very good steer with a bad appetiate

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BRIAN NOLAN

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Apr 22, 2009
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Hello all ive got a liittle proble i could use some advice on  I have a qdog steer and he has been on umbarger feed since i brought him home he ate really good when i first got him but now when u go to feed him he will just pick at it  and it might take him 3 to 4 hours to eat it all i have tried feeding 13 time a week instead of 14 i tried enhance on the feed and nothing seems to be working the best would u all try to switch up feeds or any other suggestions thanks Brian Nolan
 
linnettejane

linnettejane

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eastern ky
i wouldnt leave the feed in there that long...give him like an hour, two max, then take out what he doesnt eat...are you feeding him every 12 hours?  at the same time? 
i wouldn't change it just yet...also, i would skip two feedings in a row (one day)...we usually skip feeding grain on sundays....
 
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BRIAN NOLAN

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Apr 22, 2009
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I was feeding every 12 ours and ive changed it quite a few times and it still didnt seem to help
 
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MorMad

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Dec 9, 2008
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We have had the same problem before. Does he have any competition? This can solve the problem sometimes. Also there is and appetite enhancement that I cannot remember the name of. I am sure someone  on here will know.
 
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showstick09

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Texas
I think it's called appetite express, and it work really good. You can get it from Sullivans. It comes in a paste or pellet.
 
cowcrazy

cowcrazy

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Are you feeding him alone?  If so, you might try putting another calf in with him.  B-12 will also help his appetite. :)
 
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GoWyo

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I like the Appetite Express in a 5 lb. bag.  I usually order it from Valley Vet.  It is a probiotic - top dress a little once a day.  Seems to keep them on feed and keeps their guts functioning right.
 
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TottenClubCalves

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Jul 22, 2007
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Appetite Express in the 5ib bag works wonders. It comes in a granular type form. Like GOwyo said you just top dress and let it do its magic. I usually used it morning and night just because I liked my steers having a more aggresive appetite. I would buy one tube of it as well it just seems to really kick start them before you start them on the powdered form.
 
Show Steaks

Show Steaks

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Jul 13, 2008
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Arion, Iowa
Stay conistent and don't skip days. that will jsut throw him off feed more.... feed a smaller amount and SLOWLY bring him up.
What does he weigh and how many #'s / day of feed is he getting
Make sure he has plenty of CLEAN FRESH water(water is the top nutrient in a  diet)
Go back to the old feedlot basics before you start using artificial appetite enhancers(not saying they don't work)
 
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TJR

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Nov 24, 2009
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Show Steaks is exactly right. You don't want to bounce him around on times or lbs.  24lbs/day is a great plenty for an 850# str.  I'd back him down to where he is aggressive, move him up slowly, make sure he gets a couple lbs. (at least ) long stem hay/day.  You're going to toast him if you're not careful.  Don't know much about your steer, obviously, but many of these show steers don't have the greatest appetite. Another thing is I would give him 5 grams of CTC or OTC/hd/day for 4-5 days.  I'd repeat it one time per month.  It will help keep him a little fresher.  It's been a LONG, hard winter, and these cattle are getting kind of stale, in my not so humble opinion.




 
AAOK

AAOK

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Rogers, Ar
TJR said:
Show Steaks is exactly right. You don't want to bounce him around on times or lbs.  24lbs/day is a great plenty for an 850# str.  I'd back him down to where he is aggressive, move him up slowly, make sure he gets a couple lbs. (at least ) long stem hay/day.  You're going to toast him if you're not careful.  Don't know much about your steer, obviously, but many of these show steers don't have the greatest appetite. Another thing is I would give him 5 grams of CTC or OTC/hd/day for 4-5 days.  I'd repeat it one time per month.  It will help keep him a little fresher.  It's been a LONG, hard winter, and these cattle are getting kind of stale, in my not so humble opinion
Click to expand...

I completly agree with TJR.  I'm sure your packaged feed includes minerals and vitamins, but I'm convinced that most, if not all manufacturers take the cheap route on their rations.  Try top dressing his feed with with 1-2 oz. of a top quality mineral, plus aureomycin.  As others have mentioned, feed him less, and take his feed away in 15 minutes.  Always tie calves in place while feeding.  Again, CLEAN, FRESH WATER at all times.  For some eye-opening reading, do a google search - beef cattle range mineral plus aureomycin
 
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hunter1

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Feb 8, 2009
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none
We have a QDog too and he wouldn't eat for us either and we finally got him on honor finisner or honor finishing touch and he can't get enough of it,  really it worked for us...
 
farmermom

farmermom

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Feb 28, 2010
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Galatia, IL
We had the same thing happen with a heifer last year.  We got concerned about it like you about this time of the year.  We keep everything the same and starting add vitafirm as a top dress to the feed she was already getting, and not long she cleaned up everything.  She was still a messy eating with a feed pan, but she starting eating right and gaining good.  I would try the Vitafirm first before changing a bunch of other stuff.

Good Luck,  I know how fustrating it is to watch one like this.
 
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