Supplements for Simmi Steer

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mainecattlemother

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
380
Location
Minneota
My daughter has a very good Simmi steer.  The pedigree is Triple C x Hired Man.  They do not have to be purebred in our state for 4-H show.  We showed this animal at the MN Beef Expo in the Simmi class as a prospect in October.  He was very very green and only weighed 485 lbs.  The judge placed him third and this was okay with us as we knew he was green but the judge also said he will be the animal to beat at Minnesota State Fair.  The problem I have with this steer is I feel he is developing very nicely in every area except his topline.  He looks very weak in this area.  I understand they have their bad times of the year but what would you suggest using as a supplement to build that topline.  Our target weight for MN State Fair the last weekend in August is 1300-1350.  He is approx 850-900 currently.  We are feeding Forn A Feeds Grand Finale and Beet Pulp.  We also feed Purina Depth Charge starting in about June and in the past have used Purina High Octane Champion Drive.  Any other suggestions on supplements.  Any info would be appreciated.
 

kfacres

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Joined
Dec 15, 2008
Messages
3,713
Location
Industry, IL Ph #: 618-322-2582
IMO, most topline levelness issues-- go back to showmanship.. where to place the legs- where to put pressure, etc...  if the topline is uneven or broken-- that's not going to be fixed with feed additives-- unless you're plan to pile the fat in places. 

Now if you need more muscle or width-- that's fixable with feed and TIME...
 

mainecattlemother

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
380
Location
Minneota
I am talking width across the topline.  I hope this is just not an issue with the mother as I know some Simmis can be famous for this but I believe the mother this calf came from does not have that issue.  As far as level, he's great in that area just not wide enough yet.  Maybe I am jumping the gun as I hope this comes but I have been thinking about ordering soon and more in bulk to cut costs a bit.  Again, what is everyones thoughts on supplements?  Any help greatly appreciated!
 

steerjock07

Well-known member
Joined
May 2, 2011
Messages
51
A good steer will develop down his topline on his own. Just feed and time. As far as I know , there is no miracle supplement out there that is just gonna add muscle and width down a calfs top, if you find it then let me know! Feed additives for his kinda thing are like hair growth supplements, they can help, but even tho you feed hair growth supplement doesn't mean your calf will just grow hair, you still have to put some elbow grease into it. Feed addititves work on the same principle, if you aren't feeding the correct nutrients to naturally muscle a steer, it won't just do it on its own!!!
 
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