question on backgrounding

[gto05]

I am going to start backgrounding 10 steers. I have heard to feed 2-3% of body weight. Is that a corect statement? What would be the best thing to feed besides corn silage/ other silages? Should I feed hay as in round bales in feeders or feed minimal hay in bunks with majority grain?

Thanks

 

[Texan]

Welcome to the Boards! Backgrounding usually refers to getting cattle straightened out and taking them to the correct size to go on full feed. Usually 700 to 800 pounds. You don't want much grain because you don't want them to get too fleshy or you will be penalized for that. Leave the feedlot some compensatory gain.

High roughage rations and cheap gains make backgrounding work. Of course, grazing is almost always the cheapest gain available. This link will take you to some other links on nutrition for backgrounding. In fact, beefstockerusa will be a great resource for you. Good luck!

http://beefstockerusa.org/nutritionfact.htm