Makin' 'em fat and gettin' 'em to EAT

Well its been so hot the past 2 weeks... sons American steer isn't eating much.  He's gotten so picky on his eating not sure what to do.  Had him eating with 2 other steers but never knew how much he was eating, now tying him in corner (next to his favorite heifer over the fence corner tub also).  Anyway feeding basically a finisher ration right now with some Power Phat (showmaster supplement) and a handful of cotton seed.  Eating maybe half of what he should be.  He's weighing about 800 looks good but skinny thru the middle.  Free hay at night and a small pen of grass they go out on.  Appreciate some suggestions.  Thanks.

Do you rinse him? We have found that if they're not eating it can be as simple as rinsing them a few minutes before you put out their feed. Or sprinkle some Calf-Manna Nurse All on the feed. (don't know why but it gets them to eat)

With the heat we have been going through, your best to getting him to eat is fans, misters, and rinsing him at least twice a day. Supplements won't help a lot if he is hot.

Yep been doing all the above... except the calf manna.  He's just really a slow picky eater.  Maybe when the hot weather breaks I hope he'll improve.  Thanks all. <cowboy>

feed him around 6 am, no grass pasture, and if that doesn't help, cut his hay down to 1 flake am/pm. Once he is back on his feed, give him back his hay, but keep him off the grass he will use that as a filler.

I  aggre with  the Oakie ,get of green vgrass ,thats your problem ....

I'd recommend giving the steer Probios (paste, boluses or granules) or Appetite Express every day for at least 3-5 days.  It sounds like his rumen might be out of whack.  Don't restrict the hay too much...he needs it for good rumen health.

You are almost to the end of hot weather.  I wouldn't mess with him too much.  Maybe a dose of antibiotic toake sure he isn't sick and just doesn't show outward signs other than not eating.