Feeding A Steer

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[cowgirl_up_47

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 11, 2008
Messages
77
I took my steer to spring weigh-in yesterday and he is 436 pounds. I have a little over 150 days to get him up to at least 900 pounds. He is not currently on any feed, but soon will be (just need to decide what to feed him). This is my first steer, so I'm not sure where to start. How much feed should I start him out on? What percentage protein and fat should it be? Should he be on alfalfa or orchard grass instead of grass hay?

Also, what is a reasonable amount for him to be able to gain per day? If I want him at 950 at the final weigh-in, I think he needs to be gaining almost 3.5 pounds a day.

Thanks
 

CMB

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Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
243
Location
Etna Green, Indiana
Is he gonna need more frame? How's he bred or what breed is he? This is how we feed the calves that we want to gain: corn, corn, corn, then as soon as they get sick of corn we give them more corn. JMO, this will not be good for hair growth. Steam flaked is the best to feed. Our push ration consists of 400# 34% pellets, 100# whole oats, 100# liq molasses, 1400# corn. We usually have PB Angus calves at 1150-1200 by 10 months of age with this ration. I would not suggest this as a sole ration on a show steer, but if you want gain, this will do it. We feed first cutting grass hay, or as coarse of mostly grass hay we can find. i would start him with Feed in front of him all the time until he gets good and used to it. By then you should have a feel for what he needs twice a day. If he'll eat 3% of his body weight, that's what I'd do, If he'll eat more let him have it. He needs to clean it all up in about an hours time. If he's a show steer there are several other things you'll want in the feed like cottonseed hulls, little beet pulp, little barley. Just depends what you want. Feeding those products will slow the grow but will expand his guts to make him appear fuller at show time.
 

CMB

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 13, 2009
Messages
243
Location
Etna Green, Indiana
I still probably wouldn't give him over a 13% protien feed unless he's really small, like a dink. I'm sure he's not, he shoudn't need higher than that.
 

stangs13

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2008
Messages
662
Location
Friendswood,Tx
We exclusively feed Honors Show Chow by Purina, The fitters edge product will do great for your steer. Switch him to finishing touch at about 900 lbs. You can also try the HSC power fuel and Champions drive supplements they sell.
 
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