Need Help Finishing a Steer

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estspx

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2010
Messages
54
We have a steer that will show in April that has been difficult to finish.  He is currently being fed twice a day.  His ration is Purina Finishing Touch, Sure champ and Depth Charge.  We give him probios once weekly and 12 cc of B12 orally every week.  He iscurrently being turned out every night and gets free choice coastal hay.  We have been in an unseasonally warm winter so it's been difficult to keep him hungry and on feed.  We have 4 monhts left to get him finished.  Any tips to accomplish this?  Should we quit turning him out and limit his hay intake?
 

bulldawg

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 6, 2011
Messages
56
Location
Mt. Pleasant, Texas
I would limit his hay intake also, I learned this the hard way. Calf wasn't gaining enough, never finished out. The next calf we started him out on Finisher, then after weigh in we added flaked corn, and corn oil. The feed I am using now is a bulk feed with plenty of fat in it. So, now I eliminate the corn oil. Good luck with your calf.
 

vc

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 24, 2007
Messages
1,811
Location
So-Cal
How much feed is he eating per day, what is his current weight, and do you have an idea on his ADG for the last 2 months? This information will help to figure out what you may need to do to get him finished.
We use Stabilized rice bran to help get them finished, adds a nice smooth layer fat, is good for the hair, easier on their guts. 1 pound in the morning and 1 pound in the evening on top of his feed.
 

hevmando

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
180
Location
Ruskin, MN
I am very much a novice in this area, but if I needed gain, I would not be feeding depth charge.  It is filler, not calories correct?  I could be all wrong, but that is my first thought.
 

Davidsonranch

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 2, 2011
Messages
443
Location
SE Oregon
Listen to VC.  I took his advice last year and did the 2 pounds of stablized rice bran thing.  It really does seem to put a "different" layer of finishing fat on them.  I'm hooked.  I also use corn oil and as much steam rolled corn I can get before they get too loose. Good Luck!
 

AAOK

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 30, 2007
Messages
5,264
Location
Rogers, Ar
estspx said:
We have a steer that will show in April that has been difficult to finish.  He is currently being fed twice a day.  His ration is Purina Finishing Touch, Sure champ and Depth Charge.  We give him probios once weekly and 12 cc of B12 orally every week.  He iscurrently being turned out every night and gets free choice coastal hay.  We have been in an unseasonally warm winter so it's been difficult to keep him hungry and on feed.  We have 4 monhts left to get him finished.  Any tips to accomplish this?  Should we quit turning him out and limit his hay intake?

We seem to have two separate theories; limit hay, or feed fat. If this steer weighs close to 1000lbs now, he should be consuming 30lbs of Finishing ration per day. That leaves little room for hay.

If your steer needs more condition, try the Stabilized Rice Bran, but start with a minimal amount at each feeding. Gradually work up to 1lb daily and monitor the results.  Absolutely turn him out at night!  He needs the exercise to work up an appetite.
 
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