What to feed Weaned calves, corn or barely

Help Support CattleToday:

CowboyRam

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 12, 2021
Messages
1,752
Reaction score
3,445
Location
Riverton Wyoming
I am in the process of buying grain to background my calves. I can buy whole shelled corn for 15 1/2 cents a pound, or Barely for 14 cents a pound. The barely is rejects from the breweries; I guess it has high protein. I am not sure what to go with, or maybe I could mix it half and half. Cost wise there is not really much difference.

Edit, I also will be feeding first cutting alfalfa, with some grass in it.
 
Last edited:
More info: the barley tested at 12% protein and 10.5 moisture.
The corn test at 9.2% moisture, and they don't test the protein.
They also have oats, but I don't know what the protein or moisture is on it.

The good thing is I don't have to haul it very far. The Big Horn CO-OP elevator in Riverton is right next door.
 
I usually try to find a corn and oats mix. Start them on 60% oats : 40% corn by weight, which will have quite a bit more oats by volume. Easiest is to get a bulk tote of each and start with twice as much oats as corn by volume. Haven't fed barley by itself for many years -- it is usually in a 3-way COB (corn-oats-barley with molasses), which works good too, but more expensive. Start at 2# per head and move to 3-4# per head. Don't want them too fleshy or you take a hit at the sale barn. I'm not sure it even pays especially if you are feeding alfalfa which will frame them up and keep them green in condition.
 

Latest posts

Top