Limomike":25dolhtg said:
Since winter is fast approaching, I wanted to see what most of you plan to use for a protein source this year? And if cost is the main factor, tell me why you are going to use what you plan on using.
I asked this same question last year about this time; just wondered what the difference would be this year since costs on feed has jumped up so much.
Our cattle live outdoors year round and manage the Canadian winters quite nicely with our system.
If you are feeding cows or simply holding heifers and steers over until grass in the spring - like us - they do not need additional feed.
I am not talking milkers, or cattle still sucking calves, or feeding fats.
Decent quality hay is fine and
all they need. Cattle cannot take in much more than 10-12% protein at best - the remainder is simply poured out on the ground behind the animal.
We feed hay in the 7% range for the first two to three months and then up it to 9/10% for the next two months and then the best (11-12%) at the end - this usually goes to the cows about to calve out. It is an excellent maintenance feed and we run our cows on this until they calve.
We might add some corn or barley if it gets cold - for energy - but the temp has to get to minus 20 - 30 before we worry about that - and we usually have additional mineral available on a free choice should they want it.
Feeding for finishing is an entirely different matter.
I know we live in different parts of the world and have different environments - but I often wonder why folks spend such big dollars on additives when not finishing cattle - it is to my mind simply not required. And if it is - then to keep the costs down it is vital to breed the appropriate genetics that can thrive without expensive additional feed.
I do not know if Aaron will read this - but if he does I hope he will wade in - he lives in a tougher climate than me and does pretty much the same - and his animals are stellar.
Breed for easy keeping and get rid of those that cannot do well on a simple and cheap diet - all part of the plan to actually MAKE money.
Regards
Bez+