers they can put you in contact with a beef extensionist at your state college or university. It is my experience that these folks are a big help and enjoy doing it. Good luck <br>
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