Dave and Novatech
You guys need to post that info more often.
I see and hear so much about folks pumping up the protein - and it all goes out on the ground. No matter how good your animal is, the body simply cannot absorb what is fed.
I will go out and say this as well:
We feed hay at 7% in the fall, around 9% through the winter and 11 - 12% in the spring. Anything more is a waste of money. Our animals have been pictured on this site and you can see they are not thin at all.
I see more people spending money on expensive high powered feed on these boards than I can shake a stick at. Feed folks love them.
I know show folks like to do it different - I am very fortunate to be out of that racket now - but max protein is always going to be max protein.
Total feed ration - and pehaps a half teaspoon of Kelated minerals - has been and always will be the secret.
It is almost like the question - "How do I grow hair?"
The answer is - You cannot! Otherwise bald men would also grow hair - hmmm .... when you find that solution please call me! 8)
It is genetics, genetics, genetics.
Working with what you have will mean deciding on a total feed and hoping like heck you have good genetics - otherwise you can throw a bucket of money down the drain and still end up with a crappy animal.
Regards
Bez>