Angus heifer help

[SimFarmer]

I have shown Simmis for years but I have my first Angus heifer to show. How do you keep the pones and tailhead from getting to fat. The heifer needs more condition but is already getting pones. Currently feeding 12% protein 3%fat and 10lbs once a day. Top dressing with fresh and feminine. Thanks in advance

 

[cowman 52]

I'm a little taken back, 10 pounds of feed a day is telling me she doesn't weigh much past 300.  Use a general rule of 3 percent of the body weight.  Turn the feed volume up, take a little fat out and go from there.  Its dang hard to make it without enough feed.  In the old days we used a rolling pin to reposition the pones,  takes some determination but it will help.

 

[cowboy_nyk]

In my experience there's some angus heifers who will get fat around their tailhead no matter what.  Truthfully those are usually the better cows but they don't make great show heifers.  Best bet is to lower the fat/energy and increase the protein in the ration.

 

[vc]

cowman, I am going to guess she is on hay as well.

 

[SimFarmer]

Thanks for the replies. Cowman, using the 3% rule, estimating her weight at 800lbs (we dont have scales) would mean feeding her 24lbs of feed. And yes she gets all the brome hay she wants. I have fed cattle for 10 years now and have never fed any that much unless they were a hard doing big framed Simmi. I have adjusted the energy down in my ration but was looking for suggestions on supplements other than fresh and feminine or other tricks to keep the pones from growing while adding condition to them. She's a real easy keeper, growing extremely well on just 10lbs of feed.